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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  Paying Tribute to the best small SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoomster - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2 months ago after I decided to replace my 5+ year old Explorer (which served me well!). Seriously considered the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape (twin) but chose the Tribute and am happy I did. The Tribute is the best small SUV on the market! Great handling, peppy performance (V6), cute design, nice stereo (190W / 7 speaker / cassette upgrade + moonroof luxury pkg) at a good price. Heated seats are nice & toasty during the NE Winter! After driving the Explorer for 5 years, I missed the sport car feel/handling (previous cars: 90 Mazda MX6 GT & 94 626 ES, 85 Celica GTS) ... until now! Zoom Zoom!!!

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Tommyo - March 1 - 1:23 am

  I purchased this car as a left over. Its an ES protege. This car replaces my 2000 Honda Prelude. Its no where as fast as my lude but it holds the road and is as fun to toss around the curves. The transmission and clutch work crisp and silky. The build quality is supurb The red dash lights are cool. this car is better in every respect and faster than a civic ex. This car has plenty of room for my 63 body. All around visibility is excellent. Never one problem. consumer reports car and driver and motor trend rate the ES high always above its competitors. All proteges are fully made in Japan. Its a tight car and rides good. The engine sounds good too. Proteges always have A#1 reliability.

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  Reliable as the Sun - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By trogglbey - February 27 - 11:53 pm

  I have a paper route; that is 60 miles a night of continuous stop and go with a heavy load of newspapers. This car never complains. Still has excellent get up and go with almost 150000 miles of hard driving. Never been in the shop for anything aside from a belt replacement and an AC recharge. Most reliable and solid little car Ive ever owned. No rattles, clunks, or squeaks to drive one crazy. I love this car.

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  Fun to Drive and Rear Windows - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Buffy - February 26 - 9:13 pm

  This is one fun Mini-van to drive. Our first long distance trip was a breeze. My husband loved the way it drove and looks forward to our next trip. (28 mpg highway) The kids love the rear windows and all the cup holders. I love that its not huge and fits in our carport just like our former Mazda 626.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By David - February 26 - 11:00 am

  This car is a fantastic deal with all the incentives they were and are still offering due to the popularity of the Mazda 3. Unlike the 3 this car comes standard with ABS, T&S Control & EBD which are real safety musts recommended by most car experts; we also added the side curtain airbags. She chose titanium grey with and A/T and A/C as additional options. The net cost with everything was $500 more than this sites similarly equipped Mazda 3 "What others are paying" price. She loves the car, finds it easy to handle/park, plenty of power (previous car Acura Integra) and fun to drive, while averaging only 2 MPG less than the 3 model ratings but with 10 more HP and a lot more room.

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  2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dgraym3 - February 25 - 9:53 pm

  great car! love the styling and interior, shifter and clutch are probably the best in its class of cars. Im easily getting 38-42mpg with mix of country back roads/highway. Why by a boring Yotarolla when you can have something with more style and fun to drive. Being really picky: There is a small light rattle in the passenger front door area that I havent hunt down yet.

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  Fun and Stylish - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DognPony - February 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is a fun compact that begs you to thrash it! Powerful (but thirsty) big 2.3L engine gets you there in a hurry ... great handling, and the looks of my 5 door turns a lot of heads. For $18,000 its loaded with most of the goodies (everything but GPS and leather in mine). You really wont believe how much fun this car is!

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  Affordable doesnt have to be boring - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Omar Oddfellow - February 24 - 10:00 am

  So far (five months) my car has been nothing but great. Very fun to drive with great suspension, and its decent on gas. No matter what I do it averages 28mpg. Fat steering wheel, firm seats, excellent handling and very good build quality. Front seat bottom is adjustable - helps long legs! And I dont see myself everywhere I go. In fact, I have not yet seen another ES the same color. Kids down the street said "cool car." The floormats are cheap and might as well not be included, and the 6-CD stereo doesnt have a lot of volume but everything else is above expectations.

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  Mazda MPV a sport van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Abed - February 24 - 10:00 am

  a very swporty van

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  What a car!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug 8 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RX-8 for around 6 weeks - the first one in Ft Worth. It really gets some double takes, and is a blast to drive. As a form RX-7 owner, I have found this to be an improvement over an already great car. The real bonus for me is that I can get the whole family on board.