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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  Single foot seeks pedal to mash... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Twitch - April 28 - 9:30 pm

  Mistakenly bought this car for my wife, and wished Id given her my car and kept this one for myself instead! This is truly a drivers car. Bose system makes your ears dance. I found myself out in the garage more than once just listening to a new cd. Honest. And once you back it out of the garage, let the fun begin! Ford Duratec V6 has a nice exhaust note when pushed. The platform/suspension sometimes feels like it was designed for the lighter 4-cyl, but the V6 will pin your ears back if you hit your corners at mid-range rpm! 6-speed transmission geared a bit odd between 1st and 2nd, but sweet between 5th and 6th on road trips. And 3rd/4th gears make you over-eager to pass anyone.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By VengefulTick - April 28 - 4:46 pm

  Bought this car new for my wife in early 2004. We broke it in by driving it from Colorado Springs, CO to Anchorage, AK via Canada. It has never let us down, always been a great car

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  Bye 13 Focus, Hello Skyactiv!! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3_2013 - April 28 - 2:41 am

  I traded my 13 Ford Focus (that I bought brand new), for my brand new Mazda3. Let me tell you this car is better in all aspects. The Focus was very nice, but could not get used to the Dual Clutch transmission. I was in heaven when I test drove my Mazda, it drives better then the Focus, it shifts better, handles better. Everyone says how the Mazda3 has hard plastic all over the place on the inside, I dont know about you but I dont drive and tap my fingers on the dashboard at the sometime. Yes, somethings could of been made and/or placed different, but Ive never seen a car where everything is perfect, but the Mazda3 comes pretty darn close.

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  2002 Mazda B3000 4X4 - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By rideayeti - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck! A little underpowered with the 3.0 liter engine, but the tradeoff is a consistent 22-23 mpg. Great styling, well built, economical vehicle.

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  Great Car - 103,000 Miles So Far - 1999 Mazda 626
  By vramirez - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new. It currently has 103,000 miles and so far Ive only had to pay for routine maintenace..with the exception of the door seals. It did have a couple of repairs while under warranty: Clock spring in steering wheel and CV joints. Mazda auto shops were a pain to work with. Had to take car back several times with both problems before they were fixed. Different Mazda shops.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RAZ96 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago and absolutly love it. After research I wanted a reliable fun car. This by far is the best value car in its class. Loaded with standard features I only added ABS, Leather, and 6 disk CD/Moonroof...all for a little over 17,000. With the flexibility of folding back the rear seats for cargo and sporty features this car is a must! Moving from a Jetta GLX this car doesnt have quite the same power but once you get it in the higher RPMs, it moves! Very fun to drive!

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  I got a pair of 2000 Mazda Protege ESs - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Protegextwo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased two PRO-ES in March of 2000. Both cars have 53,750+ miles and I have to say they are excellent cars. Very good in the snow and rain. The point and shoot handling is top box for a small sedan. A hoot to drive on the twistys. The Mazda Protege is truly a larger 4-door Miata! Corolla and Civic are for the masses, however the Protege is for those in the know. God Bless Mazda, Zoom Zoom.....

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  Fun Protege 5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By WendyBialek - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years....no problems whatsoever! Extremely fun to drive, awesome handling, and great interior which does not look like cheap and plastic like most cars today. We bought this over a 2001 Passat so you can bet the car is great! Id highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive and likes sporty suspension. A 9 out of 10 in my mind. My next car will be a Mazda 6!!

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  zoom zoom for sure - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By hotrod - April 27 - 7:40 am

  i luv this car. I have copper red with 20 inch chrome wheels and this car looks so good and handles like sports car with more power than you will ever need!

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  What a piece of ^%$^%$^&%! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stissenko - April 26 - 5:30 pm

  I have a 2.3 AT version with currently 83K on it. TO begin is I should say it is the WORST car I have ever had (and I have owned quite a few). I have recently changed: all 4 shocks , bar links, rotors, caliper, leaking radiator, engine mount, heat shield, had to fix exhaust pipe! Unfortunately, it didnt solve all problems: I keep adjusting the breaks (obviously, I do not count new pads, since it is a maintenance), but the noise is still there. Right caliper is about to have to be changed (I am selling the car prior to that). I guess I am really tired of having the car at the shop ALL THE TIME, trying to understand whats wrong with it. If you want a car: DO NOT BUY!