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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  Classy - sharp - and lots of fun! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By for phil and mowg - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a small SUV or wagon to cart my dogs around in. I was so lucky finding this Protege5. It is much more than I ever expected! Slightly over the base price it has all the options I want or need. Driving it is an absolute pleasure, very responsive and handles as well as my old Camaro. My Protege5 is black and Ive seen lots of heads turn checking it out. It is a beauty! I was even asked if it is a small mercedes. My 2 Lab dogs have plenty of room to stretch out, it rides so well they dont get thrown around. Adults say it is roomy in the front and back seats. I researched and test drove all the competition and this was clearly the winner.

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  Great Handling - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By DuPont - May 29 - 10:00 am

  For a family of four this is the best minivan. The handling is more nimble than the other minivans we tested, including the Odyssey and (old) Sienna and accelerates very well. The interior is very well laid out and more spacious than the compact dimensions of the van would suggest. The price to feature ratio is great. It has features that other minivans dont have such as moonroof, slide down rear windows, and an excellent sound system.

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  I love it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Joe A. - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Advertised mileage is 19/25, Ive been consistently getting 21/26 and even 27 on the highway if I keep it at around 70. Its quick, and handles well. Easily tows my 20 foot bayliner boat.

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  Homework paid off! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By RobertJohn - May 29 - 10:00 am

  After much research I purchased my 2003 Tribute LX the last week of October. What a great vehicle! Its peppy, spacious, very comfortable to drive and fun to drive too. After reading other reviews I can see one or two things that would have been nice but arent necessarily flaws. Love this SUV!

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  IMPRESSED - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By SABLE - May 29 - 10:00 am

  HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRIBUTE FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH, BUT CERTAINLY AM IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY AND THE COMFORT FOR THE PRICE. THE RIDE IS SUPERB AND THE GAS MILEAGE AVERAGES 23MPG WITH A COMBINATION OF CITY AND HIGHWAY....

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  I am shocked.. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Orangect - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I am a large guy. I was shocked at how much room I had in this vehicle. Nothing on the market comes close. More room than a Durango. The engine is strong, smooth, and quiet. I love this vehicle. I have nothing bad to say about it at all.

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  LOVE IT!!!!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By demartini - May 29 - 2:33 am

  I totaly love my car i have had it for 1 1/2 months and no problems, i get compliments with its looks soo hot, inside and out is perfect. The AC is cold and the heater works very good too on the cold days. The radio is very good, the interior is very comfortable it still smells like new. On the highway you cant really hear outside. The black interior is very good and comfortable. I completely love my car she is the best.

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  Excellent Choice for Family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tw - May 29 - 2:33 am

  We bought our MPV LX brand new in late 2002. 3 1/2 years and 80,000 miles later, we are still very happy with the van. It is smaller than Honda and Toyota minivans, and is just the perfect size for a family of 4. Originally my wife insisted on buying a minivan after our first child was born. I hesitated to be seen in a minivan. But we rented an MPV during a vacation and felt in love with the size and handling. We have only had one mechanical problem with a radiator hose during the 80,000 miles weve had the van. The problem occurred around 30,000 miles, and was fixed by the dealer (there was a bulletin on the issue). Other than that, it has been very reliable.

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  More zoom - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata2 - May 26 - 12:00 pm

  Very nice roadster for the money. All the Miata driving traits carried to the next level, worthy successor to my 95 Miata. Superior handling, braking, manual shifting, cornering etc. But. I think Mazda blew some of these details: exterior styling rear end. Boring. Needs the spoiler just to get going. Front styling. The round hood shape is odd and visually distracting. Interior. Console cup holders are useless, should be storage with gas and trunk releases. Interior. No map pockets. Huh? Gas door release. Torturous location. Exterior colors. The cloth top is an ugly color. All of the body colors except black need to be richer, see Porsche. Side styling lacks character.

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  Great Van for the dollar. - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By David Vega - May 25 - 1:26 pm

  My wife and I thought we would never purchase a minivan. We both have SUVs, a Land Cruiser 95 and Land Rover Disco 97. Now we have a son, with the car seat in the back it is a little cramped. The person sitting next to the car set just doesnÂ’t have room. Both SUVs have the 3 row sets still not comfortable. We look at all the vans only the MPV, Honda and Toyota were considered. Well, we got the MPV black sport with side air bags and rear air. No auto sliding doors. WOW great ride, excellent van. Acceleration. Drives like a car. Only got 7k on it so far. Only problem, at the port where the MPV came in, factory options are put in. During the roof rack install, screw installed wrong, leaked. New headliner required.