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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  No Ford badge = higher quality - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - October 26 - 6:03 am

  Great little suv. Mazda has taken the escape platform and made little improvements across the board that add up to alot. Four year 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty coverage, 16" wheels, floor mats come standard(not with Ford). Mazda stands behind their product. Ford ? Tribute average mpg; 24.7!

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  4 months of ownership - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wink - October 25 - 10:20 pm

  Ive had the car for about 4 months now. It is a solid built car. When I hit a bump I may feel it but the car doesnt rattle or make any unpleasant sounds you might hear in a cheaply built car. The top is a snap to put down and back up again without getting out of the drivers seat. It handles like a dream, very responsive. What I dont like is a couple of things. One, the cup holders in the door are in the way. When I raise my left leg up my knee rests against the cup holder and its uncomfortable. Second, I cant find a comfortable position with the seat. I have to have the seat back as far as it will go to keep my right leg from being uncomfortable. Then I am sittin straight up.

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  Way to go Mazda! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larrell - October 25 - 2:10 am

  This car has all the bells and whistles including navigation, bose premium 6-disk changer, satellite radio, moon roof, rear spoiler, heated seats, cargo management system, auto transmission/manual tap shift option all for an an amazing value. This car is fun to drive has amazing get up, curtain airbags, and gets all the looks from car enthusiasts. I highly recommend this car for any person ready to ditch their gas guzzling SUV and who wants to drive a fun little buggy that gets great gas mileage, and thats big on style and bang for the buck! Way to go Mazda!

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  Great van! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Connie - October 25 - 1:56 am

  I feel so badly when I read about the horror stories of other owners because we have been beyond happy with our van! We purchased it new in 2000 and have had nothing but normal maintenance. The only thing that has now happened twice is that the drivers side sliding door handle has broken. Dont understand this, but if thats the only problem weve had in 10 years, Im thrilled! We are at 145,000 miles and hope to continue for at least another 50,000?

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  No Problems Ever - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By pinhigh1 - October 24 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased my 99 Miata used with about 21,000 miles 4.5 years ago. I have had no mechanical problems and am just now replacing the original soft top. It is a blast to drive even though it has just 4 cylinders. It is a best buy in my book! (Just make sure your golf bag fits in the trunk first).

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  my first SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By big old baby - October 24 - 6:23 pm

  After 2 months its all good. I think this is the perfect size SUV for someone who is moving out of a sedan. Quality is top notch. Ride is smooth and quiet. Fold down rear seats allow a ton of stuff to be hauled. I like the style better than the Escape. Combined mileage of 22 MPG is pretty good.

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  34,000 happy miles! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By blackms3 - October 24 - 4:56 am

  Owned this baby for 34,000 miles now! First off, this is a really fun car to own. I have three kids (9yrs and 6yr twins) and they fit with no problem in this car (even with boosters). Never get tired of the power this car makes in every gear, passes without downshifting. Fuel eco is not exceptional, but coming out of a 12mpg truck Ive at least doubled it. Have to use premium fuel, runs like hell on lower octane fuel. If you live in an area that gets snow you will need a set of winter tires, I dont care how great a driver you think you are, the performance tires on this car are outright dangerous when temps fall in the 30s. All in all I would highly recommend this to anyone!

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  not in the snow - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By iowa mike - October 24 - 1:40 am

  Loved the car except I live in Iowa and the car should not and in some cases cannot be driven in the snow. Had problems getting up even the smallest grade when streets were the least slick. Tires are very sticky and that added to handling, but the down side is they only last about 10K miles. Overall loved the car (my third rx) but it had some problems that were too much for me to handle in the winter. Anywhere without snow, this vehicle kicks. Wish they offered a convertible.

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  Shifting problems 6 cylinder tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Sandra Paris - October 23 - 6:13 pm

  Previously had a 2003 & 2005 - 6 cyl Tribute and this new one is doing strange things in down shifting at different speeds and jerking. Met with Mazda Guru and he said this is normal and because of computer and some other tech language, I have to settle for this, but driving the car you can feel the down shifting at 40 mph to 20 mph and then it jerks at different speeds. The gas mileage is terrible and yes I also feel the poor design of the back up camera, messy looking install. Black interior attracts to much dust, the shine is nice looking, but not practical, would Rather have dull interior. The wind noise from front side mirrors is just as bad as before. They know, and working on it.

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  Mazda5 hits a homer! What a great car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazda5forme - October 23 - 3:53 pm

  My wife loves her 2007 Mazda5, and now I have an 08! All the things we complained about have been responded to and fixed by Mazda! They added rear A/C vents, more arm rests, better navigation system, redesigned the dash, HID headlights, LED tailights and more! Best build quality of any brand Ive owned, faultless as a matter of fact. Exterior paint is also perfection! Made in Mazdas factory in Japan, and it shows the attention to careful build quality. Amazing!