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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  2001 Mazda Protege LX - Minor Problems - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By kevin111 - August 15 - 5:56 pm

  Quality compact with excellent fuel mileage. 35 mpg on a trip with automatic and the air on. Overdrive sips gas. Tight build quality. Great handling. Impressive interior room. Stylish exterior design. Relatively quiet except when engine is pushed. Very compliant ride. Quality car but Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic might be better.

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  626 sedan - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Oundle - August 14 - 11:03 pm

  So reliable, Ive been the only owner and driver to date. 8 yrs of trouble free motoring.

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  Michael Gilchrist - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By gilxunlimited - August 14 - 12:46 pm

  Great no complaints

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  Excellent 2nd car - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stuart - August 14 - 3:30 am

  This is the most fun-to-drive car that Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. Not especially fast, but the chassis dynamics are an excellent compromise between comfort and control. The stock exhaust provides an aural symphony as you run through the gears. To maximize acceleration, youll need to spin it >4k rpm. Shifting is a "snick-snick" proposition with short, precise throws. Dont expect a limo ride, but its far from punishing. Handling is excellent - balanced, with moderate roll and good feel through the wheel. Trunk space is limited; it could use a 6th gear; rear-side visibility is limited with the top up; and the car is not quiet. These are the demerits.

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  Great Car But Beware of Problems - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jjkarns - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Dont know where to begin. I love the car as its a fun to drive compact wagon. However with all the problems involved with the car it is wearing out its welcome. Engine gets terrible fuel economy, shakes and vibrates like crazy, has no power, and the transmission is already in need of replacement (clutch chatter that of course the dealer cant recreate. Third gear grinds already and pops out of gear sometimes when you put it in there!?! Of course Dealer cant reproduce problem). Interior door fabric is already worn out and the paint chips like crazy on the front.

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  Excellent car for the price - 2001 Mazda 626
  By iBlue - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. I got 44k miles on it and had zero problem so far. Comparable with Camery and Accord, but much better price. Mazda offers better performance/price ratio. Buy again.

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  Great car, but unreliable at times - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By OwnerInTorrance - August 10 - 11:33 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s hatchback for 3.5 years now. Its been a good, not great car. I love the looks and sportiness versus the Accord and Camry - a fun car for a young dad. However, Ive had several maintenance issues that have kept the car in the shop more than I would have liked - starter, water pump, radiator all had to be replaced, axle seal leaking, among other things. It was all covered by warranty, but still a pain. On top of all this, my gas mileage is less than I hoped, around 15 mpg when I was hoping for closer to 20 mpg.

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  Its cool - 2002 Mazda 626
  By cool210 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The 626lx I have is very fun, its very different, thats why I purchased it. When I went car shopping my first options were either honda accord or the 626, the 626 to me was more attractive even though honda and toyota get better publicity, I consider the 626 the best kept secret.

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  Mazada CX7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Steve - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I get 20+ mpg in town and 23 hwy. I have put almost 70,000 miles on in the last 2 1/2 years. A lot of room inside and very stylish outside. I have been very satisfied with my CX7. Dependable with good service, comfort, and power.

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  Awe-some - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Awe-some - August 7 - 11:40 am

  This is a great car for budget-minded car enthusiasts. Fun to drive, good performance for the price. Its not a Bimmer or an Audi but its also not in the same price range. Overall, its a very good balance between price, performance, comfort and reliability, still convinced after more than 85K miles driving up and down both coasts. I would recommend the 2.3L as its more zippy even with higher fuel consumption and the manual as it will allow better management of fuel economy for every day commute. If you take good care of it: dont park it outside, all scheduled maintenance, put good rubber on it, it will love you back 1000-fold.