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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  Great First Van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Ike - January 28 - 2:16 pm

  I always hated vans, but as a father, I had to give in. I got rid of my "grampa-style" sedan and my 4x4 truck and got one family vehicle. I debated between an SUV and a Minivan, today I drive the MPV. Granted I miss my comfy seats sedan and its leather seats, sub-woofer, moon-roof, etc., but Im impressed by this van. It was well thought out. The variable seating configuration is amazing. I added Limo Tint and a rooftop LCD and we even go sit in the back seat, eat dinner and watch a movie inside the van. It drives and handles very well. I just wish the driver seat was a lot more comfortable, its too hard and too short.

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  Awesome new sports car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Roland256 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best sports cars I have ever driven in last 15 years of my driving experience. 2 days after I got the 8, I took it to the track, and got 0-60 time of 5.78 sec. and ran 1/4 mile at 14.2 seconds, which made me surprised since C&D said its slower a bit. Comfort at back is better than most coupes. Its even better than some sedans. Ive redlined it dozens of times now, and no problems with anything even though its still brand new.

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  Awesome sports car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Drek4 - January 20 - 3:00 am

  This car is awesome. The best car that I have ever driven. The sweet spot for this wonderful rotary motor is between 5000-8000 rpm, below that it`s just a civilized sedan. I love this car on the highway, so comfortable and at ease with any speed you drive it. The handling of this car is just fabulous thanks to the 50/50 weight ratio front/rear. Even the looks on this car are too good to be true. I don`t know why everyone says to always check the oil level on this carÂ…Ive driven about 2500 miles with it since I got it and still at the same mark on the stick. The front seats are nice and comfortable. The BOSE sound system is nice and has a decent surround effect with its 9 speakers.

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  Basic Transportation - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By canada2015 - January 18 - 9:02 am

  We purchased our Mazda protege off a classified site for $1100 Canadian. It was as is but only required two tires and rear shoes for safety. Weve had our protege for just over a year now and it has required minimal repairs such as front stabilizer links serpentine belts (there are two, there small and they tend to break). The 1.6L with the 4 speed automatic is good on fuel both in the city and the highway. The car had 249 000kms on it and it now has 280 000kms. It handles well in the winter but ONLY if winter tires are equipped. Currently the car runs and drives but when the temperature drops below -5 C the thermostat sticks open and we dont get any heat. Id recommend this car to anyone.

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  Fun car with some annoying quirks - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DCdriver - January 13 - 7:43 am

  I bought this car in 2008 looking for a sporty hatchback on the cheap. At the time there wasnt much in the offering, unlike today where it seems like hatchbacks have caught on again. Its a great car for most occasions with plenty of "get-up", lots of room with the seats down, and a great exterior (imho). Unfortunately its not without its problems: anything exhaust related (EGR valve for instance, the fact that it has TWO cat. converters that like to fail!) and of course the headlights, as most other reviewers have mentioned. All in all its a fun car, but if I had to do it again I might have spent a little more money and gone for a Mazda3.

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  Driving isnt boring anymore - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ValiantSailor - January 11 - 3:33 pm

  Ever own a car so fun that you looked for excuses to go driving, or taking the long way home? Thats the Miata, or MX-5 as its now called. This car is so responsive it seems the driver can control it with thoughts alone. Light...predictable...responsive...FUN! All this and 30MPG, too!

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  New Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne - January 9 - 4:50 am

  I had the first model Tribute in 2001 and the 2005 has a few well needed improvements. Its quieter plus they finally got rid of that goofy "in the way" gear shifter. This vehicle needs a large gas tank to improve cruising range. I believe this is a good buy for the price.

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  Really Quite Impressive - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By beeminbobby - January 7 - 8:30 am

  I recently decided to impose some voluntary belt tightening in car payments and gas consumption. Over the past 20 years Ive driven a number of BMWs, Audis and Acuras, but "downgrading" to the Mazda 3 really wasnt a big deal. The car is very comfortable and quiet, is relatively fun to drive, and is for sure more reliable than BMW or Audi. No, it doesnt have all the "bells and whistles", performance capabilities, or panache and ego stroke of a BMW, but I also have a car payment that is less than half of what I used to have! Maybe I can retire 5 years sooner now!!

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  Zoom, Zoom ?? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MINIVANMOM - January 7 - 4:23 am

  Just bought the vehicle and immediately took it on a LONG trip. A pretty comfortable ride, with lots of room. Some very nice features, and received lots of compliments on the exterior design. Overall we are pleased. Not all is perfect in Zoom Zoom land however. With a load it takes its sweet time passing cars at freeway speeds. Husband sez something about low-end torque...or lack thereof. Mileage about as expected...maybe 22 on open road. Surprisingly not much worse in town. Having to pay extra for satellite radio installation in a vehicle of this price range is disappointing. Radar in rear bumper that detects passing vehicles, (and sometimes nearby guard rails) is a great safety feature.

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  Twice Mazda Owner - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By pat ark - January 6 - 6:30 am

  I have owned my Mazda van for 7 1/2 years and love the way it rides and drives. It is easily guided into parking spots and easy to backup and pass other vehicles on the highway. Love the room that it has when all the seats are lowered or removed.