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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  Smooth city car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Juan de fuca - May 22 - 9:26 pm

  Great car! I did a ton of research before buying this car and drove just about everything I could find (Toyota/Scion,Honda,Chevy,Ford....). Nothing felt as solid and responsive as the 3. So far (4,000 miles) this car is great; its smooth, well built, the fuel economy isnt spectacular but it is reasonably good (25-28). It is a little too easy to speed.The clutch is good and the shifter is excellent. I can actually lay down in back to sleep! And Im 6ft tall! I highly recommend this car. Bargain for the price.

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  Rotary is Not For Everyone - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By WR Jones - May 22 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car as a disabled adult that needed a car with room and access for my wheelchair, the rear doors are ideal for quick storage of the chair. There are few cars sold with two doors and access for those who use a wheelchair, combine that with an auto transmission made available, Mazda allows me to drive a great sports car. Slapping the stick over to manual and using the six speed paddle shifter is the closest you will get to driving a standard stick if you use hand controls, a simply amazing experience. The difference between auto shift and manually shifting is dramatic, the car jumps to life, surprising many who have taken a ride in the car, including myself!

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  10 Years and Strong - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Atlanta - May 22 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased this car with 58K in March as a daily driver. Already put 10K add is drives great. Gas mileage is awesome. Had to replace the master & slave on the clutch -- plastic cracks after 10 years. Also, just put in new plugs, wires and timing belt. Runs like new! I drive 40 miles each way to work and love to drop the top on nice days. It makes the commute in ATL way more tolerable. Drove from Atlanta to Jacksonville, FL - 6 hours one way. The car was more comfortable than you would expect on a long drive. Dont get me wrong. This is not the optimal distance car but you wont be miserable on long drives.

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  Dont waste your money buying used - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Ron - May 22 - 7:50 am

  Purchased in Nov. 2001 as a used vehicle and have had no real mechanical issues to complain about. It has performed well over the last six years. The biggest complaint I have is the corrosion issue. I first noticed a problem around the rear wheel well. Then around the edges of the doors. The hood has now perforated at the front edge and the paint is bubbling along that same edge. On the underside of the hood a chunk 4"x3" came off when I closed the hood. The rubber seal (to keep water out) no longer provides a seal because there is nothing for it to attached to. Buyer beware if you purchase this van you will have a rust bucket. Beware!!!

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  Fun to Drive and Cool for the Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maz3 - May 21 - 6:40 pm

  This car is very fun to drive, especially with the 5 speed manual. Ride is firm and sporty, it sticks to the road like gum. Interior is cool to look at and feel of materials is up to par with other Japanese makers. The design is the best for cars in this group! Check engine light came on about 1500 miles, but that was just a gas cap issue, no problem. Although the 12v outlet did blow a fuse, replaced of course, again no big deal.

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  Protege 5 was an Ok car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By zoolander - May 21 - 2:16 am

  Ive owned the car since new. The original Dunlop tires were worn out quickly and would have been expensive to replace had I not put new rims and all season tires on the car. Brakes, especially the back brakes have been a sore spot with me. The rear brakes have seized on several occasions and usually I need to replace rotors and brakes all around every year. That is far too frequent to be acceptable. The car has quite a bit of rust around the rear wheel wells and a spot on the hatch door. Paint has faded badly. Plastic parts, like the bumper, are of a different color than the paint due to aging and bleaching from the sun. Fuel economy isnt great.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jay - May 20 - 6:50 pm

  I enjoy driving this tribute. It handles great in the snow and slippery roads. I wish it had a little better mileage and a bigger gas tank. It only holds 15 gallons @18 to 20 mpg. I live at the gas station. The car drives well and is roomy. No major problems after driving it for 9000 miles. I would buy another one.

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  Love the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By crystal - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my tribute so much, I cant wait for my lease to end so I can get a brand new.

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  Love It! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By W. Head - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Im retired and make two 500 mile trips monthly and do not suffer the back pain/stiffness that my former vehicle caused.

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  MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By YANKEES FAN - May 20 - 10:00 am

  NICE SUV THATS FUN TO DRIVE AND ROOMY, NICE TRUNK SPACE WHEN YOU FOLD DOWN BACK SEATS.