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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  never again - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mitcam - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I think this van is pretty to look at but not much else given teh $$ you pay to own it there arent a lot of fun features and if you think about cutting costs by not having the higher end AC/Heat package because it is a small van think again, it takes forever to cool down or warm up this van. The vents under the front seat are not large enough or powerful enough to control the temp. It is very small, can be very cramped in the front with average size adults in both seats. Overall good handling but definitly sacrifice space and comfort in this van.

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  Front Brake sucks - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Khi Dot - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Front brake wears at 37K and need to replace brake pad at dealer cost $189.00. Turned out the rotors fail too, and need to replace rotors at the cost of $400.00. Rear struts fail too at 30K and need to wait for about 2 months for the parts in.

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  A comfy little SUV with looks and power. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JWW - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a small SUV and based on reviews and recommendations of friends I decided to pursue a Honda CRV. I also liked the Tribute and the reviews were good as well but no one I knew had ever heard of it much less owned one. I set out one Saturday to check out the Tribute on my way to find a CRV and I never made it to Honda. One test drive and two hours later I was driving one home for about $400 below invoice. The power and ride are great and my 66" body fits fine. The stereo with in dash cd and rear subwoofer sound terrific. I only have a couple of thousand miles on it as yet but I cant wait for warm weather so I can really see what this baby can do!!

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  Mazda Tribute ES - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By WBL68 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  A fun machine to drive. Very smooth and speedy performance. Smooth shifting auto transmission. Comfortable seating. Excellent visibility and control knob placements, interior space unimpeded by a floor console shifter.

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  Convertible heaven without convenience - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By oldish - September 18 - 1:37 am

  I bought this car this spring & have had the summer to drive it. I just love the way it drives and riding with the top down. Despite that, I probably wont buy another. The interior is very badly designed. The drink holders are directly in the line that your arm must move to shift, and so are unuseable unless you want to risk dumping coffee all over the interior. The door pocket holders will hold nothing but a plastic water bottle. The interior material stains easily and may not come clean. The carpet is very cheezy. I live in a rural area and limit how far I take it from home due to the lack of a spare tire. There is no way that Id find a replacement tire in rural Michigan.

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  What a lemon - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Dewey - September 17 - 8:43 pm

  I had one of these, and have put several hundred dollars a year into it since it was about 2 years old. Its had at least three recalls. One of them caused all the power to shut off as I was driving down a hill; could barely work the power steering to get pull it off the main road. Struts have burst, things are leaking and broken that should not be. Am getting rid of is ASAP.

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  What a great car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sunny - September 17 - 1:13 pm

  My Mazda Miata MX-5 fulfilled everything I wanted in a convertible - sleek, sexy and sporty. Its a blast to drive. I cant wait to until 5pm when I can leave work and have some real fun. Handles wonderfully, stops on a dime and Im usually the first off the line from a red light.

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  BIGGEST MISTAKE - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Regret - September 17 - 1:40 am

  I had the car in the shop 8 times during the first year. The car would not start and none of the Mazda mechanics at the dealership could tell me why. I had to contact the Mazda corp. in California. They literally told me that the "RX8 is not to be used to drive short distances under 20 miles consecutively. It is meant for roadtrips and long commutes" I told them that they need to put that on their website and that it was a scam. So if you need to take it get groceries or drive to work under 20 miles one way, you are out of luck. HEED MY WARNING!!!!!! DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!

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  2006 Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Cougar 02 - September 16 - 9:36 am

  2006 Tribute that we have now 18 months and it has been great up to this point. 19,000 miles on it. Ride is not bad for an SUV. Made a few long trips and got 23 MPG. Handles very well and made it through the winter of 07 here in the NE of Pa, and with roads around here thats saying a lot. Some road noise at times.

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By OC - September 14 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this in July 06 to replace a gas guzzling Pathfinder. We had 1 Mazda before, an older Protege 5. This does not get the mileage the Pro 5 got (31/35), but that was also underpowered and the M3 has the bigger engine. We have the manual with the moonroof. I put an iPod module in it, and to my surprise you can run the iPod off the steering wheel. We drive a lot, and its very comfortable on long rides. No road noise, handles great in good and bad weather (Good in New England snow too). If youre worried about safetly dont be. My wife has been hit 3 times and this car is rock solid, surprising for a small car. All in all, very very dependable sporty car. Buy one!