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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  IZOOM4 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By LEW - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We looked ot SUVS on and off for a couple of years before we drove the MAZDA. As soon as we drove it we both noticed it drove more like a car than most others we test drove. We have had many coments of how nice looking it is. This vehicle is a luxury for us we basicly only use it on the weekend,or when we are going together someplace. It is roomy on the inside and very comfordable. The leather heated seats are highly recomended. The way the seats fold is perfect for our Greyhounds 1 fits in the back & 1 in the back seat area(we just pull the seats up but dont put the backs down).

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  I really like the 2006 Mazda 6i, but.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By miatasportscar - January 24 - 6:26 am

  This car is the second one, the first was a 2003 Mazda 6i with a 5 speed. I like the new automatic much better on this 2006, smooth as silk, and you can shift it manually if you want to. Build quality is great with exception of a buzzing noise from under the right front of the car at 65 mph. I suspect improper under panel or shield is not right. Seems wind related, as it only does it at speed. Gas mileage is great, about 32 mpg on 87 octane. It performs like a sports sedan should, taut, very responsive for a 4 cyl. Drives better than my wifes Camry! Doesnt even compare, this car HANDLES! Front rotors are shot at 18,000 miles, being replaced under warranty. Nice car anyway!

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  Do you have this too? - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By vasq - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Im guilty for crying out loud. I walk away from the car and check it out as I am going along. Its so hot. But theres a hitch: its 2 months old and makes a rattling/almost low clatter when the engines cold, does yours? The dealership denies it(took it in 2X) but is obvious as hell. Started about a month after I got it. Besides that, LOVE IT!

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  Solid, Reliable & A Hoot to Drive! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By gmaduro - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Other than minor recalls, this car is as dependable as any of its Japanese counterparts. Its performance/price ratio is higher than the competition by a good bit. The ESs interior is clean, tightly finished and nicely laid out.

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  More than what I bargained for - 1999 Mazda 626
  By impressed - January 21 - 11:46 am

  We bought this demo car in 2000. I liked the leather seats and deserts colors.It has a very roomy back seat. Lots of head room. We were concerned after the purchase that the transmission seemed to snap. After several visits to the dealer we ended up having the motor mounts replined, which was under warranty. The radio quit working under warranty. The anntena has failed not under warranty and we have replaced a visor. Other than that the car just keeps going now at 138,000 miles. We replaced the brakes, tune ups, the timing belt at the right mileage, recently a new battery. The car feels solid and strong. Cant believe it didnt fall apart after warranty. Ill drive it until it dies.

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  Awesome car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jkb - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Awesome little car if u know what u want it for , not much cargo space when u have people sitting in the back seat ..the car is a lot of fun to drive not much power but trust me it gives u a nice feeling when u accelerate.

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  great idea - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Ericgpayne - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my protege since 10-2001 and have only had minor hiccups that would be expected when a car is driven as hard as I drive this thing. I have gone through 3 sets of tires, changed the engine mounts, upgraded the brakes and have plans to use some sort of forced indution in the near future. The car still rides as if I bought it last week despite having 89,000 on the clock. Great car.

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  I love this car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By PATMATDEC - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ilove this car. It is a blast to drive and I can take my kids to school in it. It attracts attention everywhere I go. People who are not "into" cars stare at it and ask what it is and Gearheads want to talk about the rotary engine. I was going to buy a 3 series BMW but EVERYONE has one of those. The RX8 is cheaper and a lot more fun. If you want a car that you look forward to driving everyday and dont want to get lost in the parking lot, this is it.

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  onroad gain - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By salvita2 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this car over 9000 miles in four months and the experience ahas been very good I would only fault a little tightness on space and fuel consumption other than that is a great car to drive.

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  05 Tribute a Best Buy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute One - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my new, 2005 Tribute five months ago after test-driving several larger, more expensive SUVs, and the Ford Explorer. The Tribute continues to impress me every time I get behind the wheel. Its manuverability, quiteness, handling, and responsiveness are excellent. The suspension provides excellent road feel and control. Overall, Mazda has put together a great package in a small SUV, combining the perfect degree of style, performance, and comfort that I was looking for. I have owned two Mazdas prior to this purchase, This is my first SUV and I highly recommend the Tribute.