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:

• 

  Love it! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TotalBoy13 - October 12 - 12:50 pm

  I love my car today just as much as the day a drove it off the lot. It is not only very sporty, it is a lot of fun to drive. The quality is amazing, and the drive is tight and responsive. Everything inside is comfortable, within reach, and easy to use. I recommend to anyone in the market to strongly consider this car!

• 

  A Very Fun Car - BUT? - 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By P Mac - October 11 - 9:13 am

  Ive own alot of Mazdas. They all have been very good to me. I also own a lot of cars in general. I purchase a NEW 2017 MX5 RF for my 18 Year old son as a Graduation Gift. Yes he is spoiled. Mazda did a good job keeping true to its roots. The RF Model grabs a lot of attention. Layout is great, design is great. No way will you fit if your over 6 , or if you are on the heavy side, you will not fit. You have to be 150 - 180lbs max at around 58 to enjoy the comfort. For my son, its perfect. My only con, and again its nothing new about this car,......The Power. my wife has a Mazda cx5 with the 2.5 Skyactiv and it has good torque, it moves the cx5 along great. The 2.0 in the Mx5 to me feels just like my 116HP 1992 miata I had. 200HP would be PERFECT! Overall it was well engineered and boy can you push it through turns. Out of five stars, I give it four. bump up the HP and it will receive a FIVE STARS.................another bullet proof Miata/MX5 that will run for the next 20years. Oh and dont let the Dealer sucker you into a 900.00 Nav sim card, I order one from eBay @ 125.00, it works GREAT!!!

• 

  Clear headed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JIBMRJ4W - October 9 - 1:46 pm

  This car drove nicely on flat normal freeways. Decent mileage. When driving back from Lake Tahoe on I 80, we experienced an unusual problem. The force exerted by this car, when going down hill on I 80, at or > 60 mph, was quite strong when turning toward the right, ~ 20 to 35 degrees. It felt as though you were going to be pushed out the door of the car. I slowed down and the sensation went away. Thereafter I drove this car at ~ 55 mph when going down hill from Tahoe Our agent said there was no accident with this car, therefore it suggest a stabilizer type problem for this car.

• 

  Great fun, great value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bobbi - October 9 - 11:40 am

  Overall, a great balance between fun driving and economy. MPG seems closely tied to temperature - I got as low as 25 mpg last winter w/ mostly city driving, but had it up as high as 35 mpg in the summer, even w/ AC on. The steering is a little looser than Id like, but handling is sharp, otherwise. Road/engine noise actually arent bad - its a *sporty* car, folks. Back seat is apparently comfy enough for my friends to fall asleep in it on a 3-hour trip. Interior was a little squeaky for the first several months, but that seems to have gone away. Better in the snow than I expected w/ this kind of HP. Engine is way forward of front axle - I suspect to deal w/ torque steering.

• 

  Worried - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Stacy - October 9 - 2:23 am

  I love my CX-9, which is why I am so disappointed in its reliability. I dont know what is going on, but my CX-9 has 4,000 miles and it is in the shop for the second time. The first time the transmission went completely out and had to be replaced with 350 miles. It is now in the shop again for a leak in the transfer casing. I am concerned about keeping it (a bought it because I need a reliable car for my commute to college) but I really love my CX-9.

• 

  No Worries!! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By rdsterl@hotmail.com - October 8 - 10:00 am

  52k+ mi, still wows us. First Mazda, after Camry/2 4Runners. Quality excellent, w/ 2 exceptions: Stowable armrests for the middle row of seats failed, and slide off metal frame occasionally. Primarily due to kids sitting on them, Mazda not to blame? 3rd seat "headrest guides" break off when used in "stadium" seating position, and we use it often. Passing pwr great; drivetrain (?) kicks down when needed right away, though this will affect mileage, i.e. hubby driving. Size, 2 kids/2 dogs, about perfect. More, plus baggage, consider Toyota/Honda. No towing experience. Fuel econ avg 26+ mpg hwy.

• 

  99 Silver Bullet - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vpilot - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Amazing fun and performance for a stock vehicle with a low price. It offers more than I expected.

• 

  Mazda protege 5 out Mazda 3 wagon in - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By renoman - October 8 - 1:00 am

  Ive had the car about a month now, with a little over 1k in mileage. Once again Mazda has done a very good job on the interior of the car. Overall a nice jump in interior room from the old protege. Only interior gripe I have is that when my legs are the right distance away, my arms feel too far away from the steering wheel. No adjustment left on the telescoping wheel. The old protege just fit. Exterior wise, I just like sport wagons, so this car fits me. Mechanically mileage has been 26-27 mpg mixed driving. I hoped for better, Im a little disappointed, but I chose sport over economy. The car is fun to drive, handles well, nicely finished for the price, and thats why Im on my second one

• 

  Improvement was needed on the MP3 - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Sphantomk - October 7 - 9:43 pm

  I love this car. I wanted one from the day it came out on the lot. After I got one though I had to admit that everyone was right. It needed more power. So I got my hands on a 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege that was wrecked by a rear end collision with only 1k miles on the car. Took the full turbo kit and put it on my MP3. The MP3 now has just over 200 horsepower at the wheels. The car is now perfect!

• 

  Its Okay..... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ChadM - October 6 - 8:50 am

  I have had this car for about 2 1/2 years and have a couple of issues with it. From the beginning I have been dealing with warning lights coming on non stop with nothing wrong. I had a blow out of one of my tires. In the pst 1 1/2 I have had to replace the tires twice, maybe because of my commuting. Overall I do love my car, its just been one thing after another though.