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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  Never Again - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By scullymo - June 16 - 6:48 am

  This has bee one of my worst car buying experiences. Its hot, and fun to drive and all that, but the air conditioner never works. I have taken it to dealers in 3 states and they all say the same thing, "thats just the way it is, get used to it." I will never drive another Mazda because their customer service everywhere is awful!

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  Mazda 6 GT - It doesnt get better than this at $30k - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By hewhoiscalledj - June 15 - 9:29 pm

  Our trusty 2000 Subaru Legacy GT finally needed to be put down... It was a tragic day for us since we loved this car to death... literally. The good news is that we chose the new Mazda6 Grand Touring with the advanced cruise control and forward obstruction warning package. This badboy came loaded and dressed to the nines with its super slick (rotary inspired) 19" wheels. While it lacks the superior handling of symetrical all wheel drive and the low rev torque that our Legacy had, the Mazda6 handles the twisties and real life conditions with superb grace. Its a far smoother and refined machine compared to the Subaru. Everything about this car is just tight and mechanically perfect.

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  Mazda Protege 5 - 2002 it is the best! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By cisco19 - June 14 - 7:56 am

  I do not know how to put in words how fun and exciting it is to drive the 2002 Mazda Protege 5, I hate to admit it but I am a slow driver but for me to get a speeding ticket going over 75 miles per hour on the freeway, I know is stupid but believe it or not, I took it as a compliment that I have the talent and the automobile to go fast on the road. The gas mileage is fantastic! in addition the 2002 Mazda Protege 5 is unique and will always be in my point of view one of the best automobiles that I have ever owned. In addition, if I have the chance and the opportunity to have another Mazda Protege 5 no matter what year, I would certainly take full advantage of that.

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  TeachersCreamPuff --96 BlueMiata - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By c bone - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Other teachers jealous when I put the top down in the parking lot after school and drive 3 miles home. Students cant believe their old teacher drives this sweet car. Amazingly, a whole weeks groceries or golf clubs(if I played golf) fit in the trunk. Super fun to drive! Even featured in a homecoming parade! Leather interior adds to appeal. Need larger car to accomodate ill husband.Regular maintenance- 5 speed shifts smoothly.

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  A great car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Steve Potter - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great looks. excellent on gas and this is a very reliable car with a solid track record as being named best in class several years in a row

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  great car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By JENJEN - June 14 - 2:00 am

  i bought a late model 2000 in early 2001 and got a great deal on it w/ upgrades included. it has a roomy interior, great handling, good highway gas mileage, a nice redesign (looks classier), large trunk space, good layout of controls and they are easy to use. hp has improved from previous years. overall, its an excellent low- cost, reliable and fun car compared to other small sedans!

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  great car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jenjen - June 14 - 2:00 am

  i bought a late model 2000 in early 2001 and got a great deal on it w/ upgrades included. it has a roomy interior, great handling, good highway gas mileage, a nice redesign (looks classier), large trunk space, good layout of controls and they are easy to use. hp has improved from previous years. overall, its an excellent low- cost, reliable and fun car compared to other small sedans!

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  Beats the Civic in every way! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By ojbux - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased this car (LX) as a Christmas gift to myself. I was choosing between the Civic, Corolla, Matrix and Sentra. Im so glad i chose this one. It is so crisp and build quality is excellent. ConsumerReports Magazine rates its reliablity higher than the "almighty" honda civic and equal to the Accord. Interior is one of the best. Styling looks sharp and sophisicated unlike the cutesy-cutesy corolla or civic. It came with cool wheels, bright tip muffler,in-dash 6 cd changer. All in all, this car is much fun to drive.

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  SUV of the year - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By PB - June 13 - 7:16 pm

  This is the best SUV that I have ever owned. The 6 speed is as smooth as a high end luxury car and the car never fails to find the perfect gear. I am thankful for the gear indicator in the gauges because sometimes you have no idea what gear you are in because the shifting is so smooth; even at high speeds and acceleration. Its quick, comfortable and fun to drive. The bluetooth is great and works well. The 20 inch wheels perform great in the mountains but the ride is bumpy in everyday driving due to the smaller side walls in these larger tires. Tight turning radius makes for easy maneuverability. The keyless entry and ignition work well and is a must have. Very easy to access 3rd row

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  Bought Brand new in Jan 2007 Let me tell you what I know to date! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By goodnplenty - June 13 - 12:54 pm

  The tires are rediculous on this car, you have to rotate them with EVERY oil change because this car only requires you to get an oil change every 5,000-6,500 You cannot get non Mazda Shocks on this car and apparently noone but Mazda can seem to get the shock to work for than a 8months even if your machanic gets the shocks from mazda. I put after market shocks on my car from 2 diff. mecahnics and they both busted a block down the road. then they replaced them with Mazda shocks and they worked for a while, now Im waiting to see if Mazda will warranty the one that isnt good less than a year later. I drive my car about 60 miles a day back and forth on the Turnpike mostly highwy