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 Zoom - Mazda 3 s Grand Touring -WOW - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sir Force - May 20 - 7:33 am

  Having driven 2,500 miles in just over a month this car is fun to drive! Daily commutes are really enjoyable. I was originally looking at the speed but when none were available with the options I wanted the sales guy suggested driving the 3s GT - I was hooked. Plenty of power and it runs on cheap gas compared to the turbo version. The amenities such as heated seats, heated mirrors, xeon headlights, led tail lamps, and great sound this care is very enjoyable at a great price! I would buy the Mazda 3s GT again in a heartbeat. I can not believe the value I feel I get from this car and how refined this vehicle is. Highly recommended, drive one and see for yourself!

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  Problem with seat heaters - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Rich Wood - May 19 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my CX9 to replace a 2008 Saturn Outlook. So far the car has impressed me except for the electric seat heaters,While driving my wifes seat became very hot and wouldnt shut off,I had to pull the fuse,I brought the car to the dealer which rpt the underneath of the seat was scorched and they took pictures to send to Mazda and Mazda rpts they have no fix for the problem.So now I have a new car without the electric seats I ordered until Mazda fixs the problem.It could have been worse,I guess the seats could have caught on fire and someone could have been hurt. So maybe you might want to wait on buying one until Mazda addresss the problem.

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  Greatest value and performance. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By xatharon - May 19 - 7:34 pm

  I bought my CX-5 in july, I have over 7,000 miles on it already and it has not made one peep. I drive it like a maniac in a mountainous area and still get average of 26 mpg, which is more than the computer calculated mpg. I just put it through a dangerous off-road test and it performed admirably. Two and a half inches of snow over grass and frozen mud, it drove through it like on asphalt on a hot summer day. I have done 125 miles per hour on the highway. I have not seen any reason to miss my V-6 turbocharged car, sure it does not take off on the line but it is not a race car, it still beats most vehicles. The transmission is the best I have seen outside of a Porsche.

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  My experience - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By vhdlwhiz - May 18 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car because of my previous experience with the protege. I owned one 1997 DX model from 1997. It proved to be a very reliable car and fun to drive. It lacked a bit of power but the mileage was about 36 miles to the gallon on average, not just highway. The 2003 was loaded compared to the stripped 2007 model. The larger more powerfull engine would make the car even better. Turns out that going to the automatic transmission cost me some of that power. The driving on the new model was better because of the cornering. The larger low profile wheels made the drive much better. The mileage stunk. It dropped to 27 miles to the gallon. I have liked the vehicle.

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  Buy One!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Banjax - May 18 - 8:10 am

  Bought this car for my wife as her daily car. She loves it, I love it. Lots of style, the turbo is a blast and it looks great on the road (I noticed a lot of young ladies driving these on a recent business trip to Miami, but dont tell my wife). We havent found the gas mileage to be a problem, probably getting around 500 kms to a tank of gas. We thought the level of standard features was ample and the level of comfort outstanding. The ride is firm and sporty without compromising comfort and I would recommend one of these without a second thought. The price was very reasonable also. Buy one!!

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  Fun, but no 30 mpg! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By jaegee - May 18 - 6:27 am

  I traded my Altima 3.5L for this car, hoping to get better gas mileage. I havent done better than 25.4 mpg yet, 2.5 years later. And, it does not have the zoom of a 6 cylinder (obviously). That being said, it is fun to drive, roomy, and a good-looking car. I did have to have new brakes & rotors at 30K- seemed a little soon for that! 10,000 miles later, brakes were sticking so that the rear wheel would overheat. Other minor issues- A/C is weak and stock stereo sucks. But for the most part, a good value for the price.

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  The Worst Stereo/Electronics Ive Ever Encountered - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By ec0516 - May 17 - 9:54 pm

  My 2015 CX-5 GT AWD has the poorest excuse for an infotainment system Ive ever seen, bar none. The "premium" Bose stereo sounds more like someone glued a transistor radio to the dashboard and the TomTom navigation system is extremely buggy, requiring constant updates and is agonizingly slow. Ipod support is in name only, Ive stopped using it. Voice recognition is a joke. The Bluetooth interface stumbles constantly. Various automotive sites (including this one) have referred to the electronics/audio in this vehicle as sub par or mediocre. The reality is living with it day and day out is enough to taint the entire ownership experience.

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  Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By David Brennaman - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I looked into many of the competing cars in this price range, and found no other as fun to drive or full of features as the Mazda Protege5. For my money it is the best car in this price range. It is practical, reliable, and the most fun to drive out of all the other cars. I fully recommend the Mazda Protege5.

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  Best car under $20000 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jimmy2Bad - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pro5 for less than 4 months and its got 14,0000 miles on it. Ive driven it in the city,the freeway, the mountains and on the twisties full of camping gear, a dog with a bike on the roof and its still a dream. All the car I need, though if I were dreaming, Id throw in about 20 more horses. One draw back, I got the leather interior. It looks great and is very comfortable, but when folding the back seats dow, the hinges left grooves in the leather. Both the dealership and Mazda have been unwilling to do anything about it but overall the car is a blast to drive, more fun than my the GTI 1.8, really practical and turns heads.

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  Fun to drive - around town - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ArtB - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This IS a fun car to drive and looks great but someone my age(74)should be driving something more comfortable. I much prefer our 96 Voyager on trips. Mileage is disappointing, usually about 17 mpg. Car is OK, Im just 30+ years too late. Car had to have steering box replaced about a month after we bought it. No other problems.