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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  Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kathi reardon - October 15 - 6:00 pm

  Make rear fold down seats differently, cant find ignition key space, too dark.

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  After 3,000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mario - October 14 - 4:50 pm

  I was in the market for over 9 months and I was deciding between the Mazda 6 and Lexus IS 250. Yes these two vehicles are very different and both had their pros and cons. I settled on the Mazda because of a larger size, more horsepower, larger trunk, more options for the price and fold down seats. In return, I gave up rear wheel drive and a better warranty. I am very happy with the purchase, so donÂ’t get turned off by my review. This car is fast and fun to drive. The controls are easy to operate and intuitive. The leather seats are not as comfortable and my 2001 Maxima, but they are softening up with time.

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  Great LIttle Minivan (As Minivans Go) - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Bad Dog - October 11 - 4:10 am

  I really didnt want to get a minivan, but this is a nice little minivan if you have to have one. It looks pretty sharp, has plenty of zip, the stereo rocks out nicely, and it has nice features ... many of which werent available on other minivans when I bought this one.

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  1st truck Wow - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By SunburstRed B2300 Tr - October 10 - 10:16 am

  I bought this truck new in AZ, no trouble with a/c, cold even at +117 degrees! Its a stick: could use more zip doing mountains, fine if you dont get stuck behind a slow truck and have to accelerate from 30 mph on 6000ft grade. Moved to Indiana, heater warms quickly, far less traction problems than full size van I drove. Not one mechanical problem, piled it high for move, over 2500 miles, very stable in winds, rain; good fuel economy with the extreme gas prices. Very nice turning ratio, good visibility overall.

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  loved and lost - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Brandon k - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car and wow,not what I was expecting. The 2.0 four cylinder feels more like a six,maybe thanks to the five speed attached to it. Handling that feels like a little sports car, thats what my insurance company said too. Great audio system and overall lovability. But like most cars it couldnt handle black top, but loved ashalt and black top is where i wrecked it, thus loved and lost.

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  Love my ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Sparky - October 2 - 11:43 am

  Ive had my Tribute for 1 1/2 years and LOVE it (except the gas mileage). Does great in the snow, even w/o the 4WD engaged. Wonderful ride quality, although there is a little wind noise at highway speeds.

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  You Get What You Pay For! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Riason - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had 2003 model for 6 months with all features and quite impressive for the price. Most of mileage has come from four 1500 mile trips with only negatives being road noise, poor gas mileage, and bad roof vibration at 70mph on windy days. No perceived drag on engine with air on but if you can do without it, the mileage improves from 20 to 26mpg. Lots of storage and room for cargo; better than my RX330 but not nearly as quiet and smooth riding. But at 1/2 the price, the Mazda is a better value. Long term reliability/cost is the issue and only time will tell which is the better value.

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  More Room, Less Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By No Sour Grapes - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  I gave up the car after 6800mi. Im 510 & in good shape but I couldnt find a comfortable driving position. The two lane country road I tested it on proves what winner Mazda has-quick, nimble and loaded with features on much costlier cars. But the center stack flairs out at the bottom and the legroom under the dash was too crowded for me on my 45 min daily commute. No combination of seat/steering wheel adjustments yielded a good fit. I replaced a 626 with the 3s, maybe I should have gone for the Mazda6 but reliability concerns and the V6 kept me away. If youre used to the legroom of a midsized sedan be aware that the seating in the 3s takes some getting used to. I decided to give it up.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By mazdawg03 - September 29 - 3:53 pm

  First the cons; small for those over 6, fuel economy is lacking for a small v6, DS should come standard with a limited slip and tow package, should have 6spd manual (mileage and towing would benefit), horrible Goodyear Wrangler GT/Ss that come on it, a more Mazda/less Ford interior would be nice, seats are too firm for long trips(pad fixes this) . Now PROS; RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, did I mention its been reliable? Only issue in 78,xxx + was a sensor @ 5k that was replaced under warranty with no qualms. Paint still looks new, front brakes lasted for 50k, clutch is still great, engine still peppy (although more power would be great). Great deal considering cost vs other ops.

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  Great car at a great price - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By chumly - September 28 - 4:24 pm

  I bought my Protege 5 in January 2004 for $13,900 due to its being replaced by the Mazda 3. Im on my 7th year and it has been a great car! I have 160,000 miles and Ive had few issues. At 120,000 miles it started running rough and I found that the hose connecting the airbox to the intake was cracked. It cost about $90. At 100,000 miles I replaced the timing belt, belts, hoses, water pump for about $1000 through the dealer. Other than that it has been basic maintenance and has been very reliable. It now needs new struts, but otherwise works fine. I hope to get a few more years out of it.