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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  Would not buy another one - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By ronbchamp - April 12 - 12:50 pm

  This car has not been too bad overall but it has had some issues with idling which have never been resolved. Its a problem in the cold climate of Canada. When it gets very cold it cranks really slow then floods. The CD player is junk - sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. The rocker panels rust almost as fast as a GM or Ford. Maybe because Mazda is now owned by Ford and is no longer a true import. Buy a Toyota and you wont see that kind of rust on it so fast and they start easy at even minus 40 deg F.

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  From a GTI to a Mazda 5 GT - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - April 11 - 4:16 am

  As a father of 4, it was finally time to move on from my little five speed VW GTI. We needed an alternative to my wifes Chevy Suburban that would fit the entire family, while getting decent gas mileage and being fun to drive. The Mazda 5 fits the bill. Got the Grand Touring in Silver with black leather. While the quality of materials is a definite step down from the VW, the car is a great value for the price. This car offers everything I need in a tidy and sporty package: room for six (with some compromises on the part of all), very well equipped for the price, good looks, he "wow, this is cool" factor from my daughters friends, solid handling. Very happy with my purchase!

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  Best Bang for the buck - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikeabbott - April 10 - 6:13 pm

  After doing a lot of research I bought mine brand new and after 4 years it still puts a smile on my face. I have no plans to sell this car anytime soon. Mechanically the car has been sound. A couple of sensors had to be replaced under warranty, no big deal. Performs well for 4 door sedan and is a blast to drive on the twisties. Interior is fine for a under 20k car and more than one passenger has commented on the lighting and sleek interior design.

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  6 month review - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - April 9 - 9:51 am

  Review of our car after 6 months of ownership. Our 2014 CX5 GS AWD continues to be a good vehicle and everything continues to be pretty much as expected. The gas mileage continues to be low 20s around town and high 20s on the highway. The engine performance is still mediocre at best - Mazda really needs to work on this... Lack of interior lighting in the rear is a real miss. Bose Audio system is very nice! Have had an ongoing issue with the tire pressure sensor telling us air is low when its w/in 1 lb of standard. Apparently it is very sensitive - too much so! See likes/dislikes below for various features. Over-all, still a good choice!

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  Achieving neither goal - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fast ed - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car with good handling. Have previously owned RX-7s and this is definitely a different car. Actually, I was expecting more from Mazda with the amount of time they spent in R&D. It accelerates well off the line, but its high end acceleration and speed is still average. With all the cars out there improving HP, I would have expected better from something trying to be a sports car. It could also drive smoother if it is trying to pass as a sedan. Thus, this car tries to be several things but masters none of them. If you need cargo space it has absolutely little as most large items(golf bags) will not fit in the small trunk opening.

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  OK But - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Bill Kober - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle ride is fair, pronounced road noise on less than well paved roads. Cabin is roomy, power with the 4 cyl is adequate. Rear seats do not fold flat, which I find annoying. Gas mileage should be better for the size of the vehicle.

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  Tribute - Gorgeous SUV, bad fuel economy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By philsphan23 - April 3 - 10:26 pm

  We got the s-model with the AWD, 6- cylinder and automatic transmission. It is a really good looking SUV (red with a silver bottom) and very fun to drive, however, if I had realized that the around town gas mileage was so poor, I dont know if I would have purchased this car. I dont do a whole lot of highway driving. I am getting just 16 miles per gallon! When you pay over $2 a gallon, it feels like I was ripped off! The sticker said 21 mpg and the salesman confirmed the number, but obviously was looking for a sale, not my interests. Id love to hear what the 4-cylinder drivers are getting for gas mileage. You couldnt beat the incentives, though ($4000 cash back, or 0% financing).

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  2000s millenia millenium editions - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Mike Fisher - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I like it! Powerful and sporty and looks better than the competitors and is surely more affordable.

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  Happy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By englishmastiffzeus - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with our choice. We got the car with moonroof, ABS, side airbags and alloy wheels for $16,750. Excellent value. Fun to drive. Pretty big inside, even for my 67" frame. My biggest beef is that the car has some wicked interior rattles on the highway. They drive me crazy. I will be taking it in to the dealer to take care of these. Also, you absolutely cannot store anything in any of the storage compartments without them rattling. A power point in the cargo area would be nice. Right front cupholder is unusable if you need the 12 volt power point at the same time. Handling is awesome. Would have liked a 175 hp version like the Matrix/Vibe.

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  Good car, good value - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By The Defender - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks and just passed the 1,000 mile mark. So far, so good. Other than a minor glich with the keyless entry, I have no problems at all to report. Overall the car handles good and looks great. I got the windows tinted and now they look even better. The cargo space is better than I expected for such a small car and the gas mileage is average at best. I got 32 mpg on my first half tank (boy was I excited!), 27 on the second, 28 on the third and 24 on the fourth (reality sets in). The incentives Mazda offered helped in my overall decision to buy this car, otherwise I probably would have bought either a Toyota Matrix or a Pontiac Vibe.