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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  Love my Protege - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jjac28 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I THINK THE PROTEGE IS THE BEST IN IT S CLASS FOR THE YEAR 2000. I OWN THE ES 1.8L PROTEGE (LX IN CANADA) WITH ALL THE OPTIONS IE: TOURING PACKAGE (POTENZA TIRES, MOONROOF, SPOLIER ETC) I HAVE NOW 60,000KM ON IT AND ITS BEEN GREAT OWNING THE CAR. I AM AN AGGRESSIVE/FAST DRIVER SO I REALLY PUSH THE CAR AND IT NEVER DISAPPOINTS ME. I CANT BELIEVE THAT SOME SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS CAR. THE PROTEGE OWNERS I SPOKE TO REALLY LIKE THIS CAR AND ARE PROUD TO OWN IT.

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  bobngretchen - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By belike - August 1 - 2:00 am

  great car wife loves it

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  Sheet Metal Sport Jacket! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By dynamho - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The sport jacket: 1. Casual but appropriate 2. Dapper but not stuffy 3. Athletic but intelligent 4. Spontaneous but dependable 5. Flirty but mannerly The Protege is my sheet metal sport jacket.

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  Best in class small Sedan - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By m1zd1 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car so far, engine is responsive, manual shift is smooth, seats are comfortable, stearing is precise, suspension and tires give good handling, braking is good. Vehicle is roomy and comes with many options Standard. Price is lower than competition and 97% of Vehicle is made in Japan!

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  Enjoying it every Second - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jay - July 30 - 9:33 pm

  It took me long time to choose what my next car was going to be. My choices were TSX, Volvo S40, and RX-8. I almost went for TSX due to its reliability and low maintenance costs; the s40 was too pricy after all the options and RX-8 was over $30k. I really didnt wanted to go over $30k, however when I finish the final deal with TSX it was just $1,700 under RX- 8. Then my good conscience kicked in, "I want RX-8"!!! So I dropped the deal and went on to buy RX-8. I am enjoying it every second there after. I would have regretted it immensely if I would have gone for TSX.

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By coaster - July 30 - 7:53 pm

  I traded in a 2002 Mercedes 4 cylinder with turbocharger for my Mazda5 and am really happy with my choice. It is more responsive, lighter in its reflexes, more fun to drive and much more comfortable. Very peppy acceleration from standstill. I wanted to sit higher since I am 62" tall and this car is very comfortable for my tall frame. Second row passengers also find the space is excellent. I dont use the third row. Yes, at 70 miles per hour the motor is revving fast but it never feels pushed. In fact, I always felt I had to push the Mercedes but I coast along happily in the Mazda. Sound system in touring version is excellent. Perfect car for a trip to the supermarket or long road trip

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  Worth getting (s GT 5/A Sedan) - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Quadjuny - July 30 - 6:33 pm

  First thing first, like most reviewers, I love my car. Second, you get what you pay for. Both good and bad. I have the Gunmetal blue mica. On my Mazda I have both the Moonroof/Bose package and the Technology/keyless entry/gps package. I also had mud guards installed. At face value, the mazda 3 exterior looks incredible. Im sure I dont have to point out the details. Interior quality on bottom line models is horrid, but the top line models makes you feel like your riding in a Lexus. Everything that matters MOST, Mazda made to the highest of quality, yet Mazda cut corners in several other areas.

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  Mazda 3 a Perfect 10 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Francis - July 30 - 3:33 pm

  After doing my homework I decided to buy this car. I absolutely love it. Smooth handling, excellent response, and speedy. I could care less about the trunk feature as the other reviews. I would compare this car to a Jetta or Accord. This certainly does not look like an "economy" car.

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  2009 Mazda 6 S Touring V6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MK51 - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  Replaced a 2005 Taurus, looking for a car with updated design, performance, and technology. Definitely found the great design, performance and nice bells and whistles. Respectable gas mileage, 22 city, 27 highway. Somewhat disappointed in overall comfort and noise issues. High level of road noise from 18" tires, very sensitive steering, stiff ride, and noisy engine and compressor/fans (very annoying). Unfavorable reflection of top of dash in front window. Engine/fan noise addressed once, but not convinced it is entirely corrected. Will pursue with dealership and will get used to the other minor discomforts.

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  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By g8rforester - July 30 - 10:00 am

  As of today I have 54683 miles in less than two years and not one problem with the vehicle. I do primarily highway driving and I change the oil every 5k. This is the first Mazda I have owned and it will NOT be the last!!