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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  Protege ES replacement - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By badger_mazdaman - October 8 - 2:10 am

  Had owned a 2002 Mazda Protege ES. That car was such a well controlled handler, but was starting to get too punishing on midwestern roads hammered by a hard winter. The 08 Mazda6 is almost as fun to whip around as the Protege, but a much easier car to live with - better balance between fun and comfort. But of course handling still beats the pants off an Accord or (yawn) Camry! Size was just-right for me, and comfy enough in back that I dont feel guilty putting passengers back there like I used to.

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  Bad Rotors from Ford - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By darbow - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Here i thought i was getting Mazda reliability but all we have is a glorified Taurus! The rotors needed replaced under 40k (out of warr of course) and some sensors had to be replaced earlier on. I will keep it until Spring and then im getting a 4Runner or Pathfinder to replace it. Sorry Mazda you should have kept Ford parts out of the vehicle (engine/brakes etc....) back in 01 it was the fastest,cheapest and best looking, now its run of the mill and being underrated by Minivans.

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  2002 MPV ES Rating - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Excalibur1993 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Took out for one hour test drive and look over before buying. Went back with my head between my legs. I couldnt find anything wrong with it at all. Everything was there. No scratches. Ran great. And Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. Sure is fun to drive.

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  More Like Vroom-Vroom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Matthew Aguayo - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I leased this vehicle because with a $19,029 sticker, 1/3 down at 9.5% still came out to $500 a month payment. My credit is very good, and these numbers are the finance departments numbers. I was not crazy about the idea of leasing, but my wife wanted the car. We still purchased the car there because the price was the lowest of any of the Mazda dealers in our area.

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  The RX8 Rocks - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By MaryAnn Allison - October 3 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my RX8 for almost 2 years. It is both automatic and manual. It looks great and handles like a dream. Looks like a sophisticated sports car and has a back seat. Ive never had anything malfunction so far. The gas mileage is poor but it is worth it. 100% satisfied

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  good, reliable, fun car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By SPC protege - October 2 - 6:43 am

  I love my Protege. It might not be the fastest car, or strongest car out there, but you can still leave a lil Civic in the dust. Im into the tuner world and IÂ’m trying to do some modifications to it but itÂ’s hard to find parts for it and when I do find some aftermarket parts, they are really expensive. All in all it is a great, reliable, and fun car to have.

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  Not bad, but Mazda needs to improve. - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By djbilly - September 30 - 8:36 pm

  We like the 5, but dont love it due to a number of glitches and annoyances such as weak AC, wet weather belt squeal, cold weather suspension noises, a strange and occasional sudden loss of power in 2nd gear, and mild tire vibration at 70-80 MPH. If Mazda could fix these design and quality issues we would probably love it, but dealer has been little help! Mileage is reasonable with the 2.4L 4 cyclinder, and better than a V6 van. Very peppy with the Zoom, Zoom and looks pretty good with the sporty rims. We have found that we start feeling a little nauseated on long trips, but otherwise it is reasonably comfortable. With 6 people there is little space left for luggage. Fog lights dont do much.

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  Better then a Windstar - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Wierzbicki - September 29 - 3:00 pm

  It has all kind of neat features-the roll down passenger windows-the bench seats for the second roll turn into captain chairs and the 3rd seat folds down. It is quite and angile to drive and easy to park. The quality workmanship is perfect. The interior is smooth and great colors.

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  Good pick overall!! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jridg - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the ES over 2 1/2 years with apprx. 40,000 highway miles. Its a very responsive car and handles well on the highway and off. It has very good zip at the start and rides well, but bogs down as soon as the air conditioning goes on. As far as room, Im 62 and this is, by far, the roomiest small car Ive been in. It even has more space than the Honda Accord!

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  so far so good - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By canadaboy25 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  so far so good