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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  4th Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By blkjk52 - October 22 - 7:43 pm

  I turned my 2001 protege ES over to my son, it has 157,000 miles and not a problem. I just filled up the tank (half empty) looks like 28 mpg (city & highway). I love the ride, handles like a sports car, not a problem and dont expect any. Bought car for my wife because she loved the other Mazda so much (I get to drive it once in a while). Going to tint windows; it warmed up pretty quick inside. If I had to pick one word for Mazda it would be "Quality".

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  Mine was rolled and I walked away! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Heather Jones - October 22 - 12:06 am

  I loved my Mazda, I had it for 6 months, it was rolled in an accident and we all were in one piece! We walked away the Mazda wasnt drivable but it was also in one piece. They are very well made cars and I would definitely recommend one to someone I care about! I just need a new one!

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  Drive luxury, spend reasonably - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Ldavenci - October 20 - 8:03 am

  Im going to sum it up for those considering a purchase. If you want to spend $45-50k on a vehicle for names sake, the you should purchase a Lexus, Infiniti, MB or Acura. They are great SUV/CUV choices from these brands. If you want the quality, amenities and sportiness of vehicles offered from these brands, but are in the $25-40k range as far as budget is concerned, then the CX-9 tops all others. We came from a Cayenne off lease and can believe how much value is packed into the CX-9. Dont even think about the Honda, Toyota, Chevy or Ford offerings at the same price (drove and priced them all). There is no comparison in regards to dollar for dollar value.

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  Best car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Keith D. - October 20 - 1:40 am

  Purchased this car as a commuter for my wife. She averages 600 miles a week driving through the canyons into Salt Lake City. The car last year averaged 33.8 miles to the gallon through the whole year. This is climbing canyons with and without A/C. Highest mileage has been 36, lowest 31. Changing the oil is a breeze with the cartridge filter. Great power and tourque. Climbs a 6% grade in fifth gear with the cruise set at 70mph. Paid extra for aftermarket leather which was a plus. I really didnt like the Mazda seat heaters or leather. Horn is too soft. Paint is very thin and nicks easily. The Civic and Corolla dont even come close to this car in price or performance.

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  Great Car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MiataFever - October 18 - 6:10 pm

  This is a great car. It exhibits the critical balance between performance, style and comfort, while maintaining a true sports car feel. This car invites you to drive it - it is so much at home on a winding road with the top down - it delivers just what the car was designed to do - a oneness with the road and a fun factor that is off scale. The 6 speed transmission is a joy, the audio system sounds great, the top up / down operation is effortless and the car has great visual appeal. Test drive one - you will love it!

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeff Craddock - October 16 - 12:26 pm

  After four weeks and over two thousand miles, my enthusiasm for this car continues to grow. My wife no longer asks me where Im going when I dash out the front door at 10 PM--she knows I have to go for a drive. Ive driven it on back roads, on a very congested I-95, and the infamous DC Beltway. It handles all condition with aplomb. The more powerful engine of this third generation Miata makes passing a breeze and the superb handling makes it easy to adjust to about anything driving conditions can throw at you. In short, this car is a joy to drive!

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  Zoom, Zoom.... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By BBVD68 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  A great fun to drive car. Plenty of sports car characteristics, with additional cargo space, Im not buying groceries for a house of 4, so the cargo area is just fine.

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  Excellent Choice - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By p_a_y68 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Look at scion xA, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra and Suzuki Aerio, Protege beats or at least on par with these competitor. Corolla needs 2 grand more if similarly equipped; Nissans Sentra is good, but lack of selection when the time we want to buy and the trunk space is limited; xA is a decent car but have the same issue for the trunk as Sentra. Protege LX has a list of standard equipment that no other car here can beat. Also ABS/Side Air Bag package is reasonablly priced.

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  For drivers! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By gruvass - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We drove all the top rated minivans... and many times over. We love the luxury of the Sienna and the boldness of the Quest, but the driving experience of the MPV trumped them both. We call it our SUVan. Initially, I was stuck on "bigger is better" but the wife insisted on a tight handling, economical package that gave us great touring visibility and luxury and saved $4-6k. Our loaded ES doesnt miss a trick. Its ideal for a couple or family in an urban setting.

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  Nice little van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By GRW - October 16 - 10:00 am

  My only complaint is the poor engineering of the shift lever. It is poorly placed and to long and obscures other controls when in drive. Plenty of power even though its engine is not as big as the Honda or Toyota.