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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  Fool Mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dchurricane - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Awesome driving experience. Constant acceleration through all gears. But I feel slighted by Ford by advertising 18- 24 miles per gallon. I have yet to get more than 14 and my commute is solely highway. Supposedly this will improve in time, but I doubt I will ever see 24 mpg. The interior is well designed, aesthetically speaking, but the materials are cheap and the door panels are easily marked. Acceleration off the line is a bit weak.

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  Cant complain - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Tammy - July 12 - 7:36 am

  Have 27,000 miles on my car and needed new tires. Cost over $700 to replace... ouch! I like the looks and feel of this car and no troubles except has had problems staying in alignment. Choppier ride than I care for but Ive been in worse cars.

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  Transmission problem - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By john - July 12 - 1:10 am

  Great driving car and reasonable gas mileage. All was fine until 68,000 miles when the auto trans started slipping when shifting into 3d. Upon disassembly the hub assembly P/N 7G120/a was found to have a cracked weld, unfortunately two new replacement hubs were also bad, took a third one and two weeks to be fixed. Other than this $2200 bump in the road its been a great ride.

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  Dont Buy - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Not so happy owner - July 11 - 7:13 pm

  DonÂ’t buy it! IÂ’ve had my Tribute for 6 months and have 9700 miles on it now. I bought it new. I wanted wait a while before posting anything online. IÂ’ve had problems from the beginning: 1. One of my doors had messed up clear coat. Had to get refinished. 2. Missing clutch bearing plate. I am mechanically inclined, but never had a manual so I donÂ’t know what that is. But sure as heck sounds important. 3. When changing air vent flow from ground to upper vents, the ground vents blow air out for about another 10 minutes. Only happens on AC, not on heat. Go figure. 4. One of the upper vents does not close. 5. When it is cold out, it is near impossible to get back into first gear.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By mr_mastick - July 11 - 5:23 am

  I purchased my Mazda6 two years ago with just under 60,000 miles on it. I now have 98,000 on the odometer and (knocking on wood) have not had a single issue with the vehicle. Not one. I leased a brand new 328i prior to owning this vehicle and had more problems under 15,000 miles. All in all, for what it is, it has been great. Manual transmission makes up for the lack of oomph provided by the I-4. Interior is comfortable, and well laid out. Steering feel is great. While not a sport sedan, I sure as he!! drive it like one and given the horrible 700 tread wear rated tires, the limit is not far off so it is great fun, really. I am actually surprised by all the negative ratings.

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  Cute, but whats the deal - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kyttykat - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun- very speedy for a 4 cylinder. Good suspension compared to the Civic SI. I cant figure out why all the dash lights keep coming on... airbag and then check engine light?

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  MAZDA6 i hatch - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By natural - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  Lots of features in an attractive package. Reliability unfortunately has declined just as Consumer Reports has indicated in the 6. Throttle problems and now a malfunction in the Bose stereo. A few rattles as well. My previous 90 MX-6 GT was a better car, actually the best car I ever owned. May trade it for a Toyota. I bought it due to the safety ratings.

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  Good Move - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bill Cupo (The Coop) - July 1 - 2:33 am

  I traded in a Mazda Protege 5 for this SUV and found a vehicle that was just as much fun to drive and believe it or not, not that much worse on gas mileage. This 4 cylinder SUV has plenty of pick-up for me since I wont be towing a camper or boat anytime soon. Plenty of front leg and head room, good view of the road, and comfortable on long rides, I plan to keep this vehicle for a while.

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  Great find - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Jun - June 30 - 10:33 am

  This CX 9 is a replacement for my wifes 03 Highlander. We compared it to the 08 Highlander and the 08 Murano. When my wife first sat in the CX 9, we knew that we found her next SUV. We bought the GT, and even with the 20 inch wheels, it rides just fine with us. My BMW 540 with the Sports package rides firmer than this.

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  Cant Beat a Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MazdaFan - June 30 - 3:33 am

  Holds up to the roughest of treatments and keeps on going. I drive in incredibly difficult traffic situations when timing and skill are important. Hit the gas and it goes. Stops on a dime in all kinds of weather. Repair costs are minimal and the dealerships are impeccable. Cars are a necessary evil for me. Mazda is low cost and low maintenance kicks but when you hit the gas. Ive owned the Mazda Protege orginally and now the Mazda6 have never been disappointed. The Protege went 178,000 miles before I sold it and I expect this one to go as far! BTW, the only major repair on the Protege in 178k mi was the exhaust pipe. Wahoo!