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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  No regret - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By VTLee - February 22 - 10:00 am

  bought in August, current 1600 miles, absolutely fun to drive, not a single problem so far, still happy with the purchase

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  Sport Mode Auto Trans - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Greg Watt - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The Protege ES is a beautifully balanced car, with controls that make it a lot of fun to drive. The sleeper option is the SportMode AT on the ES model and the Protege5, which does not kill the personality of the car. While not as quick off the line as the 5-speed, the rest of the car allows it to be driven quickly, with 2nd or 3rd gears only a tap away. THE SPORTMODE IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE FOR FAMILIES FACING THE SHIFT/NO SHIFT DILEMA.

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  Stalling problem almost killed me... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By DMD - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was quite happy with my Tribute until this week. It stalled 2x. Once at 50mph on a 4 lane hwy in the PM rush hour. Lost all power/brakes & steering. A car-carrier truck (fully loaded w/cars) would have killed me but I was able to muscle the Tribute off the road. Stalled again next day in rush hour going around a curve at 25MPH. Had to muscle it off road into someones yard to avoid causing an accident. It is at the dealership now. Very scary - very dangerous - someone will be killed if this stalling problem is not fixed. I cannot believe there has been no recall. Is Mazda waiting for a lawsuit?

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  Fun at last!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gh - February 22 - 10:00 am

  On 10/1 I fell in love with my yellow rx8-GT with appearance package. It is a blast to drive and a real head turner. I couldnt be happier with the car but have been somewhat upset with Mazda. I ordered this car 17 weeks ago. Several ETAs came and went with no explanation from Mazda. The car is in a class by itself. I wish I could say that about Mazda Motor Co.

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  Love My Mazda 3! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Martha Ramsey - February 21 - 10:56 am

  This is my first Mazda, and it will not be my last! I love everything about the Mazda 3, from the sporty design, to the roominess Mazda has built into such a compact car, to the great sound system that includes an in-dash 6 CD player, to the huge trunk, to the excellent gas mileage. Im getting 38-39 mpg on standard, everyday trips to and from work. On long trips I have averaged 42-45 mpg! If you are looking for a sporty, fun-to-drive economy car that has a great sound system and gets great gas mileage, this is the car for you.

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  This car saved my life - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By chahn89 - February 21 - 9:40 am

  I bought this car used, 2009 mazda 6, i bought it 2010 with 38,000 miles, throughout the time it needed simple changtes like breaks n tires n oil but nothin g to big, in 2011 i was hit from the front and both sides and iw as able to walk away from it alive, when everyone including police and paramedics said they had no idea how that happened. GREAT CAR! go mazdaaaaaa :)

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  Good, yet nothings perfect... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By OVERmotivated - February 21 - 8:20 am

  My mom bought this car under my influence, and she likes it as much as I do. As the title states, nothing is perfect. Some of the flaws/missed things in this car would be the horsepower rating [153 hp], no DRLs, rear air conditioning, traction control/antiskid control, and at least a 5 speed auto to match. However, the rest of the car is nice, with automatic climate control and an available navigation system for under $22K. It has a nice suspension and its really fun to drive! Its also very flexible, and if your family is small, then you wont need to worry about space. At least consider this car if youre looking for something versatile and small.

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  Reliable, good value, fun, but smallish - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Bartman - February 20 - 6:20 pm

  Replacing 8-yr old Grand Caravan. After months of research, considered and compared Sienna & MPV as two most reliable alternatives. Didnt consider Odyssey - too many transmission failures (although some MPV owners had transmission shift-shock issue; now resolved with updated transmission software flash). I preferred larger size of Sienna; even bigger than Grand Caravan. But price was definitely an issue and wife preferred smaller size, maneuverability, handling, and looks of MPV. For less money, MPV ES also has more standard features than Sienna LE: leather, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 2 power sliding doors, and alloys. If you have a smaller family and smaller size is OK, then recommend MPV.

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  Like a big ol Go Kart!! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By robtech34 - February 20 - 4:30 pm

  Fun, fun,fun! (5 speed manual) Ive read some 10.2 second 0-60 numbers on the 5 speed to which I can only say, learn how to drive pal. This car is like driving a comfortable, Go Kart!! Tooling around town is so much fun because 35 MPH feels fast in this car. On the Highway, 80 MPH no problem. Very good build feel inside. Lacks some Bells and whistles, but I have zero use for blue tooth and own a much better GPS than is offered in other competing models.

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  great drive and ride, but cheap interior - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Marriedwithkids - February 20 - 1:46 pm

  We traded a xc90 awd as we needed more room in the back seats. Would have never thought about the Mazda cx9 beyond reading the reviews. Once my wife and I drove it we loved it. Cool looking mommy wagon without the geekness of a minivan or suv. Very fast, handles well and looks way cool.