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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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By nmendell - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This was a step-down for me... from a Jeep Cherokee. The transition was easy. I got the 5-speed and glad I did. I miss the power, but with the manual shift, you have a little more control. Comfortable interior and great sound system.

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  Love the 4-speed overdrive - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By quksylver - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for driving around town and a short commute. The auto. transmission is comfortable and the 4-speed overdrive gives it a little kick, especially around corners and on the highways getting around those trucks. Gas mileage is pretty good and all in all, I love my little Mazda.

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  Love it - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tiddily - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car that I have ever owned. It is responsive. It has clean lines. It is one of the few sports cars on which an automatic transmission is an option. It is a gteat car for those who want performance along with being noticed.

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  I love my Miata! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Melissa Phillips - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car exemplifies my life today; it is a drastic change from the pickup truck I traded in. I am rebuilding my life and wanted a car that reflected who I am today and who I hope to become. Wherever I go, I receive wonderful compliments on my car.

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  Best SUV ever!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By chick101_35555 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Drives wonderful, feels luxurious, and has plenty of room!!

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  excellent - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Maldonado - November 4 - 2:00 am

  excellent enjoyed the drive and the feel of the car and the quality this is the best car i ever purchase would not exchange this vehicle for no other I enjoyed the moonroof six cd exchanger tape player and the leg room is excellet

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  Best midsize suv out there - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bremik - November 4 - 2:00 am

  They claim its a compact suv-not true. Its fun to drive and has plenty of cargo space with the back seats down. It seems to be well built and holds the road well.It however does lots of road noise and interferes with listening to the terrific stereo system.Also the shift column does get in the way of the radios volumn control.

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  Mazda MPV - foreign car driving - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Konrad - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This van drives and handles like a car. Very good acceleration and feeling of roominess inspite of smaller size gives you confidence that its size is just right. You simply do not need more.

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  Well worth it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TMLA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003 after having a 2001 Kia Sportage for little over a year. This SUV is much better built and has so far taken me, in great comfort, to lots of new places...After much researching my boyfriend and I decided that this SUV has the right balance of features for the price as compared to the other cars in its class.

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  Great all around SUV!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By macro12 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Had this SUV almost 6 months...fun to drive...lots of power and a really smooth ride. Lots of room inside...had a 2000 GMC Jimmy before this..that felt small and had far less power...eventhough the Trib is a little smaller it feels 10 times larger then the Jimmy. Great car, great design, great gas mileage too..zoom, zoom, zoom!!!