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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  Big Smiles! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By AG - March 24 - 10:26 am

  Picked up my new Copper Red MX-5 Grand Touring just earlier today and I am already very impressed. This car feels very solid and well put together like high-end German vehicles and handles amazingly. 170 HP may not sound like a lot, but in this car, it is plenty of power thanks to good torque delivery at lower RPMs and a free-revving engine. Driving this car will instantly plaster a big smile to your face. It is highly recommended, especially with Mazdas standard warranty and the asking price. By the way, my vehicle was purchased at invoice price, so dont settle for MSRP. It also helps to price over the internet and get several dealers competing for your business. Car shopping 101.

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  economy car? - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bklynbruce - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an 1999 lx protege, the car was a nice car but lacked pizzaz.As soon as i saw and took my first test drive of this pr5 i knew i wanted it.I loved the 2.0 it had plenty of juice for a car this size,i was able to zip in and out of traffic with ease, the cargo space isnt huge but really great to have when the seats are down,there was more than enough room for my needs.

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  car is awesome - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ashley10142 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this was my dream car until last month when it became MY CAR!!! I love everything about it it is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Daves baby - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David Tracy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE driving my Miata! Definately no buyers remorse here. Highly recommend this car for the fun-minded and quality- minded.

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  Tribute Gold - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tardif - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving the 2004 Mazda Tribute Gold Addition. I average 238 miles to the gallon in city driving. The Tribute appears to have more interior room. With 5 boys and 3 over 6 feet tall we need all the room we can get.

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  Cute and Fun Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lolokay - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the M3 today and have already had a lot of fun driving it. Besides being inexpensive, it is stylish and easy to drive. I actually bought the car for my teenage son, but he may never get to use it because I am enjoying it so much! When I went to the dealer I was going to buy a Mazda 6 but I found this to be almost as nice, much more interesting to look at, and about $7,000 cheaper! I think this will be a hit with the teens and college students.

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  Watchout!!!! The Mazda3 is a Cut Above - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By greg jackson - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The smooth, quiet 2.3l engine along with almost no road noise is amazing in this class car. The interior quality and design belongs in a far more expensive car. The 3 is much faster than it feels like. You look at the speedometer and your 20 mph over the speed limit. First gear (automatic) with your foot down just a little and your gone. Wonderful handling car.

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  Amazing Mazda - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By George Linares - March 23 - 1:13 am

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  A drivers car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By lanshahan - March 21 - 10:00 am

  After two fun years with the Protege ES I can report that this cars best feature is the well developed suspension. The steering provides great feedback, and is properly weighted.Brakes are up to the task even with the low tech drums out back. The motor is adequate but who doesnt want more power. Styling is clean both exterior and interior and is holding up well to the rigors of the day to day grind. On the downside I have found that this is a noisy car and I have had to add some insulation to the rear panel and doors. Additionally I had the vehicle undercoated. I have also had to solve a couple of rattle/buzz issues.

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  P5 Envy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jeff203 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The P5 really is a great car! Easily the best looking in the growing small sport wagon niche. The car is an absolute blast to drive, even with the underpowered engine. If it had another 30-40 hp, Id be in heaven. It handles like its on rails. The suspension is very tight and the accelerator is extremely touchy. Just the way it should be. The car is solidly built. I dont have any of the rattles that others have mentioned. I would definitely recommend the car to those looking for something very sporty, who at the same time need that space for the kids, etc.