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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  Dont she purr? - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jwoods - July 6 - 1:40 am

  I have had 2 Mustang GTs, a Corvette, a RX-7 and presently have a Chrysler Crossfire (new) and a Mercedes C230 and this is my favorite so far. The comfortable ride doesnt beat you up, responsive engine, smooth shifting transmission, the Bose stereo and I could go on. But Al Pacino summed it up best in Scent of a Woman when he said " Dont she purr, though" while driving the Ferrari.

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  Love my V-6 Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Kevin&Thom - July 5 - 4:50 pm

  I bought my Tribute brand new off the showroom floor, it had 7 miles on it. She now has almost 90,000 miles on her and she is still going strong. I do regular oil changes, had a transmission service at 60-K, just had the transfer case fluid changed about 1,000 miles ago. The vehicle is fun to drive, does very well in the snow, has great get up and go power. Fuel economy could be better, but it is a full time AWD vehicle, so nothing unexpected. She averages about 21-22mpg on highway and 16-18 in the city traffic. So far so good, she is well out of warranty so fingers crossed no issues arise.

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  Well-Balanced Between Ride and Handling - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By texasjps - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 Mazda 626s and 2 Mazda MPVs. My last 626 was totalled, so I decided to move up to a Millenia. I went and test drove one and knew right away it was the car I wanted. I found an "S" with the Miller-cycle engine. What a great engine! Smooth and quiet, yet very responsive. This car has a perfect balance between smooth, luxurious ride and road feel. Everything about the car says quality. The fit and finish is outstanding. The Miller-cycle engine should be an option for all of their vehicles that have V-6 engines. I have owned many Japanese and American cars. In my opinion for price and quality Mazda beats them all.

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  Not a 7, but still a 10! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By madmariner - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 RX-7s (80, 87 and 94) and Im very pleased that Mazda developed the RX-8. Although it lacks the punch and rail-like cornering of the twin turbo, it is much more practical and affordable and gives up nothing in the fun-to-drive category. And the lack of turbocharging should bode well for the longevity of the engine. The car does not have the fit and finish of some of its higher priced brethren, but it doesnt give up much and the performance, features and balance that you get in the RX-8 makes it a value that you simply cannot find elsewhere.

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  This car exceeded all my expectations!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bryan Mathews - July 5 - 10:00 am

  An awesome car!!!!!!!!! This car is simply not a quantifiable machine on paper. You must see it in person to captures its full beauty.

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  Nice van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By c whitaker - July 5 - 6:46 am

  This is our 2nd MPV. We bought new because the warranty is excellent. Good buy too compared to other minivans.

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  Fun little daily driver - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By LTDScott - July 4 - 2:56 am

  I was looking for an economical smaller car with plenty of room and good handling. This car fit the bill perfectly. Ive owned it for 10K miles and have had no mechanical problems at all (except for annoying clutch shudder when cold). Im 63" and fit just fine and have had 4 other passengers in the car in reasonable comfort. The wagon body style means lots of room to haul stuff with the back seats folded down. Power is a little weak but adequate for daily driving. Stock shifter sucks, but kartboy makes a nice replacement. Handling is awesome for an econobox and the car is super fun to drive. I love the looks inside and out. Luckily the roof rack is removable. Overall great!

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  Awesome Ride! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BigT - July 2 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this car new and have never regretted it. It is THE best car Ive ever owned and plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off. With 73k miles on it so far the only things Ive done were normal wear and tear items, new brakes, tires and a battery. I did have to have the radio antenna replaced because I knocked the old one off while washing the car. She still looks great and I get lots of comments on how nice it is. Not a rattle on her and she drives like a dream. Its a shame that the big 3 cant build them this good. Sporty style with a very comfortable interior. Im 6 and weigh 280 pounds and am very comfortable in this car.

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike in NJ - July 1 - 8:10 am

  In October 2000, read a glowing review of the Tribute in Edmunds. Test drive was impressive. Ordered an ES and had a 3-month wait for delivery (the early days). Its primarily my wifes car, but we both use it and have no qualms about our purchase. NO PROBLEMS at all. It is fun to drive and economical. We haul loads of supplies to and from our lake house in the Spring and Fall and have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of "stuff" it will hold. We highly recommend it to you.

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  Long Trips, Varied Conditions - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc Rodgers - June 30 - 4:36 am

  Follow up to my 8/26/08 posting. Just took the car from MI on a trip to Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Back to MI, then over to Ontario and around Georgian Bay. Put on 4800 miles in 12 days through varied terrain. Got 31.6 mpg for the overall trip, car ran great, handled well and was very comfortable. Power is adequate 90% of the time. Cruised very well at the 75mph (maybe just a bit over)speed limit in WY and SD. The fully reclining & heated passenger seat is great for rest area naps. Bose stereo is very good. Strong crosswinds in SD (from Ike) could certainly be felt, but not too bad. Very good visibility.