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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  Zoom! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lonagarr - October 21 - 10:23 pm

  I love mine! It handles so sweetly, and the sporty feel is unbelievable for a compact...which it doesnt really feel like at all. Strong, fast, tight...who could as for more?

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  not a problem yet - 1998 Mazda 626
  By laurel malave - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this car, but I am just hitting the mileage point (after 55,000) where i may or may not have problems. For example, the weather stripping has come off the doors several times (and will not stay glued). Also, the doors are not latching shut as easily as they used to. I have to slam them hard to get them to shut. Otherwise, i have not had any significant repairs as of date, just normal maintenence. i love this car, but my family has outgrown it! Reccomended a excellent car for a family of four or less.

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  good reliable car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By dessert fysh - October 21 - 2:00 am

  105000 miles on it and still drives like new. When replacing the timing belt you must replace the tensioner as well because the spring that pulls on the tensioner carves a groove through it with the of the engine vibrations. Also most auto parts store do not have the correct tensioner for the ES model. I had to buy mine online and searched for the 2.0 liter 2000 model to get the correct tensioner. Go figure??

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  Interesting.... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By thenileprincess - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car, and I have to admit, the frills drew me in. I LOVE the handling, the enterior and exterior styling, and the amount of power you feel behind the wheel...BUT...for such a little car, it takes up a lot of gas!!! You also have to be careful who/what you are carrying around with you, b/c I notice a substantial lowering in mpg when Im driving around friends or furniture (which is pretty often, seeing as I am a college student). On the whole, though, if the car proves to be reliable, I will be VERY satisfied with it! :)

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  Best Buy For The Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By peaceman - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Fast, fun, and cheap!! Mazda came out with a great compact that feels like a sports car. The 3i engine with 148hp is fast enough and you can upgrade to an 3s with 160hp for an affordable price. The features and design is great. The dash has an awesome design. The sound system is good too.

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  Mazda 3 - Nice Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3runner - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I compared features and drove every competing car including the Civic SI, Sentra SE Spec V, & Matrix. The 3 beat these going away. Its the total package of acceleration, handling, and good looks! Theres many other little niceties that are also pluses for this car. Theres not a better vehicle for <20K, Im sure.

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  Ticket Getter - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Need 4 Speed - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Purhased after reading reviews. Being a "motorhead", I had a pretty good idea what was out there, and without the bump to 160-horses, I probably wouldnt have considered the 3. Also drove left over Proteges, which has entirely different feel. Whereas the Protege is flingable, the 3 feels more substantial. Bought for less than $500 over dealers invoice. The January issue of Car & Driver magazine provides a good review on this model. More comparable to the discontinued Prelude than the Civic or Matrix in its class and pulls as hard a a 330 Bimmer 0-60.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By lilred100 - October 20 - 10:54 pm

  I bought this car used with 120k, drove 2 years and 20k miles before car was totaled by insurance company. Did well in the accident, no injuries despite drivers side impact. Fun to drive, sporty, sharp rims, great stereo. Minor, inexpensive repairs: thermostat, motor mounts and a fuse. A/C compressor was starting to go out. Visor mirror and one vent cover came unglued otherwise interior looked almost new. Took on lots of highway trips for work and did great at high speeds, comfortable on long drives. Adjustable seats and steering wheel give a good custom fit for the driver. My mechanic said it was a great car, I would buy another mazda in a heartbeat. Got about 18/24 mpg.

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  2000 - millenia - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By cme - October 20 - 10:00 am

  2 years - 23k miles - and not one problem. great car!

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  Cant Beat it for comfort! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Midwest - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car based on the age of my Subaru (7yrs - 100K) and I did not want to drive my truck every day. I couldnt be happier with the comfort and pickup on the car - a lot of stop and go traffic doesnt decrease the enjoyment