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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  My awesome ride - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nobouncecap - November 10 - 8:03 pm

  First a foremost Im conformable in this car and Im 64",I have plenty of leg/head room. The engine and transmission are great together and the car just begs to be driven fast. The firm suspension is tight/firm but it brings fun to driving again around corners; on flat surfaces its rather smooth. 40mpg is an easy mark to hit on Hway. I have had no issues with the media system and my usb just plays songs like it should, it connects well with my phone too! This car really is fun to drive and with the manual is great! I test drove the Optima, Accord, Fusion and this car bet them all in comfort, features, handling, and style! Get it and youll love it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By crawlnstall - November 10 - 7:01 pm

  I bought Stella, my 2003 Mazda Protege5, about 14 months ago. It had 95,000 miles on it and now has 105,000. I was previously driving an old beat up Honda. It was a night and day difference between the two. It looks beautiful and new. Interior is great. Bad placement on the cupholders, only bad part of the interior. It is a fun, zippy quick car with great gas mileage. Stock tires drive terribly in any kind of snow, if you buy snow tires like I did its does amazing in snow, but stock tires are awful in snow. Cupholders and tires are only complaints. I absolutely love everything else about my amazingly fun to drive protege5.

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  CX - 5 Grand - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By mikecmaryland - November 10 - 6:51 pm

  My son did the research and saw the CX-5 AWD with the tech package as the best deal for a small SUV. He bought one. I liked it so much, three weeks later, I bought one. Paid $32K on the road - MD

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  Fun Little Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brandon - November 10 - 6:00 pm

  The Mazda has been a fun car to own. I have driven to Las Vegas and Arizona within the past few weeks and it has performed great.

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  Very nice car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeremey - November 8 - 4:26 pm

  This car is awesome. I got a great deal on it when the car was still a fairly new car to the United States. This car is fast and responds well and gets great gas mileage. You just cant find a better car in this price range that looks as good as this one does!

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Memo - November 7 - 10:03 am

  The Protege 5 is a great vehicle. It is fun to drive, yet humble enough for use as a family car. It is a very solidly built vehicle. Too bad they were only made for 2 years.

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  Mazda need improve quality. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Gallego - November 6 - 10:43 pm

  After 2 years and 47K miles it is good SUV for family of 4. Hard to use the rear seats if you use car seats on both sides.

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  Driving in 7th Heaven - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Paul in DC - November 6 - 2:46 pm

  Just picked up my RX-8 this week; 6 speed, GT pkg, Nav system. The funnest car I ever owned was a Triumph Spitfire - until now! The RX-8 drives like a dream - all the power I need. Well behaved in stop & go rush hour traffic, and moves like a bat outa hell on the open road. It has so many features it borders on decadent. It takes a while just to learn how to use all this stuff. The stares it gets are satisfying too. Like any car, the shifter takes some time to adjust to, as does the auto-dimming rear view mirror. I think the Nav system will become on of those things thats so useful Ill wonder how I ever lived without it. Its a great sports car with power and style.

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  Hate this Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Zoom Zoom NO MORE - November 5 - 7:26 pm

  Bought this car in 8/07. Hated it since the 2nd week of ownership! (I traded it last month.) This car is over-priced, cheap looking, hard to see out of, poor gas mileage, premium gas. I bit the bullet, worked out a good trade and kissed it good-bye! Never been so glad to get rid of a car!

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  Sexy Car for a Sexy Person - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Neo - November 5 - 11:46 am

  I loved the mazdas ever since they came out and made it my goal to purchase one. On 10/06, I bought one and became a proud owner. I love the exterior, interior could use some work but I am quite content with my car. I dont need all those extra features - just have an A/C and a CD player and Im content. So far so good, the car is very reliable but the real test will come in a few years from now to see just how reliable it is.