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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  Mazdas Magic - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By JR - June 26 - 9:53 am

  We were looking for a vehicle with some cargo and good safety scores. The CX-7 delivered and much more. It was roomy enough for a three adults and a child. It has exceeded expectations in all departments except gas mileage. The sleek design does turn heads as well as its potent 244hp turbo. There is a little bit of turbo lag but the leather front seats are comfortable enough and give you that performance car feel. Handling is surprisingly good for $30k crossover. Love the xenon lights as well as the easy to read instrumentation panel. The premium fuel requirement is disturbing especially with todays gas prices. And the mileage could be better. Not satellite ready. It is an option.

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  Mazda6 4-cyl iTouring-BlackCherryMettali - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kris - June 25 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my car with the Bose/Moonroof package on 6th June 09. Have almost 5000 miles on it! (less than 3 months). Love driving this car around. Great mileage - combined EPA estimate is 24 mpg, I have regularly got over 26.5 mpg. On a really long trip I got 30.2 mpg. (All calculations based on full tank and trip meter) 170 hp makes it one of the most powerful car in its category. Bose 10 speaker sound is awesome. Fog lights are nice. Good Michelin tires, but I think squeals a tad too much sometimes. I test drove the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, VW Passat and CC (liked the CC a lot, but 4 seater) - Mazda6 as a package, features and price, won hands down.

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  I love my RX8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Maria - June 24 - 11:30 pm

  The best thing about my RX8 is that it is soooo much fun to drive. I love the feeling of being pinned back in my seat when I step on the gas. Everywhere I go people stare and wonder, "what kind of car is that?". I love my car! The body of the car is perfect. Ive never seen anything like it. Anybody can have a Mustang, and a lot of people do, but you dont see the RX8 everywhere. The only thing I wish is that it had better fuel economy. With the premium gas thats recommended, it can add up. But, you dont buy this car to worry about how much money you have to put in the gas tank. The car hugs you in. I feel like Im in a person size capsule when I drive. Its perfect!

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  Electric Problem - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By thecoop51 - June 24 - 5:10 pm

  Although I believe this vehicle is a decent mid-size SUV, I cant believe I had an alternator problem at 19,000 miles. It has to be replaced already and the dealership has to wait approximately 7-10 days for a new one. So Im driving a rental until Mazda decides to ship a new one. Ive had cars with 100,000 miles on them and never had an alternator failure. Anybody else experience this problem so early in their purchase?

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  We love our Trib! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MLewis - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is just about everything we were seeking in a small SUV. It is compact enough to manuever easily in traffic and in and out of tight parking, yet roomy enough for comfort, with a decent cargo capacity. It has a stylish, not-too-sporty look, and as much "get up and go" as we could ask for. When the time comes to replace our 2nd car, another Tribute will be a strong contender. ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Great SUV for the price! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tom111111 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  After much research I thought the Tribute was the best car and best deal in this SUV class. The factory incentives werent so bad, I opted for the $2,000 factory cash! Lots of front leg room for us 6"3 people. Parking is always a breeze. I live in New York City and am always amazed at how much extra space I have once in my parking space. This car handles like a dream and has lots of pep! Very comfortable ride on long trips!

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  Nice drive! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeffsch - June 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have our first child on the way so it was time for a 4 door and we liked the mini SUVs. We test drove several and loved the Tribute. We test drove several including the Jeep Liberty. The liberty offered a couple more nice things but the roll over ratings were worse than our Wrangler! The Tribute had a nicer more refined ride and handling plus the rear door is more convienent. The Lexus didnt offer more conviences than the Tribute to justify the price difference. We like the little styling differenced better than the Ford Escape. Were very happy with it.

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  Love it! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By superscaler - June 22 - 5:51 pm

  After being opened minded while shopping around at all the different makes once I saw the CX5 I knew right away this was the car for me. The Rouge didnt have enough front passenger leg room, the Honda CRV didnt come close to matching the interior design and I wouldnt even consider the Rav4.

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  Steering and air conditioning vent problem - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoomtx - June 22 - 12:37 pm

  I have 1500 miles so far, having some issue with the steering wheel column making vibrating noises whenever the cars driving on bumpy roads, sounded like somethings loosen. I went back to the dealer to report the problem and they said it is a common problem that theyve seen before and Mazda have a solution for it. That was three weeks ago, and now this vibrating noise is back again. Also, one of the air conditioning vent makes a noticeable whistle sound if air speed is over 50%. Any of you had similar problems?

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Basketvol - June 21 - 8:20 pm

  Great car! Excellent handling. Fun to drive. No problems after one year. Good price for value. If you want a reasonably priced sports car, you cant go wrong with this car.