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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  Mileage? One word: Regular - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RSX owner/hater - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I thought the gas mileage was a real concern. I almost gave up on it. Then I found out that it takes regular. 18mpg using regular will cost me the equivalent as 20mpg using premium in my RSX-S.

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  Miata Smiles - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By elvenprince - March 31 - 9:43 pm

  I still am smiling! :-)

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  Mazda cx5 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By db - March 31 - 6:09 pm

  I have only had rhe car a few weeks so cant speak to all the issues. So far great except the outdated navigation system. Real time is essential, historical data is useless.

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  this car rocks - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By xostarbunnieox - March 31 - 11:30 am

  This is a very reliable car. Fun to drive and great handling. Its hard to believe its a wagon! Ive had it for 4 years now and hope to have it for many more.

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  Perfect Protege - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By St. Denis - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very impressed with the Mazda Proteges performance and quality. Everything seems solid and well-made. My mileage is in the high 30s and even though it only has the 1.6 liter engine, it is really peppy.

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  So far I am a happy camper!!! Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Chafic - March 31 - 10:00 am

  The P5 has an outstanding style, from the exterior and interior. It has the capacity to respond when I demand sudden acceleration, not to mention an amazing curve handling. This car drives like a sport machine. The low profile tires help handling those 30 MPH curve at 50-60 MPH w/o a glitch. As for the interior, P5 offered a nice European styling, as opposed to the competition (i.e. the Civic, or Acura which I test drove). My hope is that the reliabilty of the P5 is as good as my Nissan Quest Van which we owned since 95!!!

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  LOVE my new Mazda!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cubbiesfan10 - March 31 - 2:46 am

  I was having a VERY hard time with the thought of getting rid of my Toyota Corolla S for a new car since I have never had any problems with my Toyota and absolutely loved that car. But it was time. After owning my Mazda 3 for one week I can honestly say purchasing this car was the best move I ever made. It has a very sporty feel (the low profile tires and sport-tuned suspension make it fun to drive). I feel like the car hugs the road and has VERY good pick up for being a 4 cylinder. I was VERY impressed at night when I noticed tiny indigo blue LED lights illuminating my cupholders and arm rests. This car is very well made, fun to drive and priced extremely well for all that it comes with!

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  Great family hauler - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By mrf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This is a great van. Reliable, comfortable and not huge. Car-like handling and decent mileage (get 23 mpg on highway trips). Van has been excellent in build qulaity and reliability, and we have a very early-production model (April of 1999). Lots of folks gripe about the power...my opinion is that a minivan is not a hot rod, so it has been more than adequate. Besides, the 2002 models get a larger engine.

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  Wheeeeeee - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dennis Didier - March 31 - 2:00 am

  No excuses, just poain fun. would like 15-20 more horsepower, but at what expense?

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  WOW! SO MUCH CLASS FOR SO LESS - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By alahiri - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Just bought an Shimmering Sand LS with ABS, Alloy wheels, Sunroof, Side Airbags. The interior is also sand. It looks elegant. Road-holding is excellent. Quality is unbeatable. Its roomier than Corolla, Civic and Sentra. It also costs less than almost everyone in its class except the Korean makes. Test drive if you like class and performance at an affordable price.