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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  P5 is a good deal for your money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By beastprincess - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Performance is good for a 130hp. A solid car. Interior Dash done well. Easy to use, see and looks appealing. An inexpensive car to buy and with the additions, you feel like you are in an expensive car. Overall, worth the money!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomdln - July 28 - 12:36 am

  I have always owned Hondas, but this car blows away my 2003 Honda Accord. The Mazda has better style, performance, and standard features.

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  Wonderful, best in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Will - July 27 - 5:46 pm

  I am writing this review of my new Mazda 3 mainly because I am one that reads A LOT of these reviews before buying anything, especially a new car -- so for good karma, I will add to the collective. I LOVE my new Mazda3 on so many levels that I will not be able to got into them. But for anyone considering this car, I can honestly say I regret nothing form buying this car. I also seriously considered the Toyota Matrix/RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Subaru Forrester, Honda Accord. I test drove them all multiple times as well as did in depth research online. They all came out pretty close on paper, but the Mazda was incomparable when behind the wheel. It is fun, sporty, great mileage, and reliable.

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  Excellent Commuter - Fun and Economical - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By ljt813 - July 27 - 1:29 pm

  I commute about 100 miles per day. I was looking for an economical yet fun car. I decided on the Mazda 2 w/5sp based on reviews, and past experience with Mazda products. This car is comfortable, is responsive and economical. My commute is 60% highway, 40% local and I have been averaging 38-40mpg. I cant recommend it enough.

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  A Good Bang for the Buck! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jwjuliano - July 24 - 9:26 pm

  Everything about the car is top notch. Cannot begin to compare the features for under $20K, many of which are found in cars costing twice as much. Be careful of your speed; the car is fast and quiet for its class. Gas mileage is decent, low 30s on the highway doing around 70 mph with A/C running. Aux. jack is a great feature to allow hook up for your iPod or satellite radio.

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  Keep on ZOOMin! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paulis72 - July 24 - 9:36 am

  Had to replace 03 Protege hit by drunk driver while parked. Im so excited I went with another Mazda. My Mazda3 is amazing! I cant wait to drive it every day! My boyfriend has a BMW and only prefers German cars and is heavily considering trading for Mazda3, hes jealous! The ride, handling, performance is fantastic compared to other cars in its class. My Protege had 0 problems so I am confident buying Mazda again! I have nearly 700 miles on it in 2 weeks and each day it continues to amaze me Im not driving a German car.

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  96 funmobile - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ken Taylor - July 24 - 3:53 am

  This is the second Miata for me; the first was a 1991 which I ran up to 125k and by accident found this one with 51k. You cant say enough about how fun these cars are to drive. The short throw shifter and overall balance make it a true treat to go to work in the morning. Quality build and ease of maintenance ensure the same ride year after year.

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  Fun, safe car---saved my life! - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By ZackieLibro - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 99 Mazda Protege LX used in July of 2003. 3 weeks later, I had a horrible accident with it. The car was totalled, but I walked out with only bruised ribs. The seat belts, air bags, & crumple zones worked great! The cops said they couldnt believe I wasnt badly injured, given how severe the accident was. I loved my 99 Protege. It still drove great at 70K miles. I loved the car so much that I bought a used 2000 Protege to replace it. This is a great little car!

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  This isnt your typical Ford-based Mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By moichman - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Ford controls Mazda as you know, and a lot of previous Mazdas were Fords in disguise. And Ford had a BAD mid-90s run in quality, making Mazda just as bad. The Protege is made in Japan by Mazda, and it shows. Not one day of problems. Easy to work on myself, brakes made it 40k before changing, styling is good. Interior rattles are annoying, but it was a new body style this year. Starts every day, cold or hot. Original tires were dreadful, but upgrades have solved poor-weather handling dramatically.

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  Cure to the midlife crisis - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ne28202 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  For one whom has spent the last fifteen years in station wagons, seats six sedans, and mini-vans, this little machine is the cure to the midlife crisis. The engine purrs, the handling is brisk and it just plain fun. I rate the Miata right up with my YZ 250 dirt bike on the fun meter. Dont waste your time with the automatic. I test drove the 6 speed first for about 20 minutes and then didnt even make it out of the dealer parking lot with the automatic. (Wife will just have to re- learn to drive a stick shift.