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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  Great Car!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RAZ96 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago and absolutly love it. After research I wanted a reliable fun car. This by far is the best value car in its class. Loaded with standard features I only added ABS, Leather, and 6 disk CD/Moonroof...all for a little over 17,000. With the flexibility of folding back the rear seats for cargo and sporty features this car is a must! Moving from a Jetta GLX this car doesnt have quite the same power but once you get it in the higher RPMs, it moves! Very fun to drive!

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  I got a pair of 2000 Mazda Protege ESs - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Protegextwo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased two PRO-ES in March of 2000. Both cars have 53,750+ miles and I have to say they are excellent cars. Very good in the snow and rain. The point and shoot handling is top box for a small sedan. A hoot to drive on the twistys. The Mazda Protege is truly a larger 4-door Miata! Corolla and Civic are for the masses, however the Protege is for those in the know. God Bless Mazda, Zoom Zoom.....

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  Fun Protege 5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By WendyBialek - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years....no problems whatsoever! Extremely fun to drive, awesome handling, and great interior which does not look like cheap and plastic like most cars today. We bought this over a 2001 Passat so you can bet the car is great! Id highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive and likes sporty suspension. A 9 out of 10 in my mind. My next car will be a Mazda 6!!

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  zoom zoom for sure - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By hotrod - April 27 - 7:40 am

  i luv this car. I have copper red with 20 inch chrome wheels and this car looks so good and handles like sports car with more power than you will ever need!

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  tribute to mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By michael - April 26 - 11:46 am

  i test drove all the vehicles in its class. and i came down to mazda and honda. 2 great vehicles, but there wasnt any other vehicle in which i was instantly comfortable and at home. Mazda has always made a top notch vehicle. I had a b2200 for 9 yrs and the truck didnt cost me a dime. So i naturally wanted another mazda.Out of all vehicles in its class, the Mazda tribute has the room and the stability that i was looking for, honda makes great cars also, but for the money i was getting alot more in the Mazda that were standard features like abs brakes and 16" wheels.the 4cyl could be alittle more responsive but is nice, this is the all around the best suv for the money. great vehicle.

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  Buy one NOW! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By icvci - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to LOVE?!? Comfort, style and performance in a VERY affordable package. This car is better than EVERY car in its class. And it does it all while looking great. 4 year 50,000 mile warranty. Roadside assistance FREE over those 4/50 AND free loaners IF your Mazda needs some fixes. You must drive this car before you decide to buy anything else in its class.

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  Great in t-bone accidences!! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Ali L - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The past week I was in a serious car accident with out Mazda Protege. A car t-boned use at an intersection. It was our mazda that saved my life with the side impact beams!

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  2009 Mazda 6 i Touring w/Conv pkg - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - April 25 - 1:23 am

  I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the 1,200 miles driven on my Mazda 6 since the purchase. I decided to go with the 2.5L instead of the 6 cyl because of the commute that I have and with gas prices on the steady rise the choice was simple. When looking to replace my Mazda 3 (manual), I looked at many different vehicles, but in the end came back to the Mazda 6. The 2.5 has plenty of get-up and go for everyday driving. I also like the new interior n the 09 models. No offense to Toyota, but Mazda takes first in that category. As far as fuel economy, I am averaging 28+ mpg with blended driving of highway and city. Not bad for a car this size. Great Job Mazda

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  Sweetest SUV on the Market - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By slimgetman - April 24 - 11:50 pm

  You have to drive this vehicle to really appreciate how well it handles. With the AWD version, it feels like the car is driving on two rails it holds the road so well. The interior is luxury-car quiet. Very little road noise. The front driver seats seem a little narrow with the huge center console. Its about 10 inches longer than a Pilot or Highlander, but it doesnt look that way due to the excellent exterior design. Very sporty. The std. blue tooth is a nice touch. My wife LOVES this vehicle. So glad we didnt get a Pilot or Highlander. People complain about the gas mileage, but its an SUV....they all consume too much gas. The CX-9 was very close in MPG to its competitors.

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  An Amazing Little car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LovingtheRotary - April 24 - 2:16 pm

  Plain and simple - this is a car for those that LIKE being involved in driving. If you want things bank-vault quiet, and dont like hearing the rippp! of the buttery smooth rotary engine; if feedback from the tires and steering bothers you; if youre more concerned with saving gas than enjoying the irresistible urge to use the 9,000 RPMs worth of power - get an Accord or a Hybrid econobox. Oh and by the way, if you DONT want to be noticed, this is NOT your car! Otherwise this machine is an deliriously addicting combination of engineering refinement, race car design suspension, sweet high revving engine, comfortable high class interior, and drop dead looks, and affordable to boot!