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:

• 

  Love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Love my Tribute - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd 2004 Tribute. The first one I traded for a Mazda 3 because of rising fuel costs back in 2005. I missed it so much that when I found another used 2004 within my price range, I bought it. It had 68,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 95,000. The only thing that its been in the shop for is recharging the AC. I love the way it rides and drives. I have a 20 mile commute to work and this past winter, when we had several bad snow storms, I didnt miss a day of work.

• 

  It could improve - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By CJ - June 4 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Mazda Tribute 2008 after owning a Chevy Malibu. I have owned this car since Nov. 2007. I have the 4cyl, manual. I have put 46,000 miles on it. It lacks in acceleration and power. The engine is very weak. This is the last time I buy a 4cyl. car. It looks like a real SUV and not the silly bubble which everyone seems to love today. When I first bought the car, a tank of gas=425 miles. This has dramatically dropped to 390 miles. I have kept up with all of its maintenance schedules. I have driven from IL to NY. I take it up and down the Midwest. Smooth and comfortable ride. Needs more power I have two children and plan to grow the family. Not large enough for three kids.

• 

  Do your homework - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By fmrgi - June 3 - 9:26 am

  I fell in love with this car when I saw it. Car is fun to drive but the ride is a bit stiff. Gas mileage is horrible for 4 cyl and the turbo lag is there. Sound system and tech package are as good as luxury cars. Had a problem with the rear brakes making a grinding noise. Dealer added a mod and it fixed the problem. Had (and still do) a problem with the door checks being noisy. Dealer has no solution, they already replaced them with new ones and the problem still exists.

• 

  Good Bang For The Buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By herb - June 2 - 12:53 pm

  Before I buy I always look at the field of cars in the class. When I came across the 6 I had to knock out the Accord, Camry and all the like. What comes on the car as standard are for the most part options or not even available on competitors (Xenon head lights). Once you pop on a few options youve got a car equipped more like a premium class car. This car really is a lot of value for the money. Ive only had mine for a short while and Im not sorry one bit I bought it. As far as Im concerned Toyota and Honda have some catch to do to match the new 6. This is one heck of a value for well under 30 G.

• 

  Zoom Zoom Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By nuneswa - June 2 - 9:40 am

  Ive had my RX-8 almost 2 years now. I liked the cornering and the thrust at high revs compared to the competition and I thought the interior was superior as well (besides the location of the cup holder, bad place). My friends do not mind riding in the back and they get a kick of the back doors. The RX-8 really sticks to the road on hair pin corners and switch backs. For about 10 miles my drive to work is full of hair pins and switch backs. This car helps me look forward to getting to work. I love to drive, and this car satisfies me.

• 

  Capability Review - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By The Fudder - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I had a Corvette before buying the Miata and honestly enjoy driving the Miata much more. The only problem is long distance. Cannot sit in the Miata much more than a couple of hours. Great handling on tight curves. Performance a little weak but expected. A fun sports car.

• 

  Beautiful car and what a bargain! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobabooty - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 6 w/ the V-6 is an absolute joy to drive! Great performance, handling and sexy looks all for a little over $20,000! The red glow from the performance oriented gauges and the high mounted digital display for the radio and climate control readings help you keep your eyes on the road while wringing the MAZDA 6 through the twisties. This car is a BMW 325 with more room for passengers at half the price! Take a look and build one for fun at www.MazdaUSA.com like I did!

• 

  Awesome Vehicle! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Beezer - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s for 4 months and have loved every minute of it. For reference, I have the 6s with AT, sport package, moonroof, heated seats/mirrors,leather, Bose audio, and rearview mirror w/homelink. As others have said, slow off the line but very smooth and quick performance past 20 m.p.h

• 

  Gregs review - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Greg Koerwitz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Millenia I have owned and have had excellent success with both. I like the ride, the feel of the car and the style. With the discounts the mfgr and dealers are shooting you can get a real value on a quality car. The power is definitely there with the Miller engine on this car. With the 17" tires and other qualities, a mixture of luxury and sports car is evident.

• 

  Satisfied LX owner - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By SatisfiedOwner - May 30 - 10:00 am

  What an incredible car for such a price! Its fun to drive (great handling) and it has a very nice build quality. The 2.0L is very nervous and its exterior is damn nice to look at. The only thing I dislike is its sound- proofing, especially under the car. You can hear every atom of dust hit the car. This could definitely be improved. But I dont regret bying this car a second... its way better than a civic or VW and you pay less because you dont pay as much for the name (but a the speed they are selling them, youll be soon paying for the name I guess)