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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  A Drivers Car - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Josh - September 4 - 11:06 pm

  This is a fantastic car, as long as youre willing to live with limited space. The manual gearbox shifts extremely smoothly, and handles like an extension of your own body. Most importantly, the car is simply fun to drive. It goes out of its way to be a "simple" sports car, not a "dumb" one. Space is limited, but perfectly adequate for two average sized people. The trunk may be small, but is above and beyond any other roadster on the market. The manual transmission makes the center cupholders completely useless, and the side ones are better suited for bottles. Plenty of storage cubbies. If you can deal with the space, and just want to connect with your car, this is a great choice.

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  The best bang for your buck! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By LarryS - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Protege5 since 1-9-04, and love it. I originally went to the Mazda dealer to test drive a Mazda 3 5 door, to replace my 03 Ranger that was stolen. After test driving the Mazda 3, I decided to try the only P5 they had left that was a manual tranny. I feel in love with it and purchsed it right away. I currently have 14,900 miles on it in less than 4 months with no problems what so ever.

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  2003 protoge5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By lunchtimer - September 4 - 10:00 am

  2nd one of these owned - absolute delightful fun to drive - excellent for comuting, going to my games.

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  My Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Roger122387 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car back in March and I have really loved it. It has seemed to be a very reliable car. The only problems I do have with it at this point is when I first go to start it (we dont have cold weather where I live), but it seems to almost want to die or not start. It turns over fine but at first it doesnt idle right. Ive heard several complaints very similar to this one. At first, my battery light would almost always be on except for when I would drive a couple of hours out of town, but when I would get back in the battery light would be back on. This only lasted for a month.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By wjm - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I drive this vehicle about 1,000 miles each week. For the money there is no better quality, comfortable car on the road.

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  new car good looking and fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cindy Garruba - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and really have enjoyed it so far. It is fun to drive and a lot of people have been asking me about it in parking lots and around town. Even my teenage daughters friends like the way it looks.

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  Drives like a sports car..ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Harry - September 4 - 12:10 am

  Ive owned this SUV for a little over 3 months and 2800 miles and am extremely satisfied. Acceleration is more than adequate, interior space is aplenty. Suspension is a little stiff but bearable. Handling is outstanding, you would never know this car is a large crossover. City fuel economy is poor averaging approx 13 mpg, but highway is excellent averaging almost 23 mpg at approx 70 mph (close to EPA 15/21 mpg estimates). Havent snowed in NYC yet so cant comment on the AWD system. Plastics around the steering wheel and dash is rough and cheap making it hard to wipe (use lint free cloths). Center console storage is small. Bose system is disappointing. Seats 6 adults comfortably.

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  my Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jeremy j - September 3 - 11:53 pm

  I love my Mazda 6 and would recommend it to anyone. I test drove lots of other cars including an accord, an Altima and a Maxima and although some offered more power, they do not handle nearly as well as my 6. Overall, I love to drive it and am very happy with my purchase even 2 1/2 years later.

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  Well-priced and fun Small CUV - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By benny_boy - September 3 - 7:07 pm

  Have had this car for 3000 miles in 3 months. Happy with my choice so far. I am 6-2" and I have two toddlers. My wife is already driving a minivan. So, i was looking for a car that can fit the whole family occasionally, yet compact enough to fit the short street curb between driveways in san francisco, versatile, two car seats, good looking, satisfying to drive, sit high, around $22,000 (out of the door), good mpg for my long commute and respected. I have found all these in my new cx-5. I was not considering mazda. But then, i got a chance to drive a mazda3 rental with a skyactiv engine. I re-discovered the driving experience I loved so much with my old BMW 3 series.

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  Great Used Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Kubus_gt - September 3 - 10:36 am

  If you are looking for a good used car, P5 should be on the list if you can find one with low miles. I bought mine a year ago moving up, yes up, from Explorer. P5 was on my short list of cars as one of few small Wagons. The first day, I took it down twisty, country road and finally remember what I was missing out on. P5 is well designed inside, seats are comfy, all the switches, knobs and gauges are in the right places, and has the right gadgets too. Engine with 130HP is not too peppy but manages to get by, especially when kept above 3K rpms. It is very reliable engine. I have the autostick tranny which was ‘03s addition over ’02 model. Smooth shifts when not under power in auto mode.