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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  Sports Car SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimmy - August 1 - 4:23 pm

  Well, this 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 was probably the nicest compact SUV I have ever driven. Performance ... Pros: Dont let a 3.0L 201-HP V6 fool you. This car is explosively fast. Burning rubber and spinning tires from a stop. Cons: Loud exhilaration noise. Comfort ... Pros: Leather interior with heated seats are moderately comfy. Cons: Driving in the car for 2+ hours may make you feel stiff. Fuel Economy ... Pros: Regular fuel. Cons: 15 MPG in a suburban area. Fun to drive: Pros: A Ford Mustang in SUV form. Cons: None! Design: Pros: Sporty inside and out. Cons: Bland back seats. Build Quality/Reliability: Pros: 36 month lease reported only 1 problem-brakes. Cons: Still an American Ford vehicle.

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  First New Car - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjdozie - July 29 - 4:03 am

  Purchased 07/05/14 Enjoying my new white Mazda3 S Touring Hatchback, so far. Only complaints would be the road & interior noise. MPG below EPA estimates. Ride is a bit stiff but still comfortable. Just about everything else has been above my expectations for the compact class. The engine is quick, quiet & smooth & I really enjoy the extras like the HUD & Blind Spot Monitor. A great purchase overall!

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  Safety Problem- Check! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By melindaw1 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a major safety defect and Id encourage everyone to check for this: No ignition lock system. I can leave the car in drive and remove the key. Mine rolled due to this and nearly took off the back driver-side door. Mazda manufacturing says they wont pay for the damages because its not a "known defect." Anyway- check for this, as its a VERY dangerous defect. Were all used to an ignition lock system that forces you to put the car in park before removing the key. My son could have been seriously injured.

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  The best Minivan!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By ehdesi - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this loaded EX for $27K!!!! Other minivans we were interested in: Toyota Sienna 04 (have to wait 4 months and pay $34K) and Chrysler T&C limited 03 (we had a Dodge for 6 years). The MPV just felt right, smaller size, more nible handling, stylish (with GFX package), kids love it (6 & 9). Everyone has commented on it-saying how great it looks. You cannot go wrong here!!

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  Very good car with some flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom L - July 27 - 1:46 am

  Quick for an automatic, but the automatic makes the car a lot less fun. Beware of the bumpy and harsh ride, probably due to low profile tires. If you are 22, maybe it wont matter to you, but Im 42 and find it annoyingly harsh. I bought the 5 door S model with 6 speed auto stick. Its my first automatic in 20 years, so maybe thats why I find it lacking. The car seems solid, and handles great. I wish that I could have gotten the 5 door without the sport package. I also hate the orange gauges (maybe the age thing again). Even with Bose package, the stereo sounds tinny at lower volume even compared to my 98 Maxima SE. Heater never seems to blow hot air even when set at 75.

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  Good choice for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wolf6561 - July 25 - 7:50 am

  I bought our Mazda 5 earlier this year, we were looking for for an economical alternative to an SUV, and this does the job fine. I am 63", and the front and second row seats are quite comfortable. The gas mileage is great, the handling is first-rate, and it makes a great family vehicle. My wife picks up our son and 4 neighbor kids from school every day and they love the car. Weve also managed to load bicycles, a large dog crate, and have plenty of room left over.

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  zoom zoom fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By eh2003 - July 24 - 4:50 pm

  I really love to drive this car and drive it fast. It will hit turns harder than a sport bike and ask for more. I dont like the gas mileage which is 18mpg if I run the heck out of it and 21 if I dont. This could be the perfect sports car if it had a healthy torque boost on the low end. Other than that it is really a blast to drive.

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  Tribute ES-V6 4WD ... fun driving - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By orlie - July 20 - 10:00 am

  A year ago, I was looking for an affordable, useful, and good looking vehicle to replace my old sedan. The Tribute was my #1 choice back then (Jan 01), and it still is now (May 02). Its by far the most useful yet fun to drive vehicle Ive had without breaking my budget. I love the way it handles on just about all on- road conditions although I wouldnt take it off-road -- its not a Jeep. Gas mileage is disappointing at 16mpg city and 21mpg highway, less than the EPA ratings, but that may be because I enjoy driving it too much. Exterior is stylish and refined-looking; interior needs better materials and sound insulation.

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  A pure sports car for not that much $$ - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By desmolicious - July 17 - 6:35 am

  Ive had my CS w 6 speed manual for about a year now. It really is a joy to drive - fun, engaging, the steering feel/handling balance is just right. Sports cars originally were simple, light, rear wheel drive, convertibles. This is that with the added bonus of being affordable and reliable. The seats dont seem like they would be comfortable for a long trip, but I was surprised - after a 10 hour drive (with stops) I was just fine. In comparison my BMW 330is seats feel much better initially, but wear on me after a few hours. The trunk is small, but if you buy one of those custom made luggage sets online (mine was about $80), you can fit plenty for a week trip for two.

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  Wonderful Machine - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vikingdj - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Once I test drove one, I simply had to own it. Car is an absolute blast to drive. It drives like its on rails, yet is very smooth and comfortable. Although underpowered compared to other sports coupes, it offers a very smooth power band, with the real fun beginning at 5000rpms. Just an overall wonderful daily sports coupe with so many wonderful features and plenty of power and performance.