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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  Impressed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomin - July 15 - 8:03 am

  So far a great lil car, would recommend to new car buyers. Fun, comfortable, overall good design, better than other cars in the same class.

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  very good! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By animato - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Much more fun to drive than my 98 caravan, still fits the 2 kids and dog just fine. horizontal sliding mid-seats a clever idea. es model w/ gfx pkg gets a lot of looks, which i am not used to in a mini- van. i think ill keep this one for a while.

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  2005 Mazda Tribute S Fwd - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ken - July 13 - 11:03 am

  I have worked for Mazda and Ford Motor Company and as everyone knows FMC owns controlling intrest of Mazda. I purchased this Tribute while working for a Ford dealer. It has a better warranty than Ford and costs slightly less. I replaced the tires with Michelins and recommend that to anyone. OEM tires stink! A/C button does have a on/off light issue. Light is not bright enough. Recommend leather w/ heated seats and uprgaded sound system. Very happy with those features. You should be able to buy a couple hundred less than invoice and keep any rebates. 4/50k warranty is great! Traded our 2002 EB 4x4 Explorer and glad! Happy to help anyone with purchasing dos and donts. 5k on it now. Zoom Zoom

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  Best car out there for the price - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By AntosMom - July 13 - 8:33 am

  I normally have a family of four, sometimes its a family of 6. Also, have a dog we like to take sometimes. This car meets ALL our needs, fits 6, gets good gas mileage because of that. Typical vans and SUVs just cant compete. I am an avid Honda, Toyota lover though a couple years ago decided to also love MAZDA. Started w/a Mazda 3 went right into a 5. Im all about the ZOOM, ZOOM!!!

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By D2nmary - July 13 - 5:23 am

  Just got my little 5 spd Mazda 3 in Mica Solar Yellow. woe, it really turns heads. Fun to drive.

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  Fantastic Car for the money - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By LeatherPig - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Almost every hot option in other cars was standard on this car. Can NOT be beaten for the money. Without a doubt, my favorite car I have owned!

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  Keep building this beauty! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By tigran - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a sedan for over six months, and my searches narrowed down to two vehicles: Maxima and Millenia. Even that took me a while to choose: powerful engine or smooth ride of better-looking car. I am happy with my purchase, even it is not a "most recommended" car. Standard features can be compared only to Maximas GLE. Plus Millenia is a better-looking car (Maxima’s rear end is ugly even on 02 models with spoiler). For the money I paid for used 02 Millenia I could not get even ‘02 Maxima GXE. The Millenia drives smoother than the Maxima. However, if you prefer power over the comfort of a nice car, go with Maxima.

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  I Like This Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Mkranbuhl - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Good ride. Good gas mileage. A comfortable ride and easy to drive. This is a smaller minivan and handles very well. The only downside to this van is that it does not hold its value very well.

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  Easy Choice - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By zoomervan - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I spent 3 months evaluating my next car purchase. I considered the KIA Sedona and Sorento, Honda CRV and Odessy, and more. KIA was eliminated for their horrible gas mileage (who needs that in this day and age?), Honda for their sub-par warranties and their inflated prices, and Toyota for lack of space. After test driving the Tribute and the MPV, the only choice left was - which one?The MPV was so much more fun to drive than the Tribute. (Maybe my husband will trade in his Tahoe?) I just cant wait to take it on a long trip! I opted for an after market moonroof and in-the-headrest DVD system for the kids. Still kept the price below 22K!!

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  Wow! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jay - July 13 - 1:00 am

  This is truly the best available vehicle retailing under 20k. It has all of the benefits of a Civic with supperior styling. The interrior is even on the lower trim models is nicer than many more expensive vehicles. If you test drive an compare it to a Civic, Jetta, or Sentra you will be blown away. The car is flat out awesome.