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:

• 

  Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By David Brennaman - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I looked into many of the competing cars in this price range, and found no other as fun to drive or full of features as the Mazda Protege5. For my money it is the best car in this price range. It is practical, reliable, and the most fun to drive out of all the other cars. I fully recommend the Mazda Protege5.

• 

  Best car under $20000 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jimmy2Bad - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pro5 for less than 4 months and its got 14,0000 miles on it. Ive driven it in the city,the freeway, the mountains and on the twisties full of camping gear, a dog with a bike on the roof and its still a dream. All the car I need, though if I were dreaming, Id throw in about 20 more horses. One draw back, I got the leather interior. It looks great and is very comfortable, but when folding the back seats dow, the hinges left grooves in the leather. Both the dealership and Mazda have been unwilling to do anything about it but overall the car is a blast to drive, more fun than my the GTI 1.8, really practical and turns heads.

• 

  So far so good - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JoeSLV - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have under 1K miles on it but so far I have been very impressed. After switching from a Jeep GCL V8, I was concerned about the loss of power. This car has enough power for me. The column shifter isnt a big problem at all. And I have read complaints about it being noisy at high speeds. I havent encountered that at all. The car handles pretty well and have no problem passing. After a couple thousand miles, I will give another review, but so far, so good!

• 

  Hard to Believe - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By George - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The experience of driving the RX-8 cannot be described: Smooth, quiet, FAST, precision steering, comfortable, easy handeling and lots of interior room. Drivers seat with power can be adjusted to the shortest or tallest. You must start the engine to appreciate the power and sound of this new rotary engine. Mazda has a real winner in this vehicle. You must drive one to experience the excitement and thrill of this new machine.

• 

  The BatMobile!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Dovid - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is something else. From the day I got the car I have done nothing else but drive it and admire its sleek body and beautifuly designed interior. The car is and artistic delight and is a pleasure to drive. I recommend this car for people looking for a reliable ride, a gorgeous design, all at a reasonable price.

• 

  2 Day old RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By OverLOAD - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car, and WOW!. Its evertthing I had hoped for, and more. It handles predictably, and beautifully. The new electronic power steering assist is very nice. For a 247 hp car, its fuel efficiency is pretty good @ 24 mpg highway. Good acceleration through all the gears. Even accelleration on the highway in top gear from 70 to 100 mph is great. This car just begs you to push harder on the gas. Very fun to drive, excelent finish, very nice interior. Every where I go, peoples heads are turning to look at this stuning car!

• 

  Best of everything for the price - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JR - May 17 - 3:53 am

  I did not consider a Mazda. However, the test drive changed my opinion. Have owned Toyota, Honda and Nissan. The Mazda3 2.3 5M is better with excellent handling, steering, braking and manual transmission. Good power and quiet engine. The car is confident and secure at all speeds and looks great. The interior is well designed and high quality. Getting 28-29 highway. Have 15,000 miles on car with absolutely no problems. I look forward to driving everyday. Mazda should build a Mazdaspeed3 Coupe with the 2.3 turbo. I would buy it immediately!!

• 

  Terrific car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Bob - May 16 - 9:30 pm

  Great bang for the buck with the CX-9. We looked at everything out there, and kept coming back to the Mazda. Have 16K on the car in five months, including several long road trips. Superior performance and handling, including in the twisties in the high mountains. Comfortable after several wheel hours. Head-turning design. Very nice interior, with the two tone leather. Ride is rough with the 20 inch wheels, and Ive never really been a fan of Bridgestone tires, but at the moment, theyre the only vendor for this size tire.

• 

  I love my Mazda6! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By lovemycar - May 14 - 6:36 pm

  I have had my mazda for 3 years, and have done lots of driving on long trips and within the city. The current mileage is 60k. I have never had a single problem with my Mazda thus far. It handles excellently, and I consistently get compliments on the sexy look of the car. As a student, its the nicest car around. The interior is comfortable, which is especially great for those long road trips. I highly recommend the Mazda6!

• 

  37000 miles - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By 37000 miles - May 13 - 7:36 pm

  Another thing, that would improve, the MAZDA5, is, better, tires. My, original, Toyo A18s were good, for 33000 miles, but, they were noisy and spun, too easily, when wet. I replaced, them, with, Bridgestone Serenity, 215/50R 17 95V, tires. The, higher, load index, makes, them, feel, less, vulnerable, less, wet, wheelspin and are a, little, quieter, although, a little, less, sporty, great, for highway driving or dirt roads. The, original, tires, seemed, vulnerable, on a dirt road.