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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  The Best SUV/Crossover in the market! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By RAFAEL MASSA - September 27 - 11:50 am

  I have owned minivan, small utility vehicles, sedans and sports cars. I have to admit it, the Mazda CX-9 is the most fun, beautiful, enjoyable, pleasant vehicle I have ever driven in a long time. Our MB ML320 was not as comfortable of a ride, it was almost perfect but I didnt like the AWD all the time feature. Prefer the FWD.

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  2002 Mazda Pro5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By flgardner - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome! This is my second Protege (first one a 93). Fun to drive. Definitely top quality build. I have the silver car with silver wheels, and it gets lots of looks and comments...

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  Great Mini-Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Animator - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Love the interior layout and body styling. I know its a minivan but, it does have a sporty look. It drives great. Appears to have plenty of power. Ive had it loaded with passengers and it drove as if there was only the driver. I got a great deal. You would think you would see more MPVs on the road. Fun to drive and easy to park.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By James C - September 26 - 6:30 pm

  My wife and I bought our 04 used, it had 90,000km on it, Weve had it for about 3 weeks now and its been a dream driving it. We shopped for over 1 year and found this to be the perfect car. We have a 9 month old daughter and needed a car that was big enough for everything we had to lug around, as well as be fun to drive. The 6 hit the mark. With the car seat in the center of the back seat (due to side airbags deployed from front seats) there is still enough room to put the front seats all the way back. The 3L V6 is a little big for what we wanted, but with the 5 speed manual, its a lot of fun to drive and so far the fuel mileage seems to be good, even in cold winter driving (Canada).

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  Commuters Dream - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TOMKAT50 - September 25 - 11:03 pm

  Wanted a ride for my 60 mile commute to work thats fun to drive, looks good and gets good mileage. 10K miles later no regrets. Handles fantastic, solid on highway, excellent brakes, good quality interior with nice layout, decent stereo, comfortable seats and driving position. Around 36 MPG, and lots of looks even for a 50 year old guy like me.

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  Mazda6 Sportwagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce - September 25 - 9:33 pm

  Comfortable and sporty - much more fun to drive than my old Odyssey (but I miss the extra seats). Winter driving has been a pleasant surprise - the traction control really works. Factory finishes are good - Michelin tires, leather interior, etc. No problems in 14,000 km of driving. A very reasonable ($50) dealer service. The only "shortcoming" is with cruise control - accelerating with the steering wheel button often causes the transmission to kick down to a lower gear rather than simply accelerating in 5th. Fuel economy is not as good as expected but it runs fine on regular gas - something that cant be said for a lot of the other cars I considered.

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  PROTEGE 5 STILL A WINNER - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mustangleader - September 25 - 2:40 pm

  I have written a couple of reviews. Bought new in May 2002. Reviews stating car is bad, guessing that either bought car used, abuse it driving or in bad weather areas. Im in So Cal. Runs great after 195,000 miles. Only a fuel pump at 80,000 and a new alternator recently. Normal maintenance. Still original clutch. Thats reliability. Drives like a go kart in twisties gets 31 highway 24-25 in town. Combine: 27 mpg. Complaints light bulbs burning out 2 often - its bulb holder the problem, not bulb. Just drove 2011 Mazda 2 selling 4 what I paid 4 PR5, no comparison. 2 slower/smaller. Tested Honda Fit, sits 2 high. Not as fun 2 drive. Also smaller. 2 bad Mazda stopped making PR5.

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  mazda3 by Katie - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jeromy - September 25 - 11:53 am

  A totally great little car. Mine is a stick shift and its my first car. Easy and fun to drive. The only thing that was a little weak was the horn. It was like a circus clowns car. My Dad changed it for an Air Horn like a Ferrari.

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  Great Everyday Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mustangleader - September 23 - 7:00 pm

  This is the best overall car I have owned for everyday use. I just purchased 2007 Speed3 with turbo which is obviouly a faster car. However, I like the PR5 because it drives like a go-kart. Original power was good but added a turbo muffler, cold air intake and had the computer reprogammed. Total cost was $800 which was well spent. I have plenty of power to pass on So Cal highways. I have 143,000, same clutch and only water pump had to be replaced. With slight modifications which I did, the car is great: fun to drive with its cornering ability, highway over 32 mpg if I keep the speed under 80. A great, dependable fun car. Speed3 is faster, but PR5 is easier to drive.

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  Excellent Auto - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bud-man - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Have had it for one year and with no problems of any kind. More fun to drive than you could imagine. Cant drive it with the top down without getting comments from other drivers on how great it looks. But the performance is amazing - it handles curves like a dream - at 120 mph. it feels the same as 60 mph. - the milage is pretty good at around 35 highway and 30 city. If you are considering buying a Miata, by all means dont overlook the Boss stereo system, best system I have ever heard (and I am 60 yrs. old by the way and have heard my share of systems). I give it a big thumbs up.