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:

• 

  Close to perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By DesertDriverInLA - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Style drew me to the car and that is definately its best feature. Many people have asked me about it, commenting how nice looking it is. In reading reviews about the car, one thing that kept popping up was that it had weak a/c. Im finding that thats true. You have to put the air vent to the recirculate setting to enjoy any truly cold air. I always start out with the windows down and the moon-roof open to let the really hot air escape and yet it still seems to take an overly long time to feel semi-cold air. Drives like a dream though even though the engine emits a strong odor on occassion like some kind of chemical is burning off.

• 

  Only 3 issues - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Aaron - September 4 - 7:46 am

  First: 4000 miles we had a strange gelcoat peeling on the front bumper. I wasnt pleased with the way Mazda dealt with the problem. Instead of Replacing the bumper they stripped and painted it, then blended it with the rest of the car. Second: Its seems to have some problems with starting every now and again. It cranks over a lot then will finally start. No rhyme or reason. I have driven it great distances and it happens, and short trips. Third: the Gas mileage is fairly bad, but its a sports car. For the positive side.... Its a blast to drive, its a practical sports car, its very comfortable, I am 64 and I drove non stop from Seattle to LA and back, Overall I love the car

• 

  Luckily strike - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Patrick - September 3 - 5:40 pm

  I bought the car with 25,000 miles and I now have 82,000. I have read a lot of reviews of people who have problem with these cars. When I bought mine, most of the recall issues were already addressed. Whenever I did have a re- call issue ( side air bag light, condensation in the tail lights ) the dealership took the car in and gave me a rental car at no charge. The dealer was always professional. Other than that I have never had any issues ( knock on wood) with reliability of the car. I live in New Hampshire and the car started up one morning when the outside air temp was -4. It has always started and drove without any problems. The car its self is great.

• 

  1 1/2 Years later...still good - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Coolrey - September 3 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car in the summer of 2008. It had 140,000 miles...new top w/glass back window. I had water pump and timing belt replaced right when I bought it. Not that it necessarily needed it, but I just wanted to get it done in case. The "check engine light" came on not long after I had it. Replaced Cat converter with a cheap one. Light came on again later. Replaced Cat w/ factory one..no problems, but it wasnt cheap (1K). Other than that, this car has been great...Knock on wood...had a little problem w/power windows but was a very minor fix. I really like this car, even though I get ribbed by my friends for driving a "chick car"...but I dont care. Now has 150,000 miles on it.

• 

  Dependable - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Norm - September 3 - 6:26 am

  The Mazda Tribute has been a good vehicle. We got all the options with a 6 cyl and the vehicle drives comfortably and has pretty good acceleration. On the highway it is smooth and not too noisy but mileage is only about 20 mpg. I dont like the sound of the accelerating engine in town - somewhat clunky and not a bit sexy - but it performs well nonetheless. CD player sounds good but my other car has a Bose so Im spoiled. Display light for AC is hard to see during the day, needs to be brighter. Plenty of room in cargo area and very handy fold down seats, although you have to remove the rear headrests to fold them down.

• 

  The total package in one vehicle! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mr06mz5 - September 3 - 2:13 am

  All right, its a minivan thats a hoot" to drive. I bought my "5" based on looks, features, color (whitewaterpearl), price and the most important item of all, its a 5-speed. As I have owned it now for 6 months I am thoroughly pleased with what this vehicle gives me... dirving enjoyment! Mazda really did a great job in the overall design and build of this MAV. I have had no issues as of yet and find the fit and finish is excellent. My only complaint is that mazda didnt make a "speed5" version.

• 

  MP3 - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By philjessiann - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my MP3. I handles as well or better than any car that I have drive including corvette, camaro, prelude, integra type R. It it is definately sufficient in power but could use more. Biggest drawback is that it has no cruise! But all in all you cant beat the sound system, reliability, handling and fun to drive factor.

• 

  peoteges rock - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By vsesoulchild - September 3 - 2:00 am

  this car is a very good car, since i bought it i have enjoyed driving it. i never went to get a protege ES but thats is what i ended up with. i was going for that MP3. but now i like the ES much much better.

• 

  Wagon with zip - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Schultz - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The Protege5 is fun to drive and a practical little hauler. The car gets great gas mileage -- about 27 in the city -- yet it has plenty of pep when getting on the freeway or out of trouble. Fold down second seats make for a nice-sized flat cargo area. The paint allows for a great shine and the wheels are quite stylish. I have gotten rave reviews from neighbors and friends. Great little car.

• 

  Great Car for the $$ - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By fasteddie - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 37,000 mile on my Protoge ES, no problems yet! Fun to drive, and biggest bang for your buck back then. I like Mazda cars, this is my third, my forth was a Tribute that my wife drives. I used to be a loyal Honda fanatic, (I had 4 Honda/Acura cars)but after experiencing what Mazda had to offer at a more reasonable price, I defected to the Mazda ranks. I am looking forward to the new mazda6 as my next car, although I might wait for the hatch.