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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  Noisy!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bbason - September 19 - 11:16 am

  After having the Tribute for less than a year, I couldnt take the creaking noises coming from the doors. I took it into the dealership to be fixed. They say it is the door strikers and they had to be adjusted. That only worked for about a month and then the creaking came back. Although it doesnt look as good, I applied electrical tape around the door catch and have not heard the noises anymore. However, the outside noise is awful. When Im on my cell phone, callers say it sounds like my windows are open. Outside of the noises, the car is awesome. No maintenance problems after 3 years.

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  Best car ever! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By veester - September 19 - 11:05 am

  I bought this car brand new 8 years ago and I can honestly say it has been the best car Ive ever owned! Thus far the only things weve had to change on it have been the brakes and of course the tires. Anyway, great first time car for anyone! I will be trading up soon for a small SUV.

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  Still A "GLC" - Great Little Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By caneshooter - September 18 - 10:00 am

  No hype here, just the facts. Just passed the 3 year mark on ownership of this car. At 77k miles, besides oil changes and new tires, my first repair was a month ago, and that was just new front brakes. I think that speaks for itself. Ive also owned a GLC and 323 in the past.

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  Definately a pleaser in its class. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Sonata - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Over a great car. What sold me on the car was the handling. I couldnt lose control on a curve if I tried. It was amazing! This was my first 4 cyl car so the 2.0 was adequate but with a few passengers it becomes a bit sluggish. Otherwise a very responsive and enjoyable to drive. I commute 250 miles per day and always get at leat 2 miles to the gallon of gas. Even at elevated speed levels ;)

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  MP5 Rules - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ominous1121 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Fast, fun to drive car. Real zoom zoom for the money. Very stable, rigid, manual transmition is superior. Supention has no competition.

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  What a Surprise - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By rollsofjoy - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 and 1/2 years. I havent had any problems expect for a disfuntional drive door lock, but the dealer replaced under warranty. This car is really fun to drive. It handles really well on the rood. And the ride is really good for a small car. I drive to school and back 500 miles and Im in complete comfort. I also find the seats supportive and Ive had back surgery so that really a plus. I love the options on this car... it is what sold me over the Civic.

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  I got the skyactiv mazda3! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By caloyski - September 18 - 5:16 am

  I love the new skyblue for skyactiv---a real standout from the silver, white & black cars you see on the road. I considered the new elantra, it was a sleek car and gets great mpg like the 3, but I was still biased towards the reliability of japanese cars. And the civic & corolla looked so plain---they were everywhere. I have read some user reviews here about the sound they hear from the engine is a problem. When not used to something, it doesnt neccessarily mean its broken. It has a new engine, so dont exepct old school appeal. It may make more noise to warm it up than a standard gas engine, but after that its great. I tried the new impreza w/ cvt, the sound was weird but not broken.

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  Way above its class... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By omz2302 - September 17 - 8:46 pm

  So i have owned this car for about 4 months now. A fully loaded GT hatchback. I gotta say that mazda has paid attention to EVERY little detail in this car. When you enter the car, even before turning it on, the dials begin to illuminate slowly and the air conditioning controls pulse as the screen on the car reads "zoom-zoom". It just gets you excited to even press the ignition button. You hear the car rev, a pleasant tone is played and the cars headlights move around to calibrate. LOVE it! Try test driving this car at dusk, thats when all the cabin details in this thing can show off. Handling is good, i feel like the hatchback version does have more body roll, but thats what you get.

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  Mazda RX 8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By a.stein - September 17 - 6:36 pm

  A fun car to drive, gets looks everywhere you go. Great handling, responsive and quick, but not for the snow.

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  Fantastic car - made 2 of my friends buy them! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By compurip - September 17 - 10:59 am

  Favorite car I have owned so far, and my first Mazda. I purchased it in Feb of 2014, I got the AWD Sport model since I wanted a lease payment under $300 a month - cant say enough good stuff about this car. I rented one for a weekend previously to see how it was, and took it through a foot of snow in upstate NY without a slip or slide. It was comfortable and a ton of fun to drive.