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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  Family Zoom Zoom ? - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Needed Room - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This was the 1st minivan we have purchased. It came down to this or the Honda. Didnt need as much room as the Honda had, so didnt warrant the price difference. Really like the more car like ride than the bigger vans, doesnt feel nearly as clumsy, easier to park. the 3.0L goes just fine and the 5 speed AT is very nice. My wife is the primary driver of the MPV and she gave up her 200 Diamante, which ran like a scalded cat, for the room. She doesnt buy that Zoom Zoom tag, still needs to realize it is a VAN!

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  Enjoying My Ride! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ransoms CX-7 - December 26 - 3:00 pm

  I had the privledge of selecting the type of car purchased by my employer. Crossovers were my choice of vehicle type, so the choice was between the Honda CR-V, Madza CX-7, or Nissan Murano price range. Test driving all three was fun, but I found that the Mazda had more sports car like characteristics than the others. I am a consultant, and often drive 400 mile trips in a given day, with meetings. The car is awesome for such trips. I arrive in comfort, refreshed, and ready to consult. Glad I picked the CX-7. Almost feel guilty sometimes, most people in my profession drive pickups. Enjoy my Zoom Zoom Zoom Mazda.

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  Think I Bought a Lemon! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By pstiles1 - December 25 - 8:35 am

  I bought my 2006 Mazda 6 new. I am sad to say, I think that I bought an albatross. It has become a money pit. I have put 3 sets of tires at around $1000.00 per set. The air conditioner had to be replaced. The drive chain broke & had to be replaced, thank God it was under warranty! I have had to replace the clutch. The dashboard compartment broke and now my head liner is falling down near the rear window. I also have a very audible "squeaking noise" as the car changes speed which the dealer (whom I will never work with again) says is the acs clutch since my car is "old." I had an RX7 which I loved. This car is a big disappointment!

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  Zoom, Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By industrogoth - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my car for a few weeks but Im very impressed. I actually bought the car without test driving but it was a gamble that paid off. Its very fun to drive, often come up with any reason to get behind the wheel. It rides smooth, has great handling and comes with every feature standard. A/C works great and the sound system is pretty good too, also gets great gas mileage. To sum it up, this is possibly the best car Ive ever owned and I advise you to check it out.

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  After one week - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By awolowa - December 21 - 4:21 am

  This car makes weird noises. The motor sounds like birds chirping and it makes me nervous. Is it supposed to sound like this? Sure wish I had a rear camera. The visibility is bad over the shoulder. Interior noise is fair. Car is bulky for its actual size. Handling is pretty amazing. Really holds the road. Very fun drive. However very little power, but probably enough for normal driving. Not a race car, but kinda handles like one. Boasts some good gas mileage, but havent experienced that yet. I hope its just because it needs to be "broken in".

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  Still reliable after all these years - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By caneshooter - December 20 - 4:10 pm

  My fourth consecutive Mazda. Still very reliable at 112k miles, only routine maintenance performed thus far. ES models 2.0 motor is peppy even with the 4-speed automatic. A major negative is road noise. DX & LX Proteges were already noisy and the ES models low profile tires take it up a notch. Thats why I only rated the car a "5" for comfort.

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  Decent Car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By shizzel12 - December 18 - 1:46 pm

  Good quick car to get around the city and beat other cars to a parking spot. handles good and can take tight turns that you couldnt do with most vehicles. For a 4 cylinder this car can move when you need it to. Most 4 cylinders dont have the best highway driving but this car accelerates good at higher speeds and passes with ease. I dont recommend it though if you will only be using it for highway driving because the ride is a little bumpy. I dont really care much for the mpg because for a car this size you expect it to have better gas. When i bought this car i was a little skepticle but it turned out to do what i needed it to do and i gave i just sold it in good condition with 173000 miles.

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  I love my Hatchie! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wrathwitch - December 18 - 5:40 am

  This little beast is fun to drive! I was previously driving a SUV and its nice to drive a zippy, responsive and sexy vehicle. No more soccer mom for me I have upgraded to Cougar! In all seriousness this car has the speed to pass fast and safe as well as smooth and quiet when you are not dare deviling. The only thing I dont like is that the vehicle feels floaty at higher speeds (130+ km/h). I suspect this being due to lightness of the vehicle. You can also feel her move when there are high winds on the road.

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  I like, Im impressed, but not satisfied - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Black Mazda 3 in IL - December 17 - 10:13 pm

  Bought the car new in 12/04. I agree that the car looks nice and is fun to drive. At 34K the transmission was replaced. Now at 36K the car wouldnt start! It has happened twice and the dealer(s) cannot find the problem (roadside assistance will only tow to the nearest Mazda dealer and will not tow back to the dealer where purchased even if its 12 miles farther). I love the car, but I cant zoom if it wont start.

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  Wow, I really like this car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By robin82732 - December 16 - 6:20 am

  Well I just bought a used 2007 Mazda 3 and I have to admit, I like this car. Boarder line love this car. I went from a BMW 5 series to this car because of the need for better gas mileage and my BMW was getting a little long in the tooth. Although, not as quite and as luxurious as the BMW it has all the same features and then some. And, over 30 miles to the gallon and when you commute 80 miles a day that adds up very fast. All in all, I really love this car. Sporty, handles better than the BMW and surprised at how well the 2.3 preforms. I was a little worried about the whole handling in the snow thing but the previous owner put on some great tires and it is AWESOME! Highly recommend this car.