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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  All the U, much more S than SUVs - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By fredjanke - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up one of the first Mazda 6 Wagons available last week. About 800 miles into it, I am very pleased with my purchase. I understand the value of cargo room, but dont want to drive some boat that doesnt corner and gets crappy milage. Enter the 6 Wagon, with most of the cargo capacity of smaller SUVs, but with the ability to corner and accelerate without mpg numbers starting with a 1. The engine is a bit less torquey than I expected, but spin it past 3 grand and it gets fun in a hurry. The handling is stellar, as is the interior. Its a heck of a lot of sport, cargo room, features, etc. for the $. And I can still drive a manual!

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  The anti-SUV - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hyper-dog - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2dr extended cab Tacoma for Sport Wagon with 5 speed manual. Needed more interior room, but did not want gas guzzling, top heavy SUV or full size crew cab truck. This car is great! More fun to drive than my last sedan (98 VW Passat 1.8t/5spM), which had excellent driving dynamics too. The Mazda corners flatter and has better feel in the steering than the VW. Id like a slightly shorter throw on the shifter, but the feel is good. Dont look in the mirror and youd think your driving a sports coupe. Has as much cargo room as most of the 5 passenger SUVs but its a lot more fun to drive and gets better fuel economy.

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  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian Maher - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, peppy, nice styling, Zoom Zoom!!!

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  This car is truly a zoom....zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Billzer1 - August 16 - 6:20 pm

  I have owned this car for only a week and I have had more looks and compliments than any other car I have ever driven. It handles great, drives very smooth and has a lot of features only found in more expensive cars. the 4cyl engine has a lot of pick-up. The dash is very sleek and the radio w/CD player is truly and upscale design. This car has it all.

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  40 mpg - why no press for that? - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By rvoza - August 15 - 11:00 pm

  Its quick when you need it, it looks like a sharp euro car, especially in White. Ive driven 85k in the 2 years Ive had it, not one problem except new tires, no surprise. When I use Mobil 1 5-20 and drive 55, I get 40 mpg! Can you show me another non-hybrid car at this price that performs like that? at under $14k, the 07 is perfect for anyone on a lower budget. The 2.3 engine is faster and offers more color choices, but youll lose 5 mpg. The 2.0 is fast enough unless you have ego issues.

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  I love my 2001 Protege ES - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Orbital - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Golf GTI for this car and I have no regrets. I love driving this car, it doesnt ride as nicely as the Golf but the handling is far superior. All of the standard features are nice. But, the stereo in the Golf was far superior, even in 1995. Why Mazda uses cheap speakers is beyond me, but they are lousy and I will change them immediately. But I love my car!

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  Things I have notices - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iroman - August 15 - 10:00 am

  On the whole, a great car. I took the car on a long road trip with no problems. Handling is amazing. I got this car fully loaded with 5 speed and all the extras including crome wheels, moonroof and deflector, cargo tray, 6 disk changer. I added a killer aftermarket alarm, paint protectant and dark tint, and it looks sweet with the silver paint. The weaknesses are all nit-picking.

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  Zoom-Zoom Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Cars4me89 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great value, except it needs a bigger engine and it really need a leather seating option(or vinyl).

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  Nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By john bell - August 15 - 9:16 am

  Bought a 2004 Mazda 3 hatch new in December of 04 . I was impressed by the way it looks and the way it grabs the road. Good engine, good brakes, great stereo system and enough room for 4 adults. A few things that made it un-perfect : the transmission had to be replaced (under warranty ) after only 2000 miles and the fuel economy was nowhere near the stated. I was getting only about 17 city/ 22 highway. The dealer said there is nothing wrong with the car, its the way i drive. A great car for the money, a real "pocket rocket" as they say.

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  Unbelievable Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Law128 - August 15 - 7:13 am

  I got a grand touring hatchback with the 6 speed auto and this car is simply amazing for the price; there is no other car in its class that can touch its options for this little money. Tons of storage space, AC outlets everywhere, comfortable heated seats, 6 cylinder can really go, auto climate control, high intensity discharge headlamps, awesome gauges. plus the 18 inch wheels look killer! And the hatch can swallow anything you throw into it. Amazing car for the price.