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:

• 

  Great, Reliable, Versitile, Fun to Drive Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By midwestboiler - September 3 - 4:22 pm

  I got this car in 2005 and have loved every mile I have driven in it. While its only a 4 cylinder 2.0 liter, the protege5 definitely doesnt slack on pickup. The ride seems louder than normal, but that is due to how low to the ground the car is. The Protege5 has held up extremely well. Other than changing the oil, tires, brakes etc. the only actual maintenance I have had done was replace the air intake at about 80,000 miles. The seats are very comfortable. While the car is on the smaller side, it is easy to seat 4 adult males well in the car. If needed, I have added someone in the middle seat. There is still room, but a little more cramped in the back seat.

• 

  mixed bag - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By NN - September 3 - 3:36 pm

  Can be a great value as a used car, so definitely worth a look for the nice interior design & materials, smooth ride, and upscale, if somewhat generic, Japanese sedan look. However, poor interior packaging makes this somewhat large sedan small on the inside (uncomfortable to drive w/knees splayed out--Im 63"). Also, they have harsh shifting auto trannies with poor reliability, and other reliability issues as well. 170hp base engine is pretty weak. Fuel economy for a sedan is only 23mpg mixed city/hwy, and worst of all, requires premium fuel! If the tranny was smooth, there was another few inches of driver legroom, and my check engine light would turn off...then Id probably love it!

• 

  The Best - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By DrewH1987 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I only bought this car a few months ago, but it is amazing. Everyday I go out to my parking lot and think OMG this is mine. I dont think youll find a better car for the money. I mean this thing is fun to drive on country roads, highways, and even parking lots! When thinking about buying one look at what you get already loaded on to the SGT, then look at a Civic EX or another car in its class its almost funny. I love this car and I love the feeling everyday of getting in it and having fun driving down the road. ZOOM~ZOOM!!

• 

  Protege ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By JIM - September 2 - 4:33 am

  This car is sporty and very fun to drive, the interior is loaded with many extras and is very functional.

• 

  JJ - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim - September 1 - 3:23 am

  I purchased this for my 17 year old daughter. She is worst than any torture test ever conceived. (35,000 in 12 months). The car has performed beautifully with no problems what so ever. Averages 26 mpg. It drives and handles like a compact car but has better visibility. I highly recommend the car. If fact my wife liked it so much I bought her one a month later. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power up to about 80 MPH.

• 

  Wow! Love this car! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By W Prouty - August 31 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased number 269/3500 a few days ago and am loving this car. The first day I drove up the seacoast and put 200 miles on the car. I really like the "get up and go" when you need it (or when you just want to have a little fun!). The sport suspension is an awesome ride and the handling is amazing. Ill be driving my MX5 regularly for my 1 hour commute. Forget the highway, give me a winding, two-lane road and Im in heaven. Im 61" and I feel great driving this car.

• 

  Pretty Sweet Ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By rogerwa1 - August 31 - 11:43 pm

  I just picked mine up this week. I think the looks are awesome, it rides very well. Just the balance of firmness and softness. The cabin is very quiet and the features, especially with the Convenience and the Bose package are well worth it. I will say the Bose, while sufficient, is less than I expected. It is a very comfortable and roomy car. The roomy backseat makes this a great family sedan. I was very surprised that I was able to get rubber in second gear. I have the 6spd and it pulls pretty nicely in 3rd and fourth but would like a steeper 6th gear OD. I also am having a hard time find a smooth 1==>2 shift point without winding it up.

• 

  A Marvelous Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barry - August 31 - 12:40 pm

  I took possession of the Mazda 6 gt August 15th have 2500km already and couldnt be happier. The price of the car with all the features is second to none. I drove an Acura 3.2TL and this car is certainly on par. It is true what many of the previous reviews have said it is a sporty luxuary car without the Lexus nameplate. The car handles well takes bumps without much thump, engine is very quiet. The upgraded stereo is music to the ears and I have had no problems with the GPS Nav system other than it seems to dislike guiding you the the nearest highway sometimes. Fit and Finish are above par and the engine is very quiet with lots of pep in the 6 Mazda has a winner here

• 

  Still a treat to drive after 3 years! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By dna - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  I dont know of a better handling sports car for less than 5 times the price. The ride is firm, but comfortable. I am blown away with how comfortable a long distance cruiser the RX-8 is. I get 20 mpg combined city/hwy with spirited, but legal, driving. The rotary engine responds well to some pampering. I use 4 oz synthetic 2-cycle oil and 4 oz Lucas Upper Cylinder Lube in every 10 gallons of gas. Thats probably why my mileage is better than most. Even a mechanic at the dealer commented that it was the smoothest running RX- 8 he had ever heard. The off-the-line grunt is weak, but once you get the revs up to 5000 rpm it is a winner. Drive the rotary right (high rpm) and you will be thrilled!

• 

  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By MDM - August 29 - 6:46 pm

  This is my third Mazda Rotary vehicle (following a 1988 RX-7 GXL, and a 1994 3rd Gen RX-7), and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I hadnt planned on getting another car, but my 15 year old 3rd gen RX-7 was totaled almost a month ago :-(, And I KNEW the "8" couldnt match the 3rd gens stellar performance since the "8" is 300-400 pounds heavier, about 110 less horsepower (Id had some things done to my 3rd gen) and doesnt benefit from the 3rd gens 50-some-odd better low end torque (compliments of that sequential twin turbo setup). But I knew these things off the bat. But the one thing thats still the same is the razor sharp cornering ability! And the smoothness of the rotary.