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:

• 

  Good car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Ray - November 10 - 9:26 pm

  Bought our red Mazda hot rod used off of a two year lease with about 36,000 miles. Now have 184000. Normal maintenance, no unusual problems, continues to run like a champ. Looks great, but there now is corrosion underneath the car around suspension components and gas tank. My trusted mechanic recommended that my daughter not drive it 250 miles to university considering it could break down far from home. This car which has taken my family on trips across the US is now in semi retirement shuttling my youngest son to school and back (10 miles). Although its now our "beater" it still looks good with its red, rust free exterior, leather seats and still shiny aluminum wheels.

• 

  Better than an Accord - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ADD - November 10 - 10:20 am

  I have a 2003 Honda Accord Coupe and a 2004 Mazda6. Mazda6 wins in reliability and usability than the Honda hands down. However the Honda scores in engine power and feel of the car (partly because it is a 2.4 L coupe). I think the Honda gives a better mileage too. However the Mazda is awesome when it comes to reliability as I have not had to spend anything on it since I have owned it (fingers crossed!). I prefer the ride quality over Honda because of the quite engine and zippy steering.

• 

  Mazda Tribute 2008 Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Joy - November 9 - 2:23 am

  I always wanted a Tribute but I like the 2006 exterior better than the 2008. The 2008 looks too much like a box. I really like the exterior look of the 2007 Honda CRV, but I like the interior of the Tribute. I made the purchase because it was the best deal for the money. I like the feel of sitting high and seeing far in front me. I dont have 4WD and sometimes it feels like the car skids or sways if Im traveling at a high speed and need to come to a sudden stop. This makes me a little nervous. Its not too bad on gas either. Its really growing on me.

• 

  Bluetooth is cumbersome - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greekguy9999 - November 8 - 5:29 pm

  When using bt with iPad 3, the shuffle and repeat functions do not work. They are grayed out. Once you have shuffle on your iPad selected the cars bt will inadvertently turn it off after you leave the car with the iPad. the only way to get shuffle back on is to clear the Mazda from the iPad, delete the device from the Mazda and start all over again. AWFUL. And the bt always starts to play music off my phone instead of having it disabled like I do at the beginning of my drive. ITs like it forgets I dont want the phone as my music player. Gas gauge does not reflect miles left to empty under 15. It plummets in minutes so dont go by it. Check engine lite came on after 1100 miles.

• 

  fun fun fun - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mike b - November 7 - 10:00 am

  best car in its class, hands down. the engine isnt going to win any awards for refinement and there are a few more interior rattles than id prefer (although that may be due to autoXing), but in terms of styling, handling, braking and overall driving experience, this car has it all over Civics, Corollas, Sentras and the like.

• 

  Mighty Fine SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Zumb - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The ES has a luxurious interior with a lot of extras like reclining back seats, high padded arm rest between the front seats, and all the extras you expect from a higher level vehicle. It is a lot roomier inside than you would think a "small SUV" would be. It is surprisingly quiet inside even on rough surfaces. The engine has steady power and pick up, the automatic transmission shifting is smooth and it handles well on turns. It offers a smooth ride on a variety of surfaces. The exterior appearance is not boxy but also not like it is trying to be a van. It is a nice mid-level vehicle with an aesthetic but not flashy appearance.

• 

  Bucking Bronco - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jimmy5510 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove my Trubute, with no bad feelings, but after the purchase, I dtook it for a long ride, and to my supprise, It was the worst mistake I have ever made in a vehicle purchase. The road noise was extreamly loud, and the ride was worse. So now I am stuck with a car (Horse) that I cant take on a long ride. I didnt know it was made by Ford, or "Forget it" Anyway, life goes on, I cant say that for Ford.

• 

  What a car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RodmaninFL - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. It is agile and the back seat is useable for adults. We have learned the back seat sequence of steps - open doors, front seat forward, person in seat back. Once in it is comfortable. I have discovered storage bins in several places and there is a pass-thru even though some reviews say not. I am still disoriented by the radio controls but the rest of it is great. The nighttime interior lighting is gorgeous - neon blue, red and dome spotlight. A VERY well designed car.

• 

  This car is awesome! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By katrina - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car and fell in love! I handles like a front wheel drive vehicle with the beef and clout of a rear wheel drive sports car. Highly recommend driving it. It is an absolutely fun car with a splash of practicality!

• 

  This Car Rox - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By DisneyDestroyer - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my new 8. The seats fit like a glove, the engine takes off and is hummmmmmmm smooth. The ride is easy, but the tires stick to the road like flypaper. As my cousin said, it has a high odam factor. As in people pointing at it as you drive by, going "Oh, D@MN!"