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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  Very good car for the price - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By ben - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Very spacious small car, engine a little small for its weight but excellent fuel economy, very good visibility from drivers seat, picks up a lot of noise from the road. Have not had any problems or expenses, other than regular oil changes, paint coat is too thin. Definitely meets my expectations.

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  Best all-around sport compact - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lamsock - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year, and its been great. I havent driven that many total miles (<10k), but its been rock-solid. Not one problem. Unlike Mazda3 (Ford), Protege5 is made 100% in Japan, and it shows. Quality is so far beyond anything made in America- even at much higher prices. I find the Dunlops are adequate, as long as you drive with care in inclement weather. In dry, trust me, theyre like glue. EXTREMELY fun to drive! Not that fast, true, but since the revs are high most of the time, you almiost always have a decent amount of power on tap. Ride is firm, but never harsh.

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  Collins Review - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Collin Garcia - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I own a 1995 Mazda Miata MX-5. For a small as it is, it is a great car. Suprisingly, the Miata is very roomy on the inside and can comfortably seat a full size adult with some room to spare. THe accelleration and performance doesnt lag either. For as small as it is, its packs a powerful punch.

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  Mazda3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nuggetwrestler - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. Handles well, brakes well, and accelerates well.

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  Mazda 3 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nancy Birchfield - April 21 - 2:00 am

  A. Its hard to rate build quality after and reliability after 1 month. B. My only complaint is one of the things I loved at first. Its hard to read all the red stuff on the dash at night. Also, the emergency brake light should be a color other than red or a signal should sound. The red brake light just blends in with all the other red.

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  Tons of features, short of the leaders - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vince - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  Slow, very unresponsive engine below 4K. The 2.0 liter in my RSX Type S feels much stronger than the 2.3 in this. Handling is good when driven at 7 tenths, but gets sloppy when pushed to the limits. Very long list of features, but quality is extremely disappointing:drivers seat squeaks badly (driver is 100 lbs), dash rattles horribly, drivers side window slams into frame when rolling up and rear left door vibrates badly when opened and is extremely hard to shut. I now know why Mazda offers so many things on this car; its b/c they cannot match Honda and/or Toyota in terms of quality and refinement.

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  Mazda 2010 CX-9 GT AWD - details - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By rossman - April 20 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle less than a week ago. Have driven 250 miles on it already. So far, the drive quality is outstanding. Freeway noise minimum, good gear shifting (auto transmission), great power when taking off on a green light, good passing experience on a two lane road, comfortable seats, bluetooth works great, navigation locks out at > 5 mph but allows you to change pre-set destinations (so make sure you enter things ahead; if you want to change locations to a brand new address - sorry! I guess a safety issue); I have argued that passengers could enter a new address but then how do you prevent a driver from doing it when he/she drives alone? DVD sys

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  I love it - 1999 Mazda 626
  By darrellkirby888 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1999 Mazda 626! I drove it home 100 miles the first night I owned it and fell in love with it! I purchased it to replace my 1992 Accord that bit the dust. My friends love the swinging air vents. The car runs great and looks decent for Mazda styling. I never expected to be so satisfied with it!

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  Great Car for Most Purposes - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stonejaw - April 18 - 5:46 am

  The RX8 is very fun to drive! Great road feel and superb handling. If you want to drive this car where there is snow - get dedicated snow tires! This is not a 4x4 (that are all in the ditch because they start well but dont stop any better) but I regress. With the Potenzas that come with the car RE040(very noisy and rough riding) forget about driving in the winter. However, put some Pirelli Wintersport 210s on and have fun! I have taken it skiing in Colorado numerous times including blizzard conditions and heavy snow and it came through just fine. Also since the tires are an integral suspension component treat yourself to some Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions - will get you home.

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  Yet another engine failed - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By densem - April 14 - 5:04 pm

  "It must have love but its over now..."Just as so many of them, my engine failed at just 28k very light miles. Bought the car used (Certified) at d Mazda dealership with only 19k miles. No warning signs, no lights, not even signs of oil consumption. Noticed a subtle rattling noise over 2500 RPM, took it to the dealer - death certificate issued in 2 hours. The car was still under Mazda power train warranty. Mazda Motors of America refused to honor it. Used top shelf synthetic oil, name-brand filters, never seen jiffy-lube places...kept all records and receipts and yet - warranty denied due to "lack of maintenance". Save yourself the trouble, do your research, on the 2.3l engine. Dont buy.