Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Love the car, dissappointed in service - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By yellowstoneguy - September 17 - 1:50 am

  I bought my car new and loved it for 45,000 miles. Had a screw come loose from the intake and go through the engine prior to a recall for that very thing. Fixed the misfire, but started having black/blue smoke issues and had to replaced smashed plug. Whitten Bros. "did" the recall work and claimed no problems, yet when I had to rebuild the engine 1 year later due to smoke, discovered in fact that one of the screws theyd "checked and replaced" had indeed gone through my engine, pitted pistons, destroyed catalytic, fouled engine. Runs great again now, but had to rebuild myself because Whitten Brothers wouldnt live up to what happened and didnt have money/trust for the stealership to fix.

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  I Love My 2008 Tribute! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By j garvey - September 16 - 10:53 pm

  This is a wonderful SUV. The first road trip I got 25 mpg with not even 1000 miles on the vehicle! Handles very easily on the road and while driving in town. Very smooth ride. Comfortable seats. Love the heated front seats on cold mornings. Great acceleration. Love the interior. The lighted instrument panel is nice at night. Heater really heats up fast on cold mornings. This is really a great SUV for in town driving or out on the road.

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  Love It! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Don D - September 16 - 7:03 pm

  I am 58 and always wanted a sports car. Before buying I looked at the 350Z, Mini-Cooper, Z-3, and S2000. Had decided to buy the 350Z when I saw the RX-8 on the road. I decided to check it out and quickly decided it was my car. I am really enjoying it and am constantly answering the question; what kind of car is that? Happy with my decision and enjoying my first sports car very much.

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  Gimme a break - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By silver mazda - September 15 - 12:20 pm

  I like the car but the brakes are a problem. Sometimes the brakes go down to the floor, sometimes it feels like it is hitting metal and sometimes it feels like I am hitting an empty box. The dealer out of a courtesy changed the front pads only as they were worn 30 percent. The rear pads are worn 50% and they refused to change them. I will see if this repair helps with my problem. I never know when my brakes will go out on me.

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  LOVE this car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Laura G - September 15 - 10:56 am

  I bought a silver 2009 I-touring plus to replace my 2002 Mazda Protege. The car is wonderful - well-built, smooth riding, and good looking inside and out. The blue backlighting on the gauges is SO COOL! Ive received many compliments on the car. The dealership I bought from has a 14-acre test track on site, so I was able to put the car through its paces. I was thrilled with how the vehicle responded. The 6 is larger than the Protege, but still very agile and responsive. The car combines luxury and sportiness at an affordable price.

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  MPV, Great family Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By wolfbear9 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for little over 2 years now. It has 35000 on it, and no problems. Its only been in the shop for oil changes and a brake inspection. Easy to drive. Had a ford windstar for 5 years before this vehicle and the MPV is much nicer. Not only is it about 600 pounds lighter then windstar, its also about a foot shorter, so its easier to park and fits in the garage much better. Power rear door windows, cabin filter standard, hide away third seat that folds forward or backwards and all 3 rows of seat recline. 25mpg freeway, handles well. Have hauled over 1100 pounds of building supplies in the back. Great family van.

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  Very Dependable Field Car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By wolfbear9 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for over 3years now and have 72000 miles on it. I drive 100 miles + per day for work and have only had this car in the shop for front brakes and oil changes.Wipers and rear brake lamps are the only maintenance I have had to perform on this car.I did purchase an extended warranty 7 years or 100k miles but have never had to use it. 35mpg with a/c & automatic trans. Trunk space is good and stereo sounds good. Very low cost of operation vehicle.

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  Turn Your Back On the Bad Old Days - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sportsman - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Japanese, British, American, and Italian sports cars. This one has it all. Innovation...performance... styling...and gas mileage that, though not fantastic, doesnt consume gas like an SUV either. Yep, you can steer with the throttle! Yep, you can get rubber in at least 4 gears!!! All this performance and you still get cuddled with those great seats. I MUST be living right!

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  My NeW BaBy !!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ViNnYsHaY - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Imagine, all you Maz3 lovers, that I have to wait 2 months to get mine... Yess, youve heard me clearly, I ordered it last week and now I will only get a chance to touch it in june, so that will give me a lot of time to imagine myself in my new car... Anyways, fully equipped, this car will surely be the greatest car Ive ever owned up to date ( its my first one ; ) !!!

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  My Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Skull Hunter - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have this car and out of all the cars in theis class that I test drove this one not only looked the best but handloed better than any of the others such as, Acura RSX, For Focus, Honda Civic, and the Voltswagon Golf.