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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  One of the Best Balanced Sedans - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By SouthlandHB - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1999 Corolla. It was a great car, but it was more vanilla than The Breyers Ice Cream Factory. No excitement, no fun! If your looking for all the pluses of the Toyota Corollas build quality & reliability, but want something MUCH more fun to drive. MUCH more stylish, the Protege is IT. I put every single option on this car, from the Auto-dimming Rear View mirror to the cargo net in the trunk. If it was an option, I put it on this car. Friends with MUCH more expensive cars, actually like driving my car and draw comparisons to their much more expensive the Audi A4 and the like. Whats that tell ya?

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  Better than a rabbit - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By michael roman - May 10 - 1:16 am

  Drove the 07 Mazda and the 08 170hp VW, and still chose the Mazda. Overall, a more substantial car with better handling, more features: leather, xenon, infinitely adjustable drivers seat, etc. Im 64" and fit comfortably with the seat back erect. Truly a poor mans BMW.

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  Love this CX-9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By georgebake - May 8 - 4:03 pm

  We love the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. AC, seats, quality, blind spot monitoring, stereo, all great. Test drove Highlander, Venza, Pilot, Veracruz, Santa Faye, Cross Tour (Honda) (our second choice), Kia Sorento, & Murano and this was the BEST by far. Just got back from a 1500 mile trip. Got about 21 MPG. Love the ride, quietness, memory seats, key less entry and start and all the other features.

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  Mazdas best kept secret - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By mark - May 8 - 10:46 am

  Four months and 6000 miles into my ownership experience and no issues. I still look forward to every drive. Max. mpg was 19.8 with a minimum of 15.8 on first tank fill, average is about 18 in mixed driving. Low rpm shifts and slower highway speeds should yield about 20 mpg. Torque is low compared to larger displacement 6 and 8 cylinder engines, but comparable to other small naturally aspirated engines such as hondas s2000 and civic si, both of which also have larger displacements. Power builds steadily all the way to its 9000 rpm readline. Handling is very secure, composed and predictable even at its limit. Distinctive styling, inspiring performance, comfortable ride and seating for 4 adults.

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  My mini mini van........ - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By toskeysam - May 7 - 4:13 pm

  Have fullsize minivan for long trips, but needed small transportation with room for golf stuff et al (for local). The "5" fits the bill and then some. Handles great! Plenty of pep! Fun to drive! Comfortable seating up front. Retired couple, so only grandkids in back rows. Good visibility. Easy entry and exit!

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  The car wont die - 1998 Mazda 626
  By jon - May 7 - 4:10 am

  i have had this car for 6 months now it is my first car and it keeps turning heads even at 11 or how ever old it is people have stopped me and said what a nice cat that is i cant complain the car only die once because of a bad fuel pump but come on it is from 1998. when i bought it it had 125,000 and in six months i have put on another thousand so it really holds up

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  Good family/professional car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By jordao - May 5 - 3:33 pm

  Other than the nice features below, the leather seats are really comfortable. It has a very smooth drive, but the V6 has plenty of pick up and go when I need it. I am 6 foot 2, and the Hondas and Toyotas I tried are not comfortable. The Mazda has a great roomy interior with a real professional feel, easy to get in and out.

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  Best Minivan ever! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By CA_Dreaming - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a Honda and a Dodge minivan and they just arent as nice. The MPV is the anti-minivan minivan! Its fast, it handles well, its quiet and comfortable. No rattles! (The Dodge felt and sounded like you were leaving a trail of nuts and bolts as you motored down the highway!) The Honda was nice, but it was always having little stuff go wrong... unusual for Honda Im told, but thats what I experienced.

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  Love my MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By ventura_man - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this van, it drives wonderfully, corners and brakes well, and for $7,000 less than the comperable equiped Honda... its a better buy.

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  ZoomZoom iz good wayz to zay itz! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazda5_4me - May 4 - 1:43 am

  Brilliant car, great innovation. Feels like Jetta or Mazda3, tight, firm, no flab, great looks, modern engineering, safety up the wahzoo! Cant believe how it blows the competition away (Matrix, Vibe, Aero SX, Element, Scion, PTCruiser, Chevy HHR, etc.) with the level of standard equipment on the Touring model Automatic. Got $1000 off MSRP, car has easily $2,000 worth of goodies standard that everyone charges extra for. Side curtain air bags all 3 rows, front seat bags, dash bags, ABS, 17" alloys, 4 wheel disk, moon roof, 6 disk CD stereo, tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel and gearknob. Fog lights, Auto temp A/C, storage bins everywhere! Impressive Japanese fit and finish, too!