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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  Overall Im satisfied - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By kid6281 - January 17 - 1:36 am

  I have put more sets of tires on this car than I thought possible. Love the gas mileage both highway and city still, after 114,000 miles. Had remote start & XM installed, both were easy & still work great. Wish I would have gotten one with a spoiler and a different color (millennium mica red = rosy barf)

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  good car - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Jacquelyn Beaver - January 16 - 11:46 pm

  I found that it is a great, reliable car as long as you keep up with oil changes and tune-ups. Its not fancy, but if youre looking for a comfortable car for your passengers, its nice and roomy. It doesnt get as good of gas mileage as I hoped but its not as bad as my Bronco was. Its a great family sedan.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ztephen - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun to drive car.

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  First Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Happy Jax - January 14 - 10:03 am

  I was going to purchase a HOnda CR-V, but on the way to the Honda dealership I decided to take the CX-7 for a spin and fell in love.

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  An actual fun SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By MrMiata - January 13 - 12:33 pm

  I have been a long time Mazda fanatic and when the time came to purchase a new SUV, I first looked at the CX-7. I got exactly what I expected, a fun to drive car thats still practical and not out of the average consumers price range. There are a lot of features on the S Touring but they should include a few more. The Grand Touring is only 5k more and has way more features. I am still satisfied with the purchase. Styling is great! I find that people like to stop me and talk about my CX-7 way more than my Miata, which I didnt think was possible. Ride quality is decent considering that it is a sport SUV. It has been worth every penny. Build quality is good for the price.

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  What you need to know - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Phillyguy - January 13 - 5:40 am

  This is a great, reliable car with snappy handling. I average about 28 mpg here in Philly driving 50/50 city/highway. Im at 35K with no maintenance issues so far. Still on the original Dunlop tires. Wont go for the Dunlops as a replacement. The tires are an odd size and only a few companies make an exact all-season match. Switching to a 205 profile seems a good compromise although mileage will drop a little bit.

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  2003 Mazda MPV (tow pkge) 66K - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By paul in PA - January 12 - 11:56 pm

  I rock out to Metallica-speakers are adequate! Do yourself a favor replace the spark plugs @35K, otherwise they burn out the coils. Put some good quality ones in. come on Mazda can you at least put some decent plugs in it and tires that last more than a year. Oh, and meet other makers warranty up to 100K!

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  NOT A PORSCHE AT HALF THE PRICE - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bradford Wm. Yules, Esq. - January 11 - 2:48 pm

  Miata CLUB Edition is a drivers car . . . not a race car. Driving one is akin to flying a WWII RAF Spitfire . . . fits like a glove, spartan to say the least . . . simply thrilling in action. The CLUB Edition . . . with sport chassis and suspension handles like a dream . . . has outstanding street acceleration . . . and . . . sips premium fuel. Purchase price is not entirely inexpensive . . . but . . . is roughly half that of the far superior Porsche 718 Boxster (or 718 Cayman) . . . and . . . maintenance and repair costs are almost nothing compared to either Porsche 718. The desirability of hyper-expensive to replace Brembo front only brakes and/or BBS forged wheels . . . for street only use . . . is a matter of personal taste and pocketbook. I will opt for the CLUB Edition for its cornering, manual transmission for fun, red for visibility, all weather mats to protect and preserve the interior, keyless entry for convenience, metal pedals for durability ... pass on Brembo/BBS.

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  Great fun car, but scary to drive @times - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By hp - January 10 - 8:53 pm

  I bought this car in 12/2008; I sold it in less than 6 months. The car handles great, pickup is ok; but when theres even little snow on the street; if its raining or if there are potholes and youre going over 45mph; it seems like youre drifting. Imagine if you driving a semitruck and on every bump you noticed the trailer wavering. Its not as bad as that but close. I didnt feel safe driving it. Since I bought this car, I have heard the same compliant from other people Ive met with a Mazda 6 and today for the first time someone with a Mazda 3 mentioned the same thing. When I bought the car, people were raving.

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  out of storage - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Graish - January 10 - 3:13 am

  I purchase my PR5 in 03. Drove it for two years and put it in storage for five because of my overseas employment. Its now back on the road with 40k on it and shinny as she was when I put her up. She still has the "new car" smell. Ive fell in love with her all over again, especially now that she has some age on her, you dont see too many of them running about and mine has very low mileage. Ill be doing to official key turnover ceremony to my college bound son this coming Summer. I hope it last him for his four years hell be needing it. A trip home to daddys workshop over few months will keep her running.