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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  A seniors opinion of MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By fredsw - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have renamed my MPV. It is now a "Mature People Vehicle". So far it has been very user friendly for us. We are senior citizens and when we started looking for a new car it became obvious that it would serve so many uses for us. It is quick, comfortable,fun to drive(I am past the sport car period), tight and easy to enter and exit. It is plush enough and has as many features as a luxury car, but handles chores with ease.Mine is a 2002 ES with almost all options.The gas mileage could be better, but it stays within EPA range.The climate control is very effective, considering our heat this summer. It can freeze you out!

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  Great Toy - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KDSPUCK - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Dont forget its intended purpose and youll love it! More trunk room than before - a real plus. A little more power would be nice, but, this issue can easily addressed aftermarket. LS trim and suspension (drive both before you buy) upgrades are worth the money if you want to save yourself some aftermarket work.

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  A Honda convert - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By willy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my silver P5 and just love it. I had been looking for quite some time and finally made the plunge. I am buying this car after owning 6 Hondas. Now I realize that Mazda is on to something. I have kids but want a sporty car...what a perfect combination. I always thought my Hondas handled great but they dont hold a candle to the P5. This car is a BLAST to drive and a near perfect combination of performance, features and price. I could not be happier.

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  stranded w/ 2 kids - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By stranded w/ 2 kids - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Tribute for 3.5 months and it died on me. I had two kids in the car and it was 100 degrees outside. My youngest was only 2 months old! My dealer came to our rescue and got us out of the heat pretty quick. Turns out there was a power control module that had to be reprogrammed. We had a Mazda MX3 years ago and loved it but my confidence has been shaken this time.

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  Beware - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By snorkymn - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Tribute on Monday evening, it was in the shop on Thursday morning after it stalled while sitting at a stoplight. It didnt even have 150 miles on it yet. The dealer said it was a problem withe Pollution Control Valve or its sensor and they are going to replace it. Seeing some of these other bad reviews, I tend to wonder what will be next.

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  Lots of fun but serious quality issues. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By M6driver - July 24 - 2:53 am

  This car is great fun to drive and well-appointed but the serious quality problems make it not worth the trouble. In one year, its been in the shop more than my last car was in four. The worst problem (there have been others) has been a rotten egg smell that took three trips to the dealer to fix. Its already coming back (another problem has come back almost immediately). From a driving dynamics standpoint, its great but not worth the headaches. Ill probably be replacing it long before I intended.

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  Great little GoKart - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mike - July 24 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car as a summer toy and alternative commuter vehicle instead of my gas guzzling SUV. I had also considered the Pontiac Solstice, but found the level of fit, finish and refinement greater in the MX-5. Its obvious that improvements in the 19 years of production put the MX-5 as the front runner of affordable roadsters. It doesnt have the performance of a Porsche Boxster, or the panache of a BMW Z4, but at less than half the price, who cares! Popping the top down in 3 seconds for the drive home on a sunny day is priceless.

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  A good car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By NRI - July 23 - 4:16 pm

  I love this car for following reasons 1. Comfort. I love the interior comforts and the features that it has like Swing Vents 2. Driving. The acceleration was good. Pick up was not comparable to Chrysler V6 but not bad either. 3. I have driven this car over the NH mountains and never had issues. 4. Had to recharge the AC at about 97kmiles and timing belt replaced and after that the AC is fine without issues Regular oil changes , 90000 service, done. Recently had to replace the transmission hose as it had some problems.

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  Zoom-zoom! It really comes down to value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomnbyu - July 23 - 8:56 am

  Ive had my 6s for almost five years and 67000 mostly trouble free miles. I wont lie and say that I never had the car to the dealer for repairs. My warranty file is pretty thick. However, most of any of my original concerns with this car that were repaired under warranty never recurred. Being that I bought a first year car, I chalk that up to working out the bugs. This car has always been extremely fun to drive. Thats why I bought it. It will always bring a smile to your face when the corners begin to fill your windshield! Build quality is average. Reliability has been good. I will be passing this car down in eighteen months to my son who will be heading to college.

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  MDX and X3 saw my rear end - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By jerseyboy5 - July 22 - 3:46 am

  Took delivery on 10/1, drove it for 3 hours. Acceleration is solid and interior is better than most cars selling for $50K+. Reminds me of the Audi Sedans. WARNING: Rear visibility is poor for first time drivers. Do not play with the stereo buttons at night time, too many buttons to play with. Gas mileage driving @ 80-85mph seems to be around 20-21 mpg. Had my first Mazda in 1991 gave it to my sister in 1995, she drove it til 2003, 150K miles. Mazda engine reputation is solid.