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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  Mazda 2009 Sport - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Rick - August 14 - 2:43 am

  Only have about 1500 miles on it. Broken in very easily and averaged 23.3 MPG mostly around town. Quality is excellent. I bought the least expensive Sport version, no bells and whistles to speak of. Had the dealer install a Sunroof and it works better than the factory. My suggestion, spend the extra money and get more extras. I drive a lot, 35K yearly, and probably made a mistake with the MPG but I knew what it was when I bought it. It is a blast to drive and has great acceleration around town. Zippy! Vehicle is tight with no squeaks or rattles and nothing has fallen off yet so things are good. I would recommend this vehicle.

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  My 2nd Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By CR - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  Of all the purchasing decisions I have made in my life, choosing the 2001 Protege 5-speed DX has probably been my single best decision. I bought it used with 64k miles; it looks and runs the same after 96k miles. Replaced brakes, shocks and battery when I bought it, timing belt and other belts just now. Nothing else. My two longevity tips: use synthetic oil and hand-wax it. The only issues: The famous digital clock problem expanded to the entire radio, which now fails to operate. More road noise than Id prefer on the highway. First signs of rust showing near the wheel wells, probably from winter salt.

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  Speed3 - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By jbbrow00 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 2010 GTi to the 2011 Speed3 and it was worth it. The speed3 is much more fun to drive, smoother acceleration, better content included in package and significantly more solid.

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  repeat buyer - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By taki - August 12 - 7:10 am

  I was very happy with my 1995 Protege, so when it came time to upgrade, my choice was the 3i. Dont let salesmen try to supersize you into an s if fuel economy is of primary importance. You can get lots of extra features on an i, and its not always true that its "same price as an s" by the time youre done adding. I find 144 hp to be plenty of power for my commute, which includes pulling out onto busy roads and merging with traffic from a stop. My only real complaint is the all-black interior. Every speck of dust shows. Like a white kitchen floor, its going to take a lot of regular attention to keep it looking clean (sigh).

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  Absolutely Fantastic! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JF - August 11 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my new 3s about two weeks ago and absolutely love it! It is far and away the best vehicle in its class. The ride is smooth and controlled with a poised, well-damped feel thats more typical of premium German cars than compacts. Handling is sharp and nimble and steering is quick and linear. It just drives like a much more expensive car than it is! The 2.5L 4cyl is smooth, revs quickly, and pulls hard all across the rev range. The 6-speed is slick and a joy to row. The interior is ergonomically perfect, impressively designed, and well put together. Exterior design is slick! My only complaints are a small back seat and average fuel economy, though I have been meeting the EPA estimates.

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  Super slick - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MCP - August 11 - 4:30 am

  My Mazda Miata MX-5 answers the call for fun, speed and reliability. There are quite a few on the roads because it is mechanically sound, beautiful to just watch travel and has consistency in braking, shifting and driver expectations. The top is easy to fling done and pull back up. It has no leaks in the rain, the leather interior has been well protected and looks/drives like a much younger car even though it has 92,000 real miles. It is legal to roll the odometer back so beware of those asking a high price for low mileage-nobody has a top if the line roadster from 2007 with 60,000 miles or less. Its too much fun to let it set and decay. Id rather not drive it on the interstate but I do if Im only going a few exits.

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  Great car!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Michael - August 10 - 12:30 am

  Very nice car in all aspects with the exception of gas mileage! Still though if you need the third seat this is the cream of the class!

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By DJ in TX - August 9 - 8:33 pm

  This is my first Mazda and I must say that I was impressed from the moment I started the car. Compared to all the cars I test drove, (Rogue, Murano, highlander, Tiguon, RAV4, Equinox) I have been very pleased with what the CX- 7 offers. Gave me a smooth, quiet ride on the busy Houston streets at a very affordable price! Very impressive, you wont be disappointed...

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  I Love This Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By darkmanrob85 - August 9 - 9:00 am

  This car is very fast. The drive is comfortable and smooth. I love how it just hugs the turns. The combination of cloth and leather seats is the best. I cant say enough about this car. I just love!!

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  Our First Brand New Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By clownthebobo - August 8 - 9:10 pm

  We were looking around for a new car to replace the Expedition for about 1 month. We looked at a few different cars (Pacifica, Maxima, etc.) until we found the 5. It has exactly what we are looking for! Sporty, good looking, easy on gas, safe (a lot of air bags) and room for family of 4 crammed with luggage. We recently did a 100 mile trip to Victoria, BC. and had no complaints. The handling is so wonderful, understeer is very, very minor. The Navigation works great on major roads and highways, but not in rural areas. Easy in and out of the second row via sliding doors are a blessing. We currently have 900 miles on the 5 and are averaging around 400 miles per tank.