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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  very reliable - 1998 Mazda 626
  By dm - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 626 to be different than all my neighbors who were driving Camrys. Opted for the 5 speed manual. Never had any problems with this car for the first 100,000 miles. After that...just normal wear and tear. (fuel filter, brakes, plugs) Love the car and would consider buying the new "6" that just came out

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  09 Fun Car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjcromp - December 19 - 6:17 pm

  Overall fun car. We picked this up at a dealership while searching for another car. The salesperson showed and had us test drive and we drove it home. We got rid of our 04 Escape. We now get better MPG, handling and all around fun!

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  Fine Car - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Bobbke - December 19 - 12:16 pm

  The Millenia has been a fine car for me. It gets good gas mileage, about 28 on the road and 22 in town, and the 2.5 liter 170 horse engine has plenty of zip. I have not had one moments problem with it. I like the extra storage space in the doors with latchable covers on them. Comfort is great for long trips. Ive never had a car that was as comfortable. The leather seats are great.

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  Great, inexpensive hatchback option - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Benright - December 16 - 11:16 am

  Had it for 2 months now after having a BMW 328 for 3 years. I love the hatchback area and rubber mats. It drives fine although not the power of the 328. Very comfortable and a great low cost alternative for an econo-sport car. If you are expecting 28mpg, forget it. in city driving I get 23mpg, on highway at 80mph, I get about 20mpg. They need to fix this.

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  my new ESSA - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Curt1962 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a very fine small car. I miss a stronger A/C that a V6 would provide. The handling is excellent and the ride is just firm enough to feel the road, but not so rough that my wife cant sleep while I am driving. The exterior design is sharp! I really like the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty also. I have a lot of faith in the Protege so I dont expect to use the warranty, but it provides peace of mind. This is the only new car I have ever bought that I have not had to take back to the dealer several times right away for minor stuff. Built solid!

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  Just okay.... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ShelleyA - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tribute in September of 2000. I now have 61,000 miles. It has been in the dealership several times for various problems such as the transmission (had to be replaced and they used a rebuilt), sunroof, sensors, fuel smell when you first start the vehicle. (Dealer said it is normal) The interior has never been quite right near the top of the back window. It always seems to sag.This was the first year model for the vehicle so maybe the 2002 & 2003 models improved some. Overall I am not sorry that I purchased the vehicle but am certain that I would not own another one. You definitely get what you pay for.

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  Careful - has a Ford engine. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Riley - December 13 - 11:00 pm

  All Mazda Tribute models are built with a Ford engine. Whether this applies to all Mazda products, I do not know, but I am entirely sure that if nothing else, this does have a Ford engine, and from my experience, most Ford products arent worth the time or money. Now this SUV has a nice drive to it. A lot of pep or "get-up-and- go," takes corners well, and the steering couldnt be better. Although, when you step on the gas, the engine feels slightly weak, but all things considered, it could be worse. I am sorry to say that this model has given me countless problems, though. Ive had to replace all my spark plugs three times and replaced all three catalytic converters. Some transmission probs.

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  I love this car... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike Hogan - December 9 - 1:43 pm

  I love this car. It handles great and it greets you with a zoom-zoom and hello and then a goodbye when you leave. The joker grin grille is a bit much, but it suits the personality of the car. Im tempted to get a Joker license plate. The hatch allows me to carry my mountain bike or whatever from Home Depot. Theres one thing I would change and that is the seat width in my upper back area. Its too narrow for me. My son just bought a new Subaru WRX and the seatback width is perfect. So Mazda make the seats as wide in the back so that the side bolsters surround the driver, not dig into my back. Funny I didnt notice it when I test drove it. Other than that I love the car. Its practical fun!

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  My favorite little SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Nickie Bots - December 6 - 9:50 am

  I test drove many automatic cars and SUVs (including the Nissan Murano) with V6 engines and so far the CX7 had the best acceleration (like a car with a manual stick shift). The exterior looks great very similar to the Lexus. This car works well for a family of three, or four at the most due to the limited cargo space when traveling. I had a couple of flat tires but could have been bad luck also. Otherwise runs smoothly with no serious problems. Great buy for this price except for gas mileage!

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  Great ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By a_clemons - December 6 - 4:40 am

  Very dependable and capable car. Great on trips: plenty of hauling space for our small family and plenty of room for stuff and/or large dogs. Gets excellent mileage if you dont exceed the speed limit. High (but bearable) wind noise at highway speeds. Drives like a car. Easy to park.