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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  Nicely Built, Great Looks, Right Size - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By movellan - August 23 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks of extensive research we settled on the Mazda MPV. We dont particularly like MiniVans, and did not like the idea of driving a dinasour like Odissey. Yet again we needed 7 seat capacity. We really liked the looks and the relatively small size of the MPV. The consumer report ratings are great and since the Odyssey seems to be so popular, Mazda dealers are really willing to bargain.

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  Excellent in every category - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By laci - August 22 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 3 for 6 months now. I couldnt ask for anything better out of a vehicle. It meets all the needs that I asked for and more. The look of the car is very nice but the interior is my favorite. Its not considered a sports car but drives like one. I feel very safe and it gets really good gas milage. Its the fourth car that Ive owned and I like it the best by far.

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  Great purchase - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By retiredinaz1 - August 22 - 2:01 pm

  I bought new in May of 2008 when I moved to AZ. I only have 43,200 miles on it and it still runs like new. I did have to replace leaky shocks once but that was only problem. I change oil every 3,000 miles so believe that helps. I LOVE this car and hope it lasts me another 6 years!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By j Smith - August 21 - 5:16 pm

  Nearing 90,000 miles with zero problems. The only issue has been a few interior rattles that come and go depending on the outside temperature. It looks like I might be wearing out the drivers seat. Very fun to drive, cannot understand why Mazda decided to redesign the car?

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  Not a minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jim - August 21 - 3:30 pm

  What I liked about this car most of all was the convenience and features. Handles nicely and is an excellent value. Anyone in the market for a small crossover vehicle needs to see this car.

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  A big wagon (and thats a good thing) - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By nastacio - August 21 - 1:50 am

  This is a replacement to a totaled Toyota Sienna. *For the segment*, it is probably the best interior space for the exterior dimensions. We looked at a Saturn Outlook, Honda Pilot and Buick Enclave, but the GMs few extra inches in all dimensions made them a chore in parking lots. The Honda sacrificed too much in 3 row. The Mazda was just right. The lack of interior storage is frustrating, with all the room in the center stack wasted under a compartment that barely fits a couple of wallets. A Mazda5 has more interior storage than the CX-9. The handling is excellent, the driver seats far from the front axle and somehow it feels like a substantial sedan on the road.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By The Chief - August 20 - 8:00 pm

  I am stationed in Japan and we have a 2006 Madza 5 (Premacy in Japan). This is far one of the best vehicle for a family of 4. This is a very popular vehicle in Japan, not to big and not to small. Has all the right features with an affordable price tag. We love our Premacy so much that we decided to purchase a new 08 Mazda5 Touring from great dealer in Illinois. It will be ready for pick up upon our arrival. We cant wait to drive our new and improved Mazda5.

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  Z28 Owner - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By popsz28 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Restored a 70 VW that got totalled (cell phone driver nailed me) so needed a replacement. Bought a new Saturn ION and when my son brought his new Protege 5 over and let me drive it I knew the ION was going back.What a neat little car. I was driving my Z28 Camaro for a while and while the Mazda is no Z28 it sure gives me the ride and feel of a sporty car. Now, if they could fit a small block Chevy in that thing they couldnt build em fast enough. I like everything about and the Laser Blue color turns everyones head. and all for 15,000. How do they do it.

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  more fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By peritel - August 18 - 10:00 am

  bought as a weekend toy every mile driven has been a blast. For the price nothing beats it. It has had nothing done but oil changes and will likely need nothing done for years. I am almost glad the warranty has expired so I can tinker with it.

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  Matrix what? - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Coqui258 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the Matrix ever since it came out, and was sure I was going to get it, UNTIL I saw that Protege5. The Matrix is so much bigger and less sport than the Protege5, which is a huge plus! Dont get me wrong, the Matrix is still nice, but side by side, the Protege5 outbeats Toyotas newest model. Also, feature-to- feature, youll be crazy NOT to choose the Protege5!