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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  Moms Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By barnatcb - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazdas. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, thats what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people in their early 20s, and theyre jealous of my ride. Dont worry, I let my son borrow it too. Hes looking for a Mazdaspeed down the road, so were definitely a Mazda family now.

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  Moms Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By barnatcb - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazdas. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, thats what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people, early 20s, and theyre jealous of my ride. Dont worry, I let my son borrow it too. Hes looking for a Mazda Speed down the road, so were definitely a Mazda family now.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By mazdawg03 - September 29 - 3:53 pm

  First the cons; small for those over 6, fuel economy is lacking for a small v6, DS should come standard with a limited slip and tow package, should have 6spd manual (mileage and towing would benefit), horrible Goodyear Wrangler GT/Ss that come on it, a more Mazda/less Ford interior would be nice, seats are too firm for long trips(pad fixes this) . Now PROS; RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, did I mention its been reliable? Only issue in 78,xxx + was a sensor @ 5k that was replaced under warranty with no qualms. Paint still looks new, front brakes lasted for 50k, clutch is still great, engine still peppy (although more power would be great). Great deal considering cost vs other ops.

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  Great car at a great price - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By chumly - September 28 - 4:24 pm

  I bought my Protege 5 in January 2004 for $13,900 due to its being replaced by the Mazda 3. Im on my 7th year and it has been a great car! I have 160,000 miles and Ive had few issues. At 120,000 miles it started running rough and I found that the hose connecting the airbox to the intake was cracked. It cost about $90. At 100,000 miles I replaced the timing belt, belts, hoses, water pump for about $1000 through the dealer. Other than that it has been basic maintenance and has been very reliable. It now needs new struts, but otherwise works fine. I hope to get a few more years out of it.

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  The winning choice. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc - September 28 - 11:16 am

  I compared the Civic and Corolla before this purchase and took each for a test drive. The Corolla and Civic both have better gas mileage but have less pickup/power as well. The Corolla simply wasnt fun to drive and the Civic was too pricey. Dealer offered me more than TMV for my trade in, $500 less than invoice and NO FEES! Honda wanted invoice, they waived the fees but offered my $1500 less than TMV for my trade in. In the end, I decided the extra performance and cash made the Mazda3 a better choice. After a month of driving, the Mazda3 handles so well, I have to pay more attention or I find myself way over the speed limit without feeling it.

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  Fun Machine - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jerry - September 28 - 1:13 am

  This high wagon is outstanding. Slick exterior design and the interior is great. I enjoy the way it drives and its fun to switch gears on the auto/manual stick shift.

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  Almost 120,000 miles in 6 years!! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By CR - September 28 - 12:36 am

  Ive driven this car A LOT -- long road trips, extended periods of stop & go local driving, and commuting up a mountain and back 6 days a week for almost 2 years. It is very comfortable. The only downside is the tiny engine. Ive maintained my car well and it now has 163,000+ miles. I am finally in need of a new one. The struts are shot and so are my motor mounts. I think these issues may have been caused, in part, by my driving around for a month with a broken sway-bar link (part of the suspension). Ive never had a problem with my transmission, or engine. Id get my car fixed, but with 163,000+ miles it is hard to say how much longer the transmission will last...Ill miss my car :-/

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  30,000 review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lap - September 27 - 9:03 pm

  Im not sure if Im just lucky, good with preventative maintenance, etc. - but with 30,000 miles on my Tribute Im happy to report I havent had one thing go wrong! I still love my truck after 2 years.

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  Towing with CX5 Touring Model (with 5000 miles) - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kokenfarm - September 27 - 10:11 am

  I tow a Waverunner (1500lbs) with my CX5 and it does fine. Went from TN to WI round trip and got 24 miles per gal.while pulling. The SUV does fine pulling the Waverunner in and out of the water. With tow wiring installed the BSM does not work which is to bad. The tow wiring kit has been installed correctly. The Reese type 3 trailer hitch does not rattle while driving. The first hitch installed rattle terribly at 2300 RPMs. Initially my highway gas mileage was lower than expected when not towing (was around 30 mpg), but that is improving as I add mileage; currently getting 33 mpg. The CX5 has plenty of umph you just have to put your foot into it, especially when towing.

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  mazda99 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By missy01 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  It was a well running car until it reached 70,000 miles. Lots of problems after this point. I did not abuse this car, I had the oil changed and the car checked every 3,000 miles. Had to replace transmission. Every year the coolant bottle cracks, replaced twice under warranty and every year there after. Would recommend to lease this car, not to buy it-too many problems.