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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  Good Deal, but needs some minor help - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Heather - February 11 - 11:43 pm

  Overall, my 2005 Tribute S has plenty of room, handles decent & good pickup. I’ve always driven high-end luxury sedans & SUV’s and while this isn’t in their class with style, comfort, drive and some of the interior options, bells and whistles, it is a great deal. I get alot of compliments and would recommend this SUV for someone restricted to that price bracket. I transport alot of sporting equipment on the roof. This is the one reason I will not be a repeat Tribute owner. Mazda made a huge mistake making the rook rack extremely short.Unless you replace the entire rack with a custom rack, then this is not the SUV for outdoor enthusiasts needing to carry sport equiptment on the roof.

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  Total Awesomeness - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kroberts2000 - February 11 - 12:33 am

  This car is awesome. I dont like driving, but this car is so fun, I cant help but smile when Im behind the wheel. I live in Phoenix, and the top is always down. Ive driven the car exactly once with the top up and thats because it was raining. No rain? No top! I look forward to my commute every day. This car makes going to work fun. Fun, fast, handles great. Its so hot in Phoenix, Im getting a great tan just driving to and from work. Best buy for the money. Ive never been happier with a car purchase. 110 degrees outside, I drive with the top down, and the A/C off because its the best feeling in the world. Safer than a motorcycle, but just as fun to drive.

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  Not much room for improvement - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By George - February 8 - 3:13 pm

  I have the manual, and its practically perfect. It seems like the ideal combination of features -- small enough, light enough, and powerful enough to be fun to drive, yet economical. But large enough and flexible enough to be really useful without carrying around a lot of extra weight and size. My only concern is that the company doesnt seem to support it. Ive never seen it advertised, and the dealer didnt even mention it as an available model even though it fits my description of what I was looking for exactly. No wonder that in the two months since I bought it Ive only seen one other on the road. But the up side of that is that it feels special.

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  the mean machine - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kevin W - February 8 - 10:00 am

  extreme turning, add a turbo-charger to it and it will keep up with the new corvette. as it is, it can take over a lot of cars on the road due to it light weight design and rear-wheel drive. its a very fun car to drive. if your really interested, you can now get a MAZDA SPEED version which comes with a turbo already. a test drive will sell the car. have fun!

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  Mazda3 5 door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tegra777 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Variable Valve Timing mixed with a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder makes for great mileage and a good amount of zoom zoom. You will not find a more fun or practical car for the money. The Mazda 3 turns heads everywhere and is a blast to drive.

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  A COOL CAR TO OWN - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By SPECIES - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR - GREAT LOOK - PIZZA BOY LOVES TO DELIVER TO OUT HOUSE. HE SAID - COOL CAR!

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  Awesome machine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By song9920 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  In terms of bang for the buck, this vehicle is unbeatable. Amazing fun to drive factor, terrific fuel economy, styling is clean and crisp and second- to-none build quality. Kudos to Mazda for a job well done!

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  Mazda 6 s Sport Wagon/5-spd - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 351W SVO - February 8 - 10:00 am

  After two months of research, Im pleased with my choice. The 5-spd was hard to find, but definitely the way to go - as long as you dont sit in traffic. Engine is smooth and features are abundant. Only complaints are a bolt, or something, rolling around in the console when I turn and a loose hook for the cargo barrier. Overall great value and would recommend to anyone looking for something practical yet sporty.

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  Great with some small annoying stuff - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mary668 - February 7 - 1:47 pm

  I have had the car for three weeks. Great! Smooth drive. Quiet and though I know about the driver mirror vibrating over 60mph, not a big problem for me. Fits me well, it is comfortable.

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  Happy so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By sbronemann - February 7 - 4:13 am

  Just have over 500 miles on it now and the first tank of gas returned 33 mpg. Very happy with car so far. Definitely will be adding cold air intake and window tint. Wish it came with privacy glass from factory.