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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  I love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt Blanchette - November 13 - 6:16 pm

  The car drives amazing, is very comfortable, is extremely stylish for its class and price, and provides an experience that I have yet to feel in a car less than $30,000. Mazda love is hard to comprehend until you own one and realize the value you get, and the experience you get is unmatched. I bought it for the looks, fell in love with the drive, and have absolutely no issues with reliability. Ive owned it a year and have already put well over 20,000 miles on it and it has had no servicing needed besides basic oil changes, ect.

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  This car just gets better and better... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Craig Rudzenski - November 13 - 8:13 am

  I would never imagine that after having a car after 4 years would still make me smile just by looking at it. Mazda hit the nail on the head with style vs. functionality (they just shouldve done a little better with performance). The paint is a little thin, minor road pebbles can go right to the black primer coat of the car. The tires are an odd size that are not readily available in case you need them (which I did, a monster pothole at night going 50 mph took care of the passenger side). This car, even though its a little underpowered, lives up to the zoom-zoom moniker that it delivered to the world (this was the first zoom-zoom car in Mazdas ads). It handles like a go-kart.

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  No regrets; no problems; all fun! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rod L. Richardson - November 13 - 7:30 am

  Aside from premium gas and modest mpg this has been a great car. I customized to a full Mazda Speed Version + others suspension/computer mods. Comared to a std/ RX8 a real head turner. No mechanical problems. Big Racing Heart tires/very low profile makes the agility of this vehicle striking. Floats well over 120mph; probably due 150+; Canadian computer adds about 50 horsepower. Red. Just went to the 2008 Auto show in KC, Mo. Nothing except Vettes/Viper to compare. Not for everyone. Takes an astute enthusiast to see the subtle wonders of this speedster. If you can afford to do the Mazda Speed Package it makes it a totally different car + racing wheels, suspension etc. Add $15,000. Std 6 speed.

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  The car that made driving FUN again. - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ckwalden2 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  My first Miata was a 2000 standard edition; 5speed, cloth/vinyl interior, factory stereo/cd, standard suspension and wheels etc... I drove it for about a year and loved every minute of it.I missed it from the moment it was gone. Now, 2 years later, I have a 01 LS 6- speed, Nardi interior, leather, Bose Stero/cd, CC, sport whls/tires and suspension. As well as the standard model handled, I was shocked and amazed at how much better the LS handles. This car corners like it is on rails. Its definitely not a muscle car, it has plenty of pep and I get 30 mpg hwy, and 20-25 city.I highly recommend the Miata to anyone who wants to enjoy driving again!

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  FUN FUN and more fun - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By AHJenkins - November 13 - 2:00 am

  More power than on the charts, More fun to drive and gips the roads so tight I have lost two passenger seat covers. Had to find a local club with other Lovers of this great car

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  exceptional value - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 19gf - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive in town and interstate. Have made 2 2000 mile trips and the seating position for me is less fatiging than all vehicles I have owned.Fairly strong engine for vehicle this light in weight. Very tight, no rattles. I live in midwest and have to swap tires in winter for better traction. Did my homework, and found Falcon to be best for snow and rain. Have added stainless steel roll bar and Racing Beat stainless steel muffler. Plan to keep.

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  Tribute to my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By karen6036 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Just turned 20,000 miles on my 2003 Tribute. Other than car washes, gas, oil changes, one wheel balancing, and insurance, I have spent no money on this vehicle. NO WARRANTEE repairs either. I would like better gas mileage, but I actually get 18.9 - 19.3 around town and 24.5 - 25.3 on strickly highway driving.

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  GOT A LEMON - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By jnetk - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 2004 Tribute LX on Thursday and had to be towed to the dealership the following Tuesday. With only 340 miles on it - it has to have a new transmission. The dealership had to call the engineers in California to find out what was wrong. Ive now been without it for 8 days. The dealership is real nice and is furnishing me a rental car but oooooh I wish I had my 1999 Ford Taurus back! (duh! I traded IT in) Theres no telling how long I will be without it. Im sick!!!

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  I love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By blondy2oo4 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mazda 3!! Its incredibly fun to drive, but yet quite roomy. I just bought it this week, and I continue to look forward to each drive!

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  Mazda3isgood - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob2 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car floored me when I first learned about it at the dealership. I was actually looking at the RX8, but at 62", was too tall for the RX8. The 6 is nice, but this car is more nimble, fun to drive, and allows you to spend your extra money saved elsewhere!