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:

• 

  Somewhat Disappointed - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By tributedriver4now - November 6 - 11:26 am

  I have 50,000 miles on our Tribute and I must say that I have been disappointed in the gas mileage (nowhere near what was rated). I purchased the 4 cyl to get better milage but often get below 20. The 4 cyl isnt quite enough power for this vehicle. When it is loaded down and the AC is running it cant pull small hills without shifting down. The seat material shows every spot and has to be cleaned very often. But the price was right compared to the Ford Escape twin. Much of the features would have cost more on the Ford version.

• 

  The Best Mini-Van - Its a 10! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Perry - November 5 - 9:13 pm

  This is my 2nd MPV in one year! The 1st one was T-boned at 50+ mph on th passenger side where my daughter was sitting. The vehicle that hit us was a Toyota Pickup that had to be towed away. The MPV drove away with all my passengers (4 plus myself alive and well)! This vehicle is the best handing, best braking, best use of space I have seen, plus saved by daughters life. I have looked and driven the others and the MPV feels like I am in a well built car not a Van. Both my wife and I love it.

• 

  My 4th Mazda wagon - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By gregstl - November 5 - 5:41 pm

  Previously owned: -02 Protege 5 -08 Speed3 -10 Speed3 Many things remain the same through the years. Sporty handling, quirky but some how attractive interior, road noise, fun-to-drive, best hatch for the money, etc. What was new and enticing was the Skyactiv drivetrain and a Mazda3 getting over 30mpg.. let alone nearly 40mpg. Havent quite gotten there yet on average, but it seems possible. If you keep the RPM around 1800-1900 which is close to 60mph.. youll break 40mpg. After that it seems to dissipate pretty quickly. Youd be lucky getting over 30mpg at 70mph. At the end of the day, you can pick one of these up for under $17K brand new at some dealers. Best car made under $17K.

• 

  Function Follows Form - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sport - November 5 - 6:33 am

  The Mazda 6 Sport wagon is used to haul family kayaks and bicycles. It does this well. The roof height is just right for loading large objects onto the sturdy factory rack. No trouble with three bikes or two 17 ft kayaks or four adults. Have driven long distances fully loaded at high speeds. No problem. The Mazda is fun to drive. Very good handling.Only problem is poor fuel economy. Having a V6 is no reason for poor MPG.

• 

  FUN FUN FUN - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MeloYelo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had my speed-yellow 6 for 1 month...A BLAST to drive! The 4 banger with 5 spd. has plenty of power for me. My last 2 cars were a Catera with 220 h.p. v-6, and an Olds Aurora with 250 h.p. v-8...I never used all the power. The 6 handles and corners like a dream, also very quiet and smooth.Ive already ordered my special plates... "ZOOMIN 6" .

• 

  Clickin Truck - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Wbjk96 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Mine has a 4cyl.,5-speed, and a/c.I am not impressed with the gas milage and the seats are very uncomfortable.The shifter is very rough and since about 10k miles, there is a clicking noise from the engine. It sounds like a valve tick.The dealership said there is nothing wrong.I have tried high octane fuel, but that does not help.This truck is painful to ride in and the motor is weak.I am not impressed with this Ford...Mazda.

• 

  Objective Feedback . . . - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DSNJ - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After fact-finding and test-driving, I found the Tribute as my leader among strong contenders (Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Liberty). The Tribute has great off- the-line power, a roomy interior, and great ground clearance. Lastly, the price point on the vehicle is very reasonable.

• 

  How to blow a H2000, G35 or 350Z away... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Timisw - November 5 - 2:00 am

  What an awesome car! I love it! Every morning I drive to work smiling! The car runs perfectly and just feels right. The looks and attention it gets from others has be washing it everyday just so that I can see other people gape at it!

• 

  A Great Little Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TOM K. - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Had the for about 2 weeks now, great handling, smooth 5 speed. Still working on the gas mileage part, getting 26/27 on local/highway driving.

• 

  good car!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dobbydou - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, nothing to say for the price.