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 fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ray&kay - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a MAZDA protege5. After test driving the MATRIX and the Ford Focus this was our choice. Sportsy car, nice suspension and lots of standard options. Cargo space is a bit small for a wagon, but it keeps the car small for parking. Lowering the back seats gives you enough space. Nice mixture of wagon, small SUV and sportsy car.

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  Fun little car to drive in city - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By hyc - May 9 - 10:00 am

  very god handling, zipping throught the city road with ease and really fun. but lack of power. nontheless, for the money i pay, i love this car (still love my old civic too) Mazda provide a list of very inexpansive options.

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  i like it! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By funcommuter - May 9 - 10:00 am

  solid ride, not the greatest acceleration but awesome handling. This car is definitely fun to drive.

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  Miata Shinsen is great! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Swami - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, turns on a dime, solid construction, quiet engine, and any bad day turns good with the top down.

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  Why pay more for an Odyssey or Sienna? - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Brad W. - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an 03 LX, loaded with everything except power doors, moonroof and DVD, and we love it!! Highly recommend the All-Sport package, which makes it look and sound great and comes CHEAP (about $700 invoice). Paid just $100 over invoice (about $23k, and the dealer invoice matched Edmunds to the penny, which the salesman was impressed with!), and got much more than I could have got in a Honda or Toyota for the same price, if I could have even GOT one for that price. Turns heads when you drive it, drives like a car, plenty of power, and plenty of room for a family of 4. No sulphur smell detected yet, only that great new van smell!!

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  Mazda Fun - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By dcurbelo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute has been very fun to drive. It handles more like a car than a truck. It is very roomy & comfortable. The leather interior and design are great. I like the styling of the Tribute the best of all the small SUVs. The V6 is very quick and the braking is excellent.

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  Not Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By GVD - May 9 - 7:26 am

  Originally looking for a sedan but just couldnt could something that was fun to drive. Starting looking seriously at Nissan Murano and CX-7. The CX-7 was lower cost and more fun.

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  Really nice car and great fuel economy - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By moog555 - May 9 - 2:32 am

  I have been driving this car for a month now. The fuel economy in this thing is really incredible. Ive had five Honda civics in the pass... but this little Mazda beats them all !!!. Also handles the road really nice.. This Sky-activ engine is super smooth and refined... The value in this car is hands down unbeatable.

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  Fun - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - May 9 - 2:16 am

  Just got Grand Touring PRHT. Drove 700 miles in two days. Its a hoot! Performance as advertised, good (not great) acceleration, very quick and agile. Brakes excellent. PRHT definitely worth the extra cost, as its much more secure than soft top. Bose sound has nice clarity, but absence of MP3 jack really unacceptable on a supposedly deluxe stereo unit. Fit and finish really good, lots of compliments so far. Fun to drive!

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  VVT Timing Chain Issue? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By houstongfamily - May 8 - 6:24 pm

  I was driving my Mazda CX-7 on the highway at 65 mph when my car made a loud noise from the engine and had a loss in power. I towed the car to a Mazda dealer where the technician that inspected my car stated the timing chain was missing a pin and caused the engine to break. Therefore my engine needed to be replaced. I replaced my engine at 72K miles which is slightly over the 70K mile service notice that Mazda recently put out for reimbursement from repairs related to the VVT Timing Chain. I hired a lawyer to pursue reimbursement of my engine replacement cost and would like to know if there are more cases of engine failure or repairs around/above 70K miles due to the timing chain.