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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  love it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dijital - August 14 - 10:00 am

  love this car. my only problem with it is the fuel economy. seems sometimes low, but what do you expect? it is a sports car.

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  Mazda 2009 Sport - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Rick - August 14 - 2:43 am

  Only have about 1500 miles on it. Broken in very easily and averaged 23.3 MPG mostly around town. Quality is excellent. I bought the least expensive Sport version, no bells and whistles to speak of. Had the dealer install a Sunroof and it works better than the factory. My suggestion, spend the extra money and get more extras. I drive a lot, 35K yearly, and probably made a mistake with the MPG but I knew what it was when I bought it. It is a blast to drive and has great acceleration around town. Zippy! Vehicle is tight with no squeaks or rattles and nothing has fallen off yet so things are good. I would recommend this vehicle.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Metro guy - August 13 - 4:50 pm

  Weve had our 2002 LX for 6 months now. It looks good and is fairly peppy around town. The seats are very comfortable and there is loads of room in the back seat compared to a 2002 Corolla or a Honda Civic. The stereo and heating controls are useable with gloves and the heater pumps out loads of heat, even in very cold weather so the windows dont fog up. All around great car few complaints.

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  My 2nd Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By CR - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  Of all the purchasing decisions I have made in my life, choosing the 2001 Protege 5-speed DX has probably been my single best decision. I bought it used with 64k miles; it looks and runs the same after 96k miles. Replaced brakes, shocks and battery when I bought it, timing belt and other belts just now. Nothing else. My two longevity tips: use synthetic oil and hand-wax it. The only issues: The famous digital clock problem expanded to the entire radio, which now fails to operate. More road noise than Id prefer on the highway. First signs of rust showing near the wheel wells, probably from winter salt.

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  Not bad for the price - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Granny - August 12 - 11:03 am

  Tires are shot at 24K. Car driven by a little old granny in town and have had a number of long highway trips and am guessing highway mileage is close to 13k of the 24K. Plenty quick. Bought entirely on looks and cheap 2 year lease.

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  Speed3 - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By jbbrow00 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 2010 GTi to the 2011 Speed3 and it was worth it. The speed3 is much more fun to drive, smoother acceleration, better content included in package and significantly more solid.

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  repeat buyer - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By taki - August 12 - 7:10 am

  I was very happy with my 1995 Protege, so when it came time to upgrade, my choice was the 3i. Dont let salesmen try to supersize you into an s if fuel economy is of primary importance. You can get lots of extra features on an i, and its not always true that its "same price as an s" by the time youre done adding. I find 144 hp to be plenty of power for my commute, which includes pulling out onto busy roads and merging with traffic from a stop. My only real complaint is the all-black interior. Every speck of dust shows. Like a white kitchen floor, its going to take a lot of regular attention to keep it looking clean (sigh).

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  CX9 Australian Review - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By David Hill - August 12 - 1:50 am

  Ive had my CX9 now for 2 years and have done 60,000 Km (35,000 miles). I understand they are only released in North America and Australia (RH drive). 3.7 L V6 is great, the leather interior is well finished, goes hard but drinks fuel just as hard. Gas in Australia is $1.35 per litre, which means a tank is over $80 and I get about 450 km per tank. A few minor problems, drive shaft replaced the first week, factory fault with a bad highway shudder, always repaired fast without fuss. I do a lot of Brisbane inner city parks and I can nail the big bastard into most car spaces. Id buy another, I love it, we call it "Mazilla" as it is Japanese and large.

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  Madza5 Workhorse - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Tom - August 11 - 3:20 pm

  I use my Mazda for hauling my Arts and Crafts booth and products. With the seats down, there is about as much room as a normal minivan. The one major complaint I have about the vehicle is the fact it gets extremely hot in the summer and the air conditioning takes a long time to cool off the back of the vehicle. Another issue is the door locks. My son has a 2002 Focus, a much less expensive vehicle, and the doors lock automatically after putting the vehicle in gear. Last issue is the remote entry system... terrible, terrible, terrible.

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  Absolutely Fantastic! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JF - August 11 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my new 3s about two weeks ago and absolutely love it! It is far and away the best vehicle in its class. The ride is smooth and controlled with a poised, well-damped feel thats more typical of premium German cars than compacts. Handling is sharp and nimble and steering is quick and linear. It just drives like a much more expensive car than it is! The 2.5L 4cyl is smooth, revs quickly, and pulls hard all across the rev range. The 6-speed is slick and a joy to row. The interior is ergonomically perfect, impressively designed, and well put together. Exterior design is slick! My only complaints are a small back seat and average fuel economy, though I have been meeting the EPA estimates.