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 rocks! - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By fmuta - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Millenia S now for a year and it had been an awesome car! The looks turn heads everywhere we go and the quality could not be better. We paid approx. $8,000 less than a comparable Acura/Lexus and we are really glad that we did. ZOOM ZOOM!!

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  an offer you cant refuse! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By bearcat - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Protege 5 in July 2002 and couldnt be more pleased. I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a sporty compact car that loves to drive. PLUS, Mazda is offering some incredible financing options - 0% for 48 months, $500 college grad program and NO PAYMENTS until Jan 2003! All in all, this car comes fully equipped for under $16,000! Bottom Line: Its an incredible deal on an incredibly fun to drive car.

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  2002 Protege ES - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MDLockard - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Protege to replace my aging 94 Escort GT. I have nothing but praise for the vechicle. The handling is superb especially with 4 wheel discs and 16 inch wheels on the ES. My only complaint is lack of power which can easily be fixed with some light mods (air filter and exhaust). Im also planning to install a strut tower bar with some stiffer springs and new shocks. For 15 grand its the best car on the market.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fred frieze jr - September 12 - 9:46 am

  Great car. Love the copper/tan combination real sharp. First time convertible for us and we are very pleased.

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  zoomzoom!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom - September 12 - 5:30 am

  Ive had my Mazda for 5 months now and i still absolutely love it. They happened to have the exact one i wanted with all the options i wanted fresh off the truck (moonroof, rear wing, in dash 6-disc cd change, among others)I cant wait to drive to work everday and i always offer to to drive everywhere and i love showing the car off. Like everyone else i agree it needs a trunk release! other then that no complaints! Love love love this car! no regrets buying it!

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  What A Car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By AFMIII - September 11 - 4:26 pm

  I love this car!!! It has more power then i expected. I am averaging 21.5 mpg. It is real stylish and very zippy. Bought it in the Competition Yellow. Sure do turn some heads when i go speeding by. I recommend this car highly.

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  True Value for Money - Best Compact SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By dfordhiraj - September 11 - 4:26 am

  After looking at Honda CR-V, RAV4, Nissan Rouge & Mazda CX-7, the CX-7 is the best value for money compact SUV. It has a solid engine, which gives decent power with a good mileage for an SUV. Acceleration is smooth. The car has a solid build feel. The seats have a high quality cloth material. My daughter spilled carrot juice, but the juice didnt seep in the seats and we were able to wipe it off. The steering has all the possible controls for the sound system. It has got by far the best interior. The dashboard is pretty well designed. It has enough space in the trunk. All in all the SUV is a nice pleasant car to drive in town and across long distances.

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  Cant Fault My RX-8 - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By ash8 - September 10 - 10:43 pm

  So far no problems at all, I really can not fault my Superb Mazda RX-8. Fuel economy rate for performance is very acceptable, what do people expect, it is not a Civic, it is a Sports Car. Handling is Superb, #3 in America. Braking is Excellent # 10 rated against all Exotics. Performance is Fantastic for a 1.3 Litre Rotary, 0-60 in under 6.8 Sec is fast for ANY car. Great Value, nothing comes close. This car is Unique. Not a day goes by without a look or comment....is that the new Porsche..one guy asked. Would I recommend this car...Hell Yes..

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  Happy with a 5 speed - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Alex Hensley - September 10 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car new in 1998 and have had few problems. The ABS failed one week after the warranty expired and the weather stripping came loose after seven years.The Ford/Mazda product isnt as high quality as pure Mazda products Ive owned previously. I have gotten over 40 mpg on highway trips and city travel averages in the high 20s. After 8 years the only repair I have required is brake pads, plug wires and cleaning the throttle body. Friends that have the automatic transmission have had lots of problems but the stick shift has performed flawlessly. My Mazda truck is going strong after 21 years with out needing ANY major repairs. I think the merger with Ford has weakened the product.

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  Best in Class 3i automatic - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Cypher - September 9 - 1:23 am

  55 year old. My last car was a Focus ZX3 5-speed. The quality and attention to detail is incredible. Mine is Rally White with the moon roof, ABS, sport pkg and all the air bags. The car handles much better than the Focus and has the aggressive look of a BMW. Fit and finish is world class and the materials in the interior are light years ahead of any of the products offered by the big 3. I looked at the new Civic and really disliked the new dash layout and that was the only other vehicle that I considered.