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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  Great Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Mark - January 16 - 9:50 pm

  I am probably one of the few people to put this many miles on a car in just a few years. I have 180,000 miles on it and the car never quits. Other than basic maintenance I have had only two problems in all my miles. 1) Power steering pump started leaking and 2) rear brake caliper froze (probably due to Chicago winters). The engine is still strong. The wear ability of the products used to build this car is superior. The car interior still looks very close to new. I canÂ’t say enough about this car. If youre looking for a reliable, fun to drive, fuel efficient all around do everything car, look no further. The problem will be trying to find one. They only made them in model year 2002 and 2003.

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  great car for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gary R. - January 16 - 10:10 am

  Nice car for the money. A REAL performer in town and on the road. I get 28mpg @ 65mph with cruise on. A fast car off the line/stoplights.(get the V-6) Roomy, comfortable interior, trunk has ample room. Handling is comparable to my Mazda Miata Convertible and is great in the twisties. I drove Camry, Accord and Altima and they are 4 cylinder plus more expensive. Mazda gives you more car for less money.

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  Miata Owners Review - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rnady - January 14 - 9:46 am

  You will be nothing but happy with this car, i have been driving Miatas since 1994, and never had more fun!

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  top of the line ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Unitenyc - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Black Mazda Protege ES in December 2003. the retail price was $18,050, I got a $2,500 rebate and hagggled hard. I got it for 13,000 before taxes. I think that is remarkable. It came with every option except sunroof and anti-lock brakes, but the 4 wheel disc brakes have massive stopping power. It has 16" aluminum alloy wheels and Dunlop tires! Halogen headlights! All around a great car and I feel I got alot of car for the money. Much cheaper than honda civic and toyota corolla. But they cant compare to this car. Mazda should have never stopped making this car. I would ONLY purchase the ES. It is a finely made, fun to drive, easy to own auto.

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  Better then the competition - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Mazda Boy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Never looked at Mazda before but am I impressed.This car offers more standard equipment then the competition.Love the look of the car front and rear.checked out toyota and honda both seem bland to me.We bought the Lx and we always get compliments on the color and interior space.What impressed me most has been the build quality of mazda.I have always bought american vehicles but I was impressed on how tight this vehicle rides and corners.You wont go wrong buying this car!!!!!! I highly recommend it.FUN>FUN

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  my rating - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mark Lester - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to SAY that i love my mazda. Its my first car and im glad i got it. You should get one to.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kentucky Dude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda 3s for three weeks now and am extremely happy! The engine is powerful and the sport AT is great (especially in manual mode). Ride and comfort is superb and the leather interior is first rate. This car stops on a dime - great brakes.

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  my baby - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hyundia19 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car drives so smooth, it feels like your in a lincoln or any big body style car!!! They way it drives on the highway is almost dangerous.....Its so smooth i get up to 125 so quickly and i cant even feel it! I love this car and i am so glad i bought it.

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  1st Import Purchase - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Steve Miller - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Definitely fun to drive. Ive driven domestics for the past 35 years & put a lot of research into my most recent purchase. Test drove GM, Ford, Toyota, Nissan & Honda. Nothing was better than the loaded Mazda6s unless I wanted to spend an extra six grand! Love the car...Dealership? Questionable at best. If I purchase another Mazda it will be at a different dealer!

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  CUPIDS REVIEW - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By CUPID - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR. IT IS FUN AND RELIABLE. ITS SPORTY AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THIS FUN.