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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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mscott75 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, no major problems. Took it in for an alignment issue at about 1000 miles. Other than that its just been in for regular servicing.

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  Ultimate car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JBfann - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The best car around. My 3rd. I will drive nothing else!It is truly a joy to drive.

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  Poor Girls Sports Car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By redhed - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my little Protege! Its fun to drive, is awesome in corners, and looks great. I still get a thrill when I see it all shined up, even more than a year after buying it (mine is black, with a mask on the front). I laughingly call it my "poor girls sports car" because its the closest thing to a sports car I can afford. Im very pleased with the handling and performance of this car. After test driving one, I knew I had to have it! It gives me the sporty look I like, but has the room for me to play "soccer mom" when toting my teenager and her friends around.

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  minivan alternative to pork-mobiles - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By StarTrekking - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our MPV has been wonderful. It is just what we needed. Not too big (unlike pork-mobiles disguised as minivans), and not too small (more than adequate storage capacity). The engine is quiet and accelerates quickly. Interior comfort, versatility and quality are first-rate. Exterior finish is top quality as well. Overall, a very versatile and balanced minivan that should appeal to anyone looking for a respectable powertrain, above-average passenger & cargo capacity, top-notch safety features, interior comfort and excellent reliability.

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  Great but for the mileage - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Nibby - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Exceeded expectations in quality and value compared to other brands. Two disapointments. No power door lock switch on front passenger door and poor mileage for V6. 22 will never be achieved but still hoping for 17+ in town. Great 6CD changer and power to spare. Very good ride given relatively short wheel base. Two-way rear door/window opening very convenient. Great value for the $.

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  a tribute to the mazda tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By brandie - December 1 - 10:00 am

  we have had a great experience with this vehicle, i was impressed with the price and quality. it is the first mazda i ever owned but the third for my husband. it is a great suv for a small family needing that extra room, more room than a car. i think that it is comfortable, sporty and gets you to point a to b saftely. i dont feel like i am going to flip over and it is wide enough to give you that comfort of being stable, such a smooth ride, i love my sunroof and the hitch, the kids really enjoy it, it is a vehicle suitable for anyone in the family to drive

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  I would buy another! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By krysnik - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I drove several SUVs before deciding on the Tribute. I chose it over the Escape because of the exterior styling was more pleasing to the eye. This is the only car I have ever had that I would buy another one of. Trust me I am a very picky person!

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  Fun and power - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Atong - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I accually bought my Tribute in 2001. Except for some manufacturing defects (ford) it has been a great SUV. I put alot of miles on it every year and so far it it takes me anywhere I need to go and is fun getting me there.

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  Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Patriotjim - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Tribby for a few months now. Its been great. I dont get the complaints about the shifter or road noise. Mine is fine. I love the feature that allows you to roll up the windows after youve turned off the engine. Gas milange has been 20 mpg, insurance cost low, great room and driving. Get one. When I bought mine, the Tribby was the better deal over its sister the Ford Escape (better financing/rebate and warranty).

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  love the car but ive had problems! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By paula - December 1 - 4:50 am

  I love my Mazda CX-7, but ive had a ton of problems with it. Ive had to replace the Air Conditioner, Turbo, Power train belt and a few censors. I was told there is a problem with the turbo and pvc? system but they dont have a fix for the pvc system. Mazdas are known for bad turbos and A/C ... so think twice before you buy a Mazda. I love this car, but my next car will not be a Mazda!