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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  BANG BANG BANG - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mnkyboy - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Theres alot more where that came from! This car truly give you the MOST bang for your buck. It has superior styling compared to other cars in its class, and the sports car handling is spectacular. I own a Vivid Yellow, and this car turns lots of heads. Expect a big aftermarket for this car and the standard protege in a year or so. A lot of people complain about the power and how it could use more. I personally think its more than enough for the avg person. How often would you use that extra 20-30 hp? With this car, you wont be in a hurry to get anywhere...

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  Best SUV for under $30,000 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By lachom - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Tribute for a year and a half now. I usually replace my vehicles every one to two years, however this one is staying with me for a while. I love to drive this little SUV. Its like driving a tall sport sedan. Tight, Fast and sweet to look at. The best line I ever heard about the Tribute is...It looks and feels like you spent a lot more.

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  Almost perfect - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael DeNinno - January 12 - 5:58 am

  The Mazda MX-5 Miata incredibly fun to drive. The Grand Touring trim level is nicely equipped with current technology. However, the absence of a rearview backup camera is a glaring oversight. Sitting low with high headrests, rollover bars, and windscreen, it is virtually impossible to see if anything is behind the vehicle. The cross-traffic alert system helps. But, having a visual of any obstacles (without having to put down the convertible top), would allow far more confidence when backing up.

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  1 year Review for my 2005 Mazda3i - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By winstonisaac - January 12 - 3:26 am

  Car is quick for a compact sedan. Way more rear legroom than competitors and although some parts are shared between this and the Ford Focus, the Mazda interior styling outshines Corolla, Civic, Focus, Cobalt, but not Jetta. One major reason I decided on a 3 was because of engine performance. It seemed to out perform its competitors in HP at 148. One thing Ive noticed about driving and do like is the quick acceleration at higher speeds (60+mph); this car really feels somewhat like a 6 cylinder at these speeds. The low speed acceleration doesnt seem that great. Everyone I know loves the interior, but here is where my complaints lie. The microfiber seats build static on your clothes and the glove compartment squeaks.

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  My 2nd Millenia in 2 years--great value! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Jeegee - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I picked up my 2nd Millenia yesterday and obviously love the car. The updates done since the 2000 model are nice and make the car seem even more upscale. I feel the suspension upgrades enhance the stability and seem to quiet the car. The new Optitron gauges are very Lexus-like. Overall, I cant say enough about what a great value Mazda has here when you can purchase this much car for the same price range as Accord, Camry and Altima. Zoom Zoom Zoom!

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  1999 Mazda 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Lucas Magnum - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been nothing but reliable. The four cylinder automatic is adequate, but not fast. The cabin noise is more than it should be on rouch asphalt. The interior ergonomics and passenger comfort at excellent. The emergency handling is very good.

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  This Car ROCKS!! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ILove2Drive - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Miata! Its so much fun to drive and surprisingly roomy and comfortable. Best of all it handles well - just hugs the road. For a single person like me its perfect, but if I had to drive someone else all the time it would get a bit cramped. For now, however, it works.

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  Its a beautiful thing.... - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MiataMama - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little car! In a year of ownership Ive had no service problems whatsoever. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Easy to take care of; top is a breeze to put up and down; and it has way more trunk room than the Mazda MR2. Dont drive it in snowy conditions, though. Back end wont stay still. Very scary! Best to have a backup car for that.

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  Good change from a 2000 corolla - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Jason McGovern - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be the coolest eco-sedan I have ever driven. Its a very nimble little car and with being a bit smaller than other eco sedans, the 130hp engine goes a bit farther on get up and go. This car comes with a sporty grip steering wheel which I believe is a 13" (a little smaller than most others). Makes for a very fun drive and ALL curvy roads are a pleasure to drive. The construction is very solid, and the interior has no annoyances or cheap interfaces. Sure, its no drag racer, but since when do we all drive on open straight roads 100% of the time? Agility over brute strength.

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  Ol Blue - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Chapin - January 12 - 1:40 am

  This car is the most fun I have had behind the wheel in my life. Very responsive, fun to drive, economical also. I wish I would have bought one a long time ago instead of waiting till my 58 birthday.