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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  A Little disappointmenting - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By sunrup - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I like the drive the Protege offers, have a milion complaints about the gas mileage. The car has 12000 miles on it and still does not give me good mileage in the city. It does not go beyond 23 miles to a gallon. The overall build is pretty ok, it is definitely fun to drive. A few creaks have developed on the front doors, but the dealer said that was how these cars were built. The Accords give better mileage and I feel a little short changed on that front, may be I should have got a bigger car. The engine is now far more noisier, for 12000 miles I am a little disappointed at that.

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  fun and functional - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By alan4491 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  looked at other cars in its class (civic, corolla, lancer), but this was the best value w/ options i got (auto, abs w/ side airbags) . . . cool alloys and dual front airbags are std. on LX. great for commuting to work and large enough for my growing family (4 so far).

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  The "Nat One" - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Natalie - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Everyone calls my miata the "Nat One" because my name is Nat and my miata is my "baby". It is silver with a black top and interior. I added black leather seats with silver inserts, a chrome fuel door and a chrome style bar so far. There are many more mods I have planned for her. If youre thinking about buying a miata, stop thinking and do it!! The handling is on par with $40- $60k sports cars and the overall performance is great. Everyone loves the design, it is beautiful. For you guys, its a chick magnet to boot. All the guys I know ask to borrow it because CHICKS LOVE THIS CAR! In short, I love my miata and im keeping it forever!

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  2002 Mazda Protege ES - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By SteveR - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Car handles very well, comfortable, roomy back seat for the size class. Sharp looking exterior. Automatic transmission shifts well, although it feels like it could use another gear at highway speeds. Interior looks good, not too cheap; however the center console/armrest is too low. I also wish that it had a timer on the rear defroster, door unlock buttons on the passenger doors and a trunk release button on the keyless enty remote. The red illumination of the gauges took awhile to get use to as well. I am getting 25 MPG in mixed driving, I was hoping for a little better. Other than that I cant complain.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By darth_flatus - March 17 - 11:24 pm

  Bought my 5 door Grand Touring new about a month ago. Absolutely love this car. I consider myself a car "junkie" who loves to drive. I drive about 1,000 miles per month for work, and let me tell you, this car makes it a completely different experience to drive. The handling is great, the 2.5L engine feels like a V6, the seats are comfy...I could go on and on. My friends, family, and neighbors are all intrigued by the look of the car and once they get in and ride in it they walk away impressed. The backseat is a little tight on leg room, but, my kids fit just fine. Averaging 25 MPG do far with mixed but mostly city driving. Good numbers when you consider the power the engine puts out.

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  First Generation Odyssey Replacement - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By stan - March 17 - 7:00 pm

  Replacement for our 10 year old 1st generation Honda Odyssey (bought new). I was struck by the nearly identical specifications, etc. Physical size, wheelbase, engine size, output, seats, even MPG is identical.

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  Lives up to expectation - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jazzman - March 17 - 5:23 pm

  This car is as fun as everyone else mentioned. The handling is superb, power is ample--gets out of its own way. My mileage has been as high as 32 but averages 26 for mostly local driving. I own a 2009 Mazda 6 also--that car drives like a lexus, nice but doesnt have the tight handling feel of my 3. All the features in the car are smartly done-- most bang for the buck. Lifes too short for boring cars and this one is not. The rear doors are pretty tight getting in and out so this is not the ideal family car (hence my 6 which is as roomy as a lincoln town car). The only drag is all the slow drivers in front of me, especially minivan drivers. If I had the 2.5 engine Id be getting tickets.

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  Great Car but climate Control does not work correctly - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By newowner10 - March 17 - 2:44 pm

  My only real complaint is the Automatic Climate Control is not automatic. If the outdoor temperature is 85 Degrees and the temperature is set to 62F on the automatic temperature control the blower will run at 50% and slow down in 5 minutes to 25%. After 30 minutes of driving the temperature in the car is 78 degrees. The dealer said this is normal. I sent an E-Mail to customer care, a week later they repeated what the dealer said and would not take any further action on behalf. This causes me to have to manually maintain the temperature by varying the fan speed and switching the air intake. I can only assume all of the CX-5s (Possibly all Mazdas)will operate the same way. Be AWARE of this.

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  Poor reliability and durability - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ahmed - March 17 - 8:50 am

  I had Mazda 6 and it was doing well till it hit the 50 k mark and then it became a problem. Once it had 65K and it became beyond repair. If you are looking for a durable car for sure this is not for you.

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  Wow - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Elizabeth Gay - March 17 - 7:43 am

  Solid describes my wagon. It feels stable and safe on the road - even if that is a twisty mountain road. It is comfortable to ride in and FUN to drive with plenty of pickup and plenty plenty plenty of power. It is a gorgeous car with classic lines that will wear well over time. Ive had Mazdas for 20 years and have enjoyed them all but the Mazda Sport Wagon is the best. I haul horse feed - no problem. I haul all kinds of things - no problem. Its the kind of car that is elegant without being flashy, graceful to the eye and comfortable to the body. This is my lifetime favorite car. Wow.