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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  Most Reliable I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By chere50 - January 28 - 1:10 pm

  I bought my Mazda brand new in 2003. Today it has 160,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. It has a few minor mechanical problems but that is caused by just normal wear and tear. This is hands down the most reliable car I have ever owned. The styling is outstanding and it is super fun to drive. I would not hesitate in replacing it with another Mazda. The only drawbacks are where the cup holders are situated. I have a 5- speed and when you are in first or third gear, I continually hit the cups in the holder and sometimes I have to move them to get the car into gear. I do wish it had an inside hatch release, but other than these small things I have no complaints.

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  ONE GREAT CAR - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MG WANNA BE - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My car is a 2000 EO I just love it. It has enought power when you need, a can move out of the way. There is plenty of trunk room for a 2 week vacation full of stuff.

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  Nice Rig - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Hooper67 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Had a Voyager and replaced the transmission. Had a caravan and replaced the tranny twice. Five trannies between two vehicles. Spoke to friends about this. Astonished to learn that they too had replaced the trannies on their American vans. That, to me, is inexcuseable. I am really pleased with the Mazda. Nice fit and finish on interior and exterior. Alloy wheels really enhance the look. Great stereo. Smooth ride and the 3 Liter engine is just right. This choice was a no brainer. A small van but about as big as a full size SUV (but without the guilt !) Easily the best valued van of the Odessey \ Sienna\ MPV grouping.

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  i love my tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ian bradford - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This suv is by far the best in its class with all of the standard features, great looks, warranty and the great service from my Mazda dealer. It even drives better than the ford escape, and I thought that they were about the same.

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  Mazda tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Schoch - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We love our Tribute. We had a conversion van before it which wsa a lot bigger. Its fun to drive. Very sporty. Have seen quite a few on the road since we bought it. We didnt know Mazda made an SUV until someone suggested it. Drove to Florida this summer. Mileage was a lot better than the van.

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  Its the best - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Blndaw - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck I love the way it drives !!!!! Its really comfortable lot of leg room.

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  great little suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By j.ferguson - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this little suv, is just the right size. lots of power. engine even sounds and runs like my honda. driving the truck is like having it on rails, like a go cart. plus it looks a lot better then its twin, the exscape. more rifine, and expensive looking. you cant beat it.

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  Practical Sports Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By srm858 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with almost all aspects of the car. I have 1300 miles on it and it has loosened up nicely. The seats are excellent and it is quiet and rides very well. A little better visibility in the rear would be helpful and a 6 disc changer should have come with the Bose system. I was quoted $900 for one, outrageous. My mileage has improved to just over 20 in mixed driving. I hope it continues to improve, but Wankels are not know for great mileage. I would highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a sports car they can live with year round.

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  Zooooooooommmmmmmmm! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By davec - January 27 - 10:00 am

  One of the best car out there for the money! Have the Onyx Black. Very beautiful color. The 5-speed shifter is nice and smooth. Love the styling of both the interior and exterior. Even had an infiniti g35 sedan on order, but choose this because it had almost everything I wanted for $10000 less! Also considered Accord and Altima but this won me over. Extremely fun to drive.

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  Fun Car To Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By UiucBum - January 27 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 4000+ miles driven on this car. I have an automatic. Very fun car to drive. The handling is great. A little slow off the line, but it really moves on the highway. Great passing power. Very sharp looking car. Has very nice brakes. Best in its class. Nice bang for the bucks! If you dont want a Honda or a Toyota, this will be a nice alternative.