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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  Fun to Drive & Keep!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By SS in AZ - October 19 - 11:13 am

  Purchased new 12-2002 after 350000+ miles on a 1991 Mazda Protege LX. No mechanical problems with the engine in this car!!!Only had to replace lock motor for $400.00. I use Mobil 1 and stay on top of the maintenance. Fun to Drive but you need to keep the tires aligned and rotated or they will be worn in a year.

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  My RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zukowwa1 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, but the gear ratios are so close it seems to have a few too many gears. It would be nice if there were some adjustment so that 4th & 5th gears could be used for city driving and 6th used for >50 MPH. The cost for fuel (due to the need for premium grade coupled with the poor gas mileage) is ridiculous. It is like driving a full-size SUV!

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  Very good car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By OnMySecondMazda - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is one GREAT car. Very stable cutting corners. Here are only few "negative" observations; everything else is GREAT. Headrest is a bit awkward as it pushes your head towards the front (I was told this is good in the case of a crash?). Snow handling is very poor. My old Protege w/Michellin X1s could go up a steep hill covered with 7 inches of snow without a problem. My new M3 has a very hard time handing smallest amount of snow. OK it has sportier tires but I wish I did not have to get winter tires. Air bag light (red one in front of the driver) just started coming on (will have to investigate if this is a known problem).

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  My Second Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Motorhead - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The first "Protee" I had got 240,000 on it before the trannie blew...rebuilt it, and and original engine has 300,000 on it. But it had become a little cranky over the years, so I thought it was time for a new one. (I sure got my dough out of the first!) Its a great little urban runabout, ultra-reliable and I get about 25 MPG city, 31 HWY. Seems to have enough pep with the 2.0 for Southern California freeways. The rides a little stiff, and it transmits a bit of noise on rough freeways (which is nealy all of the local decrepit Caltrans freeways), but overall a very nice handling machine.

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  Chops review - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Shooter20 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent family van, especially for those with smaller families. It is super on the highways and the view from the drivers seat is nearly perfect.

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  Owned almost 3 weeks - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mary Lou - October 17 - 9:40 am

  So far I like the car, very sporty. Rides and handles nice, good pick up for a 4 cylinder. Good visibility, no obstructions, can see very well even with spoiler.

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  Gas Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Al Bradley - October 16 - 12:16 pm

  My first tank I got 40 mpg. I could not believe this so I checked the second tank, 37.3 mpg, much better than what the EPA says (32). This was all highway driving in the mountains. Great car!!

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  Engine Tick @ 12,000 miles - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By salesguy - October 16 - 2:46 am

  The CX-9 is good looking and fairly responsive for a heavy vehicle. But, the engine developed a ticking noise at 12k miles. NOT what I would expect from a $40k car. Been in twice to fix, but has returned twice. Dealer service is OK, not on par with Acura, BMW, Lexus.

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  Beware of Road Noise - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By cozyjohn - October 15 - 4:46 am

  The noise appears to be coming out of the rear wheel well area. I spend quite a bit of time on the Interstates for my job and the noise is constant. Friends say "just turn up the radio", but that’s not a solution. Both Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics magazines have made it a point in their reviews to mention the "noise issue", wish I had read them first. The decision to purchase was based on my need to improve fuel economy, the looks and how the vehicle physically drove. (all of these are great) But I have regretted my purchase since the 1st road trip. Either a financial loss is taken by trading / selling it or I do something about it.

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  Fun drive-add inches - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gary moon - October 15 - 12:53 am

  Love the exterior style, price was a major factor in purchase. Turns out the machine is a hoot to drive, I fell in love during the test drive with the zippy feel and handling. My salesman just about had a coranary while I was puttng this car through its paces. Shifting the Miata is great fun, I love torturing the transmission from red light to red light.