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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  2003 Mazda Protege ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By David Broadwater - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very, very nice vehicle. No reliability issues. 4 whhel disc brakes are great. Enough pep to be fun to drive, especially if using the auto sport transmission. Only issue is to have better mileage, but approx 26 in town and 29 highway is not to bad. Love the 6 disc CD player.

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  The Greates Car Ever - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By jcg44498 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My Protege was my first new car and it was the greatest decision I ever made. A year later, it runs great and I got a good deal on it. It is so comfortable and stylish. When considering vehicles to buy, the Protege stood out as the best all around value for the options I could get for the price. I dont regret anything about buying my Protege and definitely recommend it for someone buying their first car.

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  i love it my car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By roxanne - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i love it. it is so fun todrive and it handles really well.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Chancesr - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Handles well. Excellent in the snow. Fun to drive. Very Dependable. Would highly recomend this car.

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  Too much gas - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lovett - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Gas milage is a problem. Comfortable to drive. Has good get up

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  The perfect small SUV 4 a sporty family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kabulax - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Nice, good price and excellent driving. In the other hand.... there are some features, like cold package, unretractable windows and not illuminated cruise control are not good for the whole concept

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  Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By CComerford - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mazda in the last 13 years. I simply love their automobiles. The are well made and at a good value.

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  The best mazda yet - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AndyCO2004 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this car is sweet, if you dont have one you dont know what your missin, i mean this is the best street racer you can buy stock. There was this little punk pulled up beside me in a firebird 5.8 liter and i smoked him. This is a fast in your face car. its like your driving a ferrari. if youve got a little extra cash to fork out this is what you need to spend it on.

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  rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8 racer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RXLR8 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars over the past 30 years, and this is indeed the best one, by far. I cannot complain about a single item. Love it! Its fun!