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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  Great Car and lots of fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By keninaz - August 29 - 9:05 am

  I owned many of the British cars of the late 50s and 60s and in many ways this car reminds me of them. Putting the top up is a one hand operation but the improvement is that you dont need a snap on tonneau cover to make it look good when its down. I think for the money that the MX-5 roadster is one of the best buys out there.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Brad - August 29 - 3:10 am

  Great for daily driver or long distance trips. Excellent seats, plenty of storage space, even the trunk has more room than you think. Went on a week long vacation and had plenty of room for luggage and items purchased using the trunk and rear seats. Looked at the 350Z but found that you get a lot more options with the RX8 for the money. Loaded with safety equipment and drives like a go cart. Not the fastest or most powerful car out there but can you really use all that power and speed in the real world and still obey the laws? This car is not for everyone. Rotary engine takes a little more attention than a piston engine. Heard all of the downsides of the rotary but have not had any problems.

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  Reliable, solid and a blast to drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bill-l - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute--Ive had it nearly a year, and have had no significant problems. It has great handling, acceleration and braking for an SUV, and I love the exterior looks and the interior comfort. The ride is smoother than any other SUV I test drove or have ever ridden in. You can keep your $75,000 Hummers--When Im driving in my Tribute, Im King of the Road--for 1/3rd the price! Zoom Zoom!!

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  Best In Class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HelmetHum - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda 3S for 2 months, and I love it!!! It was my first new car purchase. I did a lot of research before buying this car; and did not find any other cars in this class that could compare. I come from a family that reveres Honda, but have all acknowledged that the Civic has been beaten. Badly. My friend has a new Audi A4 1.8T and was very surprised at the 3s performance (much faster off the line than the a4), as well as the well appointed interior of the Mazda 3. The low price of this vehicle also put a big lump in her throat. The 3 has a perfect balance of Performance, Economy, Luxury, and Fun. The 5 Speed gearbox in this car is amazing!

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  Thinking of buying another one - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By LoveMyTribute - August 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Tribute last year. I checked out other SUVs and none compared to the Tribute. The Tribute had a lot more standard features along with better horsepower, looks, and space. It was too good to pass up! I traded in my MX-3 for the Tribute and still have lots of fun driving. Weve had this car for 1.5 years now and have put on 25,400 miles on it. We havent had any problems with our Tribute. Were thinking of getting a second Tribute. It has excellent pick up too, I often pass other cars at intersections without any extra pressure on the gas pedal!

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  Fun Zoom Zoom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Doubear - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It is amazing how much power can be produced out of such a relatively small engine. Im an old gearhead and we thought we were doing well at 1 horsepower per cubic inch. This engine is far above that and gets fair gas milage as well. Bravo to the Ford or combination of engineers that designed this engine and automobile. My only complaint is interior road noise is too high

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  Thinking of buying another one - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By lovemytribute - August 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Tribute last year. I checked out other SUVs and none compared to the Tribute. The Tribute had a lot more standard features along with better horsepower, looks, and space. It was too good to pass up! I traded in my MX-3 for the Tribute and still have lots of fun driving. Weve had this car for 1.5 years now and have put on 25,400 miles on it. We havent had any problems with our Tribute. Were thinking of getting a second Tribute. It has excellent pick up too, I often pass other cars at intersections without any extra pressure on the gas pedal!

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  Cute! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Aziaf - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this adorable car it has great handling!!!!

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  Grear Buy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Columbus 4239 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The size is perfect for me as parking is easy, and loading of people or "stuff" is a snap. Twenty point six (20.6) MPG on 87 octane fuel around town is a big plus. Its dollar value and proven Mazda reliability were strong buying motives for me. Handling is on a par with some American sports cars I have driven.

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  The Best - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Wally Greer - August 22 - 9:53 am

  Tried to buy an 07 but found out Mazda quit importing these to the US. Bad mistake but my new 05 will do me fine. Mine was a dealer loaner and was like new. I put 250000 miles on my 94 MPV so I expect this one to do the same. This vehicle has everything in the same spot so there was no learning curve. Pulling a trailer is no problem. I use this for camping and everyday use, at 62" I find it roomy and very comfortable on long trips. The sticker said 25 mpg and I find this to be true even pulling a trailer. I get the same mileage in the city too. The middle seats are a snap to get out.