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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  # 1 SUV ever - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Cro. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It is great to drive. We feel very safe so does everybody who drives with us. We just love it.

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  check this out - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Deb Bryant - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute has been very comfortable and reliable. I have 2 dogs that ride in the back.....the plastic mat that came with it makes it very convenient for cleanup. I believe the review was wrong on the HPower....I think mine has 201, however, it goes fast enough....and quick enough for me.

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  mazda tribute es-rich - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By recker6085 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  very please with car,fun to drive,great for all types of life.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By qwestdotcarter - May 20 - 10:00 am

  this truck is the bomb. thats all i can say if you want a hot car this is it.

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  doctor - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By sunny shah - May 20 - 10:00 am

  i have driven it i really felt comfortable. very reliable,

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  2003 Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By miatamom - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Tribute! It handles beautifully, has plenty of interior room, and is almost as much fun to drive as my miata!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By itsallgood - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Mazda Protege for the Tribute and I love it!!! I have never owned a SUV before and I was a little leery about all the hype about the SUVs and safety. The Tribute handles very well and takes curves on the interstate as well as the Protege did. I feel much safer when driving/riding in it than a car. The interior is roomier than other SUVs I have looked at and the cargo space is great for hauling all the camping gear.

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  The real deal - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Carhead - May 20 - 10:00 am

  A great car all around. I haul two kids every day (9,15) and soccer practice equipment and school bags and still have plenty of room. Try that in a boxter or Z4!! Suspension is incredible - can take corners without any sway at 30 over posted and yet it handles speed bumps very well. Kudos to Mazda. Only thing so far is lower gas mileage than spec - 15-17 in town depending on whether you let it rev or not. May improve as the engine breaks in further. Get all kinds of thumbs up and stares and waves as I drive around. Quiet, smooth, zoom,zoom......

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  Good, bordering on great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By silver8 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Aside from the 15 MPG and the 16 gallon gas tank that needs to be filled up every two days, this is a fun car. Dont be fooled into thinking its an economical car though. Sure is fun to zip around corners, which it does very well. No street light racing though as the car is sluggish off the line unless you drop the clutch at 8K. When and if Mazda fixes the mileage and horsepower issues, this will be a truly great car.

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  For Those Who Love To Drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeremy - May 20 - 1:26 am

  With all the modern improvements to newer cars (suspension, braking, steering, noise, etc) its getting hard to remember what a driving a car really feels like. Most new cars are taking away the responsibility of driving and putting it in hands of computers and technology. Although my Mazda 3 has all of these technological advancements, they have combine to provide a driving experience like few others. You will feel the road, have confidence while steering, hear the engine, and feel the grip under braking. Thus, it is not a car for the passive driver. But, if you are looking for a car that you will actively drive and get feedback during the experience - the Mazda 3 is a great choice.