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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  This car is truly a zoom....zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Billzer1 - August 16 - 6:20 pm

  I have owned this car for only a week and I have had more looks and compliments than any other car I have ever driven. It handles great, drives very smooth and has a lot of features only found in more expensive cars. the 4cyl engine has a lot of pick-up. The dash is very sleek and the radio w/CD player is truly and upscale design. This car has it all.

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  40 mpg - why no press for that? - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By rvoza - August 15 - 11:00 pm

  Its quick when you need it, it looks like a sharp euro car, especially in White. Ive driven 85k in the 2 years Ive had it, not one problem except new tires, no surprise. When I use Mobil 1 5-20 and drive 55, I get 40 mpg! Can you show me another non-hybrid car at this price that performs like that? at under $14k, the 07 is perfect for anyone on a lower budget. The 2.3 engine is faster and offers more color choices, but youll lose 5 mpg. The 2.0 is fast enough unless you have ego issues.

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  I love my 2001 Protege ES - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Orbital - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Golf GTI for this car and I have no regrets. I love driving this car, it doesnt ride as nicely as the Golf but the handling is far superior. All of the standard features are nice. But, the stereo in the Golf was far superior, even in 1995. Why Mazda uses cheap speakers is beyond me, but they are lousy and I will change them immediately. But I love my car!

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  Things I have notices - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iroman - August 15 - 10:00 am

  On the whole, a great car. I took the car on a long road trip with no problems. Handling is amazing. I got this car fully loaded with 5 speed and all the extras including crome wheels, moonroof and deflector, cargo tray, 6 disk changer. I added a killer aftermarket alarm, paint protectant and dark tint, and it looks sweet with the silver paint. The weaknesses are all nit-picking.

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  Zoom-Zoom Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Cars4me89 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great value, except it needs a bigger engine and it really need a leather seating option(or vinyl).

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  A true Zoom-Zoom - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By redkills - August 15 - 2:56 am

  Purchased a M2 just in sept of 2011. I love the handling on the car and yes it may be a bit short on power aka 2 least powered car sold in US market but its light weight and amazing handling makes this the perfect city zipping car. I went with the sport because the touring is a waste of money. you get "extra" stuff you dont really need, plus for those that want to autocross the sport weights less. Id rather add my own aftermarket gear and tuning. such as adding a in dash nav, if you have the touring version adding a in dash nav will make most of your wheel control features useless. lastly, this is a great car for easy upgrading and aftermarket work.

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  fun in my Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By soleil - August 13 - 9:20 am

  What a joy to drive. My husband bought me the car last year because of its sporty look with the hatch, the fact that it was a 4 door and came available in a 5 speed, and its overall safety rating. We got the blazing copper metallic and weve tinted the windows and put on Mazdaspeed wheels to make it look even sportier. For 20 years I drove Nissan 280z-300zxs and this car feels just like that but in a more practical size. What fun and a pleasure to drive; I have to keep an eye on my speed because I get to cruising real fast and dont even feel it. Great pick up, great handling; fantastic sound system and awesome look all make for a real enjoyable ride.

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  Awesome Vehicle, Great Concept - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Devon - August 13 - 2:36 am

  This car is so much fun. I didnt know what I was going to think of it when it came out. Mazda really did a great job. There is plenty of room for adults in every row, and the stow away storage is cool. I am so glad there is a NON minivan out there that I can fit all my friends into!

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  i love this car - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By trenticon - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Mazda MVP two days ago. The one I bought was New. This car is great. I love it, my wife loves it, and my child thinks its cool. I told my mother this is the best thing Ive ever owned except my house. Two big thumbs up

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  Good value for the money - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By SnapRolls - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a replacement for my 1994 Miata as my primary vehicle. Looked at sedans, SUVs, and minivans and decided the MPV offered the most bang for the buck. It drove nice, was quiet, had good fit and finish, and the LX with the LX Upgrade package, traction control, and the 4 seasons package had everything I wanted. Im 6 feet tall and the van had plenty of creature comforts for me. My garage is small but the MPVs "footprint" is actually smaller than some sedans. The seats are very versatile and I can handle them by myself... which was important as a single female.