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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  cheap and fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By p5tillidie - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a go kart and found one in the Protege5. The engine is not the most refined, the most efficient or even very powerful for that matter, but it gets the job done. The car is just fantastic for the cut and thrust of a daily city or suburban commute, particularly with the manual transmission. Dont bother with the automatic or "tiptronic" on this car.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Johnnie - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought my protege with the year end incentives. Couldnt resist the Zero percent financing. Drove the Civic, Focus, Corolla...but they were not as fun to drive. The Mazda doesnt get as good of gas mileage... but its way fun to drive.

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  awesome - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lovelytribute41 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  awesome experiance,enjoy all features did homework b/4 purchase. Great warranty,good resale value,affordable price. good customer satisfaction

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  Mazda MPV LX - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By van dad - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van for the family. Our 61" son is very comfortable inside and it handles like a dream. Dash panel controls are easy to manipulate and the radio/cruise buttons on the steering wheel are a great plus. We LOVE this vehicle! The ride is extremely quiet.

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  my mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mikenysf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  i love this suv

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  I love this car!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By reagansmommie01 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking into buying this care for a couple of months. I have also been researching it on the web. This past weekend I was able to purchase it, and I know that I couldnt have made a better decision. I absolutely LOVE this car!!!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NewOwner1351464 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is well worth the price. I would not recommend any other car in its class. Once you test drive the 5- speed you will be hooked for life. The automatic has terrible pickup, and doesnt get any better with the clutchless shift. I wouldnt give my 3 up to anyone.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mikeZX - April 3 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR! THEY SHOULD MAKE THIS VEHICLE IN A V-8!

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  New to the minivan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By prlamz - April 2 - 7:20 pm

  We now have 600 miles on our new MPV and feel very good about our choice so far. We had planned on buying an Odyssey but, luckily, did not find one in time. We were a little anxious to drive a behemoth. The MPV feels like a car. It takes less place in our garage than the Volvo station wagon it replaces. The power of the engines makes us long for a manual transmission.

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  This car rocks - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Anna Rudowski - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda Protege is only second to one vehicle that I have driven before it. That vehicle would be a BMW 3 series. Other than that, this is the most fun car I have ever driven. The 5 spd manual transmission is easy and comfortable to drive. The price was also amazing. I would have easily paid much more money for this car, and it would have been worth it.