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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  I Like This SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jerseypaws - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This Tribby replaced a Ford Explorer Sport. What a difference! Handling, ride, comfort, performance, gas mileage, even radio reception are all much better than the Explorer. Has the feel of a much bigger SUV inside than the Liberty and RAV4 which I also tested. This Tribby came with Continental tires which I chose to upgrade to Michelin Cross Terrains for an additional $240.

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  Raises the bar for Compact Cars! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 04accent4drGL - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Since owning this vehicle i have experienced no problems at all. The engine is great and has excellent gas mileage. The car is refined, and compared to toyota, honda and nissan compacts, this one sets the bar high. It feels to me that Mazda has set the new standard for compact cars, and toyota, honda and nissan better watch out. This car is fun to drive and has a good look to it. I got my 3 in velocity red, with a manual, power package (which included 16" rims, ac, power windows and doorlocks, radio controls on the steering and cruise control), and tilting and telescoping (for this price you dont get that!). good thing i traded my 04 accent in for this car!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dizg8r - June 2 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderful car! I have enjoyed every minute driving it. The handling is spectacular and I love the tight shifting of the 5-speed manual transmission. The salesman at the dealership here in Orlando, Florida, Cory Fairbanks Mazda, was great. I will forewarn ANYONE trying to finance through Cory Fairbanks though, DO NOT!!! Their finance staff was beyond rude, including name calling, ignorant about the product as well as the federal regulations pertaining to financing a vehicle and lied about several details.

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  Awesome so far... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dechy - May 31 - 9:10 pm

  Ive had my Mazda3 for about a year and a half and have not had any problems as at all. The ride and handling are awesome. I test drove the Civic, Corolla, Ion and Focus and hands down, the Mazda 3 was an easy winner.

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  Happy Im Driving A Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ljr - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am very satified with my 2002 Mazda Protege5. It is extremely fun to drive. Looks great. I have 3 complaints about the car and they are: 1. Moonroof very noisy. Can not drive with it open. 2. Cup holders not deep enough, bottled water tips if full. 3. Difficult to drive on roads with water. In FL we have heavy downfalls of rain..when roads are wet with still water, vehicle is difficult to handle. Must travel at very low speed.

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  2005 3 S With Automatic Tranny - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sandy - May 29 - 3:40 pm

  Just got this car last Saturday, and its pretty awesome. Took about 4 days to get the car in the color we wanted...Sunlight Silver. The 3 with the 2.3 L engine has plenty of power and it shifts so smoothly. The interior looks like it came from a more upscale car. The two tone seating fabric is pretty grippy and the leather steering wheel and shifter just add to the upscale feeling. This is our 1st Mazda and we are thrilled with the car since weve had it. Zoom Zoom!

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  LUV The CX9!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By MELUSA1 - May 28 - 10:20 pm

  Overall the CX9 is a great vehicle. It is our 2nd CX9 in 2 years. My wife loves the vehicle and we couldnt let the 0% offer for 60 months pass by. Awesome value for the price/features you receive. Puts to shame anything else in its class.

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  12000 miles of mountain driving - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By j wertzbaugher - May 28 - 5:10 am

  We bought our MX5 in Phoenix and promptly put on 4000 miles touring National Parks in AZ, Utah, Calif. and OR. Then after a winter break we did another 8000 through Calif. NV., Utah, CO., S. D., WY, Montana, Alberta, B.C., Yukon and finally home to Alaska. Ninety five percent with the top down (made ultra easy with the slick one arm set-up) and 85 % on back mountain roads. The handling is absolutely unbelievable! Never wanted for power. Enough trunk space for two months worth of personal gear, sleeping bags and tent. Ive recently driven an 04 Jag, an 02 Z3 and an 03 SLK; I would not even consider a straight-up trade.

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  Love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By GPZJACK - May 27 - 11:00 pm

  Only had it for a few weeks but we are loving it. Owned 2 Town and Countrys and will never own again. Looked at the Matrix/Vibe and a few others but nothing came close. Seating for 6 was a big part of our decision at first but once we realized how much we were getting for the price the others paled in comparison. My wife and I argue over who will drive now.

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  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By chicago2624 - May 27 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my tribute over a year ago- with over 100k miles on it- a lot, I know, by Im a poor college student! This was well worth the investment. I do all normal maintenance regularly And have had no major problems. Its really roomy, reliable, and safe! I love the 4WD in the winter! I am amazed at how smooth it drives. I do not have a garage to store it in unfortunately, but there have still been no issues- in the winter I. Let it warm up and it does great. The back storage is great, it seems like Im always packing up. I would definitely recommend this car!