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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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Suzie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family car and is also great for a single person. This SUV drives excellent. The SUV handles as well as a car with the feel of a truck. I would recommend this to a single family with a couple of kids or someone single that wants a sporty look.

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  Beat a Civic in All Ways !!!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike F - August 29 - 11:43 pm

  We looked many different cars and the Mazda 3 is perfect. More opitions for less money and more room than most. Runs and rides like a sports car. And the 17 inch wheels and very stylish. We would advise anyone it get one over the Civic.

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  Great deal for a great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By t. p. - August 29 - 10:13 pm

  My first new car purchase. Ive had this car for 3 weeks now and it is great. I enjoy driving it everyday (plus you dont feel so bad b/c it gets very good gas mileage). Mine has ABS/sideairbags, moonroof, 6 disk, tpms, 5 spd, xenon,step plates, wheel moldings and diffuserplate. I would suggest finding one with ABS/airbags b/c tests show poor side impact ratings w/o sideairbags. ABS brakes feel great stopping the car. Step plates are good cheap option for protecting rear bumper. I would not suggest buying arch moldings or diffuser since they are non- functional. Ride is firm which I like. I highly recommend this vehicle. Get the stick if you can; manumatic will not allow downshifting as i wish

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  Zoom, zoom! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dc_driver - August 29 - 9:16 am

  Drove all of the top selling small to mid-size SUVs, and the Tribute won my vote. It was quick, and drove more like a car than a truck (better handling than all the others SUVs). For the money, you cannot beat the features on the S with package 3 (leather, sunroof, 6 disc changer, heated seats, etc). I compared prices, and with the incentives this vehicle was $2-10K less expensive than comparably equipped SUVs. The AWD system is wonderful, and you never feel it come on or have to worry if you hit some tough weather or roads. Great room (both front, backseat, and storage). Well thought out interior, with good build quality and materials for the money. This is a winner!

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  Great Car and lots of fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By keninaz - August 29 - 9:05 am

  I owned many of the British cars of the late 50s and 60s and in many ways this car reminds me of them. Putting the top up is a one hand operation but the improvement is that you dont need a snap on tonneau cover to make it look good when its down. I think for the money that the MX-5 roadster is one of the best buys out there.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Brad - August 29 - 3:10 am

  Great for daily driver or long distance trips. Excellent seats, plenty of storage space, even the trunk has more room than you think. Went on a week long vacation and had plenty of room for luggage and items purchased using the trunk and rear seats. Looked at the 350Z but found that you get a lot more options with the RX8 for the money. Loaded with safety equipment and drives like a go cart. Not the fastest or most powerful car out there but can you really use all that power and speed in the real world and still obey the laws? This car is not for everyone. Rotary engine takes a little more attention than a piston engine. Heard all of the downsides of the rotary but have not had any problems.

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  Who Needs a Minivan? Not me. - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By JRod - August 28 - 9:13 pm

  Test drove a KIA Sedona first - roomy, good engine, plenty of utility, but the seats KILLED my lower back, more road noise than expected, drove a little wide, and the fuel consumption turned me off. Tried a KIA Rondo. Its more comfy, but the 3rd row is a joke. Tried the Mazda5 - QUIETER than Sedona, comfy seats, handling is WOW, took the road bumps well, mileage saves me $1200+/yr in gas compared to minivan. Highway is little noisy, but better with whole family. 3rd row is decent with LEGROOM + 2nd row adjusts. Perfect for small family and grandpa can tag along inside. Rides nicer than Mazda3. Kids love the windows. Brakes VERY well. I hear it eats tires, so inflate and rotate!

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  Reliable, solid and a blast to drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bill-l - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute--Ive had it nearly a year, and have had no significant problems. It has great handling, acceleration and braking for an SUV, and I love the exterior looks and the interior comfort. The ride is smoother than any other SUV I test drove or have ever ridden in. You can keep your $75,000 Hummers--When Im driving in my Tribute, Im King of the Road--for 1/3rd the price! Zoom Zoom!!

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  Only one complaint - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By elgin - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have 8,000+ miles on my Tribute. I had a hard time making up my mind what to buy. I am very happy with my purchase. My children love the SUV. With 3 vehicles in the house to drive, they are constantly borrowing it.

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  DO NOT buy this car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By jimsands - August 27 - 3:06 am

  I can only say that I will never buy another Mazda. As much fun as this car is to drive, the thing has had major mechanical problems from the first 20,000 miles, and I mean major problems. Turbo charger replaced twice, transfer case twice, air conditioner moter froze, throttle body died, serpantine belt broke on and on and on.... Thank god I bought the extended warranty.