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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  Tribute Will Tow - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Illinibravada - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Researched and test drove alot of midsize SUVs. Really am pleased with the Tribute. (Wife drives Highlander) Mileage 22 combo city/highway. I also use it to tow my 18 ft bass boat. Vehicle has tow package. I get 18-20 mpg when towing the boat. As my 5 year old says it has alot of zoom zoom dad.

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  Reliable all the way - 2002 Mazda 626
  By mazdamontrealer - September 8 - 10:03 am

  This car was highly recommended by a consumer publication in Canada provided it did not come with the automatic transmission. My car is a 2002 with the 4 – cylinder and manual transmission. The engine is definitely underpowered but if you don’t mind shifting down and revving a bit, you can use the ample torque at about 3000 rpm to supply a fun driving experience. The car currently has 200,000 km (120,000 mi) on it. I keep it very well maintained, even changing the shocks and springs which give it a better ride than when new. This also helped preserve the suspension components, which take a pounding on the winter-ravaged streets in Montreal.

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  My Valintines Day Lover (its red) - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By BobbyHarrington - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Although The Cd Player is already broke it is still all in all a good car. It stops fast and I havent rolled it yet. I have gone pretty fast around some of those turns.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By domek69 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This “compact” SUV is not so compact after all. I’ve been driving the Tribute for over 2 years now without any major problems. It is roomy. The 6- cylinder engine has a fantastic acceleration if you compare it to similar cars from other manufacturers.

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  Review of a Mazda lover - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Reetz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in March of 2002. Its fun to drive and is very reliable. It handles every kind of road condition and even stops straight on icy roads. The things I would improve would be the front passengers seat belt. It locks up too easily. Also, the interior quality could be better. The molding on the inside of the doors keeps coming loose. Then again, there is no perfect car in my opinion.

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  Decent but Disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewlcanuck - September 4 - 6:01 pm

  Having driven the CX5 for a year I must say Mazda needs to make some changes in my opinion. Handling is very good, fuel mileage is good for the 2.5 and power is pretty decent. Seats are comfortable and driving position has good visibility. Overall not a terrible choice but could be a lot better for the price. Will be looking for a replacement in the next few months.

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  Wife Loves It, Im Not So Sure - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By tabjaxx - September 4 - 3:00 am

  Our search came down to a used 2008 Ford Edge or a new 2009 Mazda CX-9. The Mazda won out because of the favorable lease terms that were being offered. The car is fun to drive and the engine has plenty of zip. The transmission is silky smooth. Drives like a smaller car, even with third row capacity. Ride is on the stiff side. Engine is quiet. Form and fit are good; no rattles. 3rd row offers nice space, but seems to do so at the expense of the 2nd row. The width of the drivers compartment is cramped. Not the easiest car to get in and out of (watch your head vs. frame). Console storage not good considering space it takes up. Gawky radio nobs on dash. Nice car, although Im not wowed by it.

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  Wondering??? - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By heathermonk - August 29 - 5:46 pm

  We bought a 2011 CX-7 in February 2012 and have loved it! Just out of curiousity, I decided to see what the KBBV was, I was shocked to find out its worth about $6,000 less than we paid for it.The only problem there has been is today, temps of 96 outside, I go to get lunch and the air conditioner was acting CRAZY, it went from barely blowing to blowing as hard as it could and went back and forth the entir time, my husband has a 10 am appointment for it to be checked out tomorrow, so I guess we will see. As far as the mileage, I have had the cruise control set at 60 and the display is showing I am averaging 37.5 MPG which is very good. Try to update you all soon. Wish us luck?!?!?!

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  2 year review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  its been almost 2 years with this car and I have nothing to complain about. Maybe on this one Im just lucky. It seems to ride and accelerate better with time. No problems at all! When lease is done in 5/08 I may just buy this puppy (although that Ford Edge is looking pretty good).

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  I love my Tribute!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By piazzafan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute. Ive owned it for over a year and have had no problems at all. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great too. I also liked it better than the Ford Escape (the Escape has rubber on lower body instead of being painted). It has great power and brakes and tight steering. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!