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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  DPBSRATING - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DEBORAH BELL - March 11 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS AGREAT FUN CAR WHICH WONT BREAK THE WALLET.

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  My Tribute withstood a 50MPH rear-ending - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Law girl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with the purchase of this vehicle, and this month I was really impressed. I was rear-ended on the freeway by a driver going about 50 MPH and my Tribute held up beautifully. Only a slight crack in the bumper. The other car was totalled. Good job to Mazda!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By kurumaas - March 11 - 10:00 am

  If you enjoy driving through mountain roads at high speeds, this is the car for you!! What a thrill it is to power this machine up the hills and through the turns.

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  Im still alive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By osusanna8 - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  Purchased 7/06, someone hit me turning left in front of me 1 week ago. The complete front end was totaled. Luckily I made it out alive, and felt very lucky. I think this car saved my life. It wasnt a head on collision, but it was close enough that the air bags shouldve deployed (I thought). Maybe the severity of the crash controls them? One more thing. Going from a Camry to this car, I feel like Im always having to fill up my tank, so its hard for me to tell if Im really getting good gas mileage. Adding the numbers at each fill up, I got about 3 miles under what manufacturer reports in city and 2 miles under on the hwy. Overall, I enjoyed it.

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  Good, but not as good as I had hoped for - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By philly6000 - March 10 - 5:07 am

  New S Grand Touring purchased. Ive put on 1750 miles. Plusses: - Nice looking, comfortable interior (almond). - Zoom Zoom (see below) - keyless doors, hatch, and start button - Adaptive Headlights - parts of the Infotainment Minuses: - Fuel efficiency *far below* whats advertised: Ive averaged only 28.5mpg when driving conservatively (with hardly any air conditioning). - Text Msg woes (see below) - Hijacking phones audio woes (see below) Road feel on uneven freeway: picks up bumpiness Road/tire noise: a bit loud on certain roads Water hides in cracks after car washes, and comes out after driving away from car wash; creates water spots I have to remove myself.

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  Great Car / Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By nycmoose - March 9 - 7:10 pm

  Handles like a sports car, especially on twisty country roads, FUN to drive and as comfortable as a big highway cruiser on long trips. My opinion: you dont need the V6; the 4 is sufficient and when you need to punch it it really takes off. Mileage from 23 to 29 mixed highway/city and with and without a/c. 4,700 miles and so far not a squeak, rattle or problem. Perfect size vehicle, plenty of room yet agile; cant beat the versatility of the hatch. Excellent driving position; very comfortable seats. Very quiet. Transmission nice and smooth. On the downside: bad rear over the shoulder blind spot; side mirrors dont retract (very bad for living in NYC); turning radius is annoying but not horrible.

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  Very reliable - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff - March 9 - 2:46 pm

  Excellent and good looking vehicle, no major problem as of today. Good handling, braking is average in winter conditions and the windshield seems to be a problem (had to be changed twice - cracked by small rocks impacts). You should consider buying a rear step protector because the paint can be easily scratched when loading or unloading from the cargo bay. Too bad that Mazda want to replace it with a cross-whatever vehicle (Mazda 7).

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  Protege5: Good, not great - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rdcasey - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 VW Jetta before buying this. Especially for longer distances, cant beat the Jetta for comfort, style and fun. The Protege5 is a great looker, but doesnt have the nice interior touches (lighting, seats, Monsoon stereo, materials) of the Jetta. Its MUCH lighter everywhere (doors, panels) and doesnt have the heavy, German clunk feel of the Jetta. The Jettas ride is much smoother...the Protege5 is tuned to feel the road - a bit too much - but it does corner great. But so did the Jetta.

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  Zoom-zoom... for under 20K! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By L. Wilson - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  My beloved Honda Prelude was on its last legs. In a search for a new vehicle I discovered its next to impossible to get away from the boring design, cheap construction, and gutless performance of new vehicles out today. Fortunately, I came across the Mazda 3. It handles better than many cars IÂ’ve driven and the 2.3L engine is a nice bonus for someone who likes a little get-up-and-go. The brakes are good, however we also own an RX8 that has the best brakes IÂ’ve ever tested. I love the styling of the hatchback and the interior is comfotrable. Fuel economy is great as well, considering our RX8 gets 16mpg!! For the money the 3 is a great value.

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  Check Engine Problems - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Desperado - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Car over all is a descent car for the money probably the nicest car I have had in a while, but the check engine light has stayed on since I have had the car... First the O2 sensors were bad and the Map sensor and quite a few things inside the computer has gone wrong and the person working on the car said it is # 3 within 2 months that he has TRIED to fix.. I was asked today to go pick it up and take it somewhere else. Very frustrating to me, the dealer where I bought is seems not to care, and I have talked to several people that have bought cars and the same check engine problem with 5 that I know of.