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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  not by choice, but over the miles you go - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By maria12 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  like title says this was not by my choice -- i personally liked another products style a lot better but... when "hes" buying cant really complain lol -- this is as stated fun to drive in city and looks nice but is it durable enough with all the leather and luxurys of top of line to stand the tough terrain that i would like to do on weekend getaways????? that is get it home and washed and waxed and detailed before he finds out i was stuck in the mud puddle on top of a mountain? lol time will tell ill let you know lol but yes i like it and get complimented on it a lot -- some even think its a mercedes lol (what will they think of next??? lol )

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  Love my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Terry Weinmann - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We truly enjoy our new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. We have 2 grandchildren and feel completely safe having them in the car with us. I thought I would miss my sporty coupe when I traded it in-but I love this vehicle-highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

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  MY REVIEW - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By SKYLARSMOM - January 24 - 10:00 am

  FABULOUS CAR/TRUCK/SUV. NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE ANY CAR/TRUCK/SUV BETTER THAN MY ACCORD, BUT THIS IS THE TOPS!

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  Love my Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Morgan Lover - January 23 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle when it was one year old and had 7,000 miles in it. It now has 63,000. It has provided an excellent, FUN driving experience. No problems and it still drives like it did the first day. This is the first car I have owned that wasnt a sports car so I do "drive" and the Tribute is a blast. Stll have the original Michelins on her!!! I change the oil and filter every 3,500 miles, rotate the tires every other oil change, do the other maintenance by the book, and NO problems yet, not even when it was under warranty. I get 18 mpg in the city, up to 22 on the Interstate depending on velocity. Thinking of trading...but why should I?

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  " Sofie" - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Don - January 20 - 5:20 pm

  Great fun car to drive. MPG could be better. Has great get up and go for a 6/AT. My wife really loves her " Sofie."

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  Performance and Luxury for 27k - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By ian_m - January 20 - 3:58 pm

  Traded in my 2007 MS3 for a 2012 w/ tech package. Even though many shun from the new "smiley" look, the added features of the tech package will make you overlook the cars questionable design. Even though the older MS3 felt more aggressive, the new one has longer 1st and 2nd gears with a lot less torque steer. Gas mileage stays the same (19-21 city; ~30 hwy). Road noise is somewhat loud but tolerable. Nav screen is too small and more difficult to use compared to the nav in the older models. The hood scoop looks amazing and gives the car that POWER look. This car definitely gets a lot of looks, more than the older model for sure.

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  Great Car...Great Value - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Geoman - January 19 - 8:43 am

  Traded in my BMW for a GT Mazda 5. While I miss my beemers overall performance, I do like the GT, its practicality, style & gas economy. Best of all I can feed the GT 87 octane instead of 93 octane for the BMW!

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  Mid life cure - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By CarpeForem - January 19 - 12:13 am

  Fun to drive. Great handling. Top end more than I could have ever expected.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Gavin - January 18 - 9:46 pm

  Love my Tribute! I researched extensively and decided on the Tribute over the Escape and Mariner due to slightly lower price (with rebates) and the 4/50K warranty vs. 3/36K. The only other one I considered was a Hyundai (I disliked the GMs). This is a fun-to- drive mini-SUV with all imaginable amenities included on package 3. The only things missing: steering-wheel radio controls and a message center (mileage, trip running time, etc.). Some owners gripe of the gas mileage, but I have averaged 19.3 during the initial 900 miles (50-50 split of highway & city miles). Cmon people -- its an AWD V6 SUV, not a compact car with a tinny 4-cylinder. Heck, my underpowered 94 Subaru only got 18/26.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By FL family - January 18 - 4:40 am

  After looking at minivans - we ran into the Mazda5. Seating for 6, good gas mileage, not as large as a minivan, and costs a lot less. A few test drives and we bought one. Back seats fold for dog transport or other items. Good overall size for a family of 4. Mirrored window tinting makes for reflections that can be annoying.