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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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By D R McClees - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Lots of fun on the twisties. Not a Miata, but the next best thing!

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  Pro5-proof - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By prOwner - June 25 - 10:00 am

  After over a years worth of driving, including a bitterly cold winter, I can attest to the value of the 2002 Protege5. What initially sold me on this model was its driveability and it continues to demonstrate this day in and day out. But not far behind, is its reliability; Mazda has refined this model to eliminate problems and nuisances (although that back window could be bigger). Overall, an excellent value.

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  We love our MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By lazyfox - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We wanted first to get a used Odyssey, but discovered MPV. We did the research and decided to get it. Drives like a normal car (actually words of our friend who had driven it, she drives VW Golf ; -) ). Enough power, it might downshift more often when going uphill vhen loaded, but it still has enough power not to lag behiond traffic. Easy parking with its smaller size. Have a 8k on the van now and except for that fog light recall we had no problems.

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  All in all, a great car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By kyjd75 - June 24 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car shortly after it was introduced in its first model year. I expected some problems, and I was not disappointed. However, Mazda USA took care of all of them at no cost to me. The car has since proven to be a reliable performer with great handling, smooth ride, and good looks. Its fuel economy is only fair, and the road noise at speed is noticeable, but the car drives so well, you dont mind. With Michelin tires, it is smooth as silk, and is extremely stable at triple digit speeds. It is definitely a drivers car. We have the leather interior, and it is holding up well. If handling and overall good driving experience is important to you, then this is a car to consider.

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  Meant to Be - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By rdouble - June 21 - 8:02 pm

  I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 in Jan 2014. Unfortunately, I was hit by a van which slid and hit me on my door. Safe Car! but damaged beyond repair. I decided, in its replacement to get a 2014 Mazda 3 4 door sedan Touring; . I have to say it was meant to be. This car practically drives itself; I feel the road, I feel safe and I enjoy driving again!. Its beyond perfect for me and I am so thankful to Mazda for producing such a gem of a vehicle!

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  cx-9 is sublime! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By angela linville - June 21 - 9:09 am

  First thing to go on this car? The paint job! Only done routine maintenance in 7 years and and 106,000 miles. Couldnt ask for a more reliable vehicle. Favorite things are the sub woofer, remote start, keyless ignition, heated leather seats, acceleration and handling, flexibility with use.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By BOB - June 21 - 7:50 am

  After looking at the acura tl and honda accord, I couldnt help to compare, for the money you get sooooo much more. Great turning radius. Out of the hole speed. Exterior first glance looks like a lexus. Built with the consumer in mind.

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  Many More For Me - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - June 21 - 6:56 am

  I have a 2007 Mazda 3 GS (which is second from the top of the line) this is a beautiful car. This car preforms at an extreme level and it has plenty hoursepower for a 4 cylinder automatic. When I needs to pass a car up hill or down the Mazda can pass it with no hesitation. I would definitely recommend a Mazda3 to anyone who was thinking of purchasing a fun car. The only problem I have with this car is that there is a squeak in the center console which Mazda says they cant fix. And after a night of the car being parked, the back brakes stick and then squeak for a few minutes, not a big deal but very loud. Besides these little problems that I found, this is an awesome and fun to drive car.

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  What A Value! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By edweissmanesq - June 20 - 6:13 pm

  After looking at other 5-door hatchbacks in the price range (notably the Kia Spectra5 and Toyota Matrix) I test drove a Mazda3. 10 minutes behind the wheel sold me. The 2.3 liter engine with the auto- stick transmission is probably the most powerful 4-cylinder power plant Ive ever driven. Nothing in any of the competition came close. The Kia, while good with some low end torque, was noisy and bottomed out at 70MPH; the Toyota was marginally powered in the FWD configuration, and painfully underpowered in the AWD version. Neither of those cars come close to the tight handling of the Mazda3. The interior of the 3, though smaller than the Matrix, is surprisingly roomy and comfortable.

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  2008 GT with Tech Pack - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By emmjay28 - June 20 - 2:20 am

  Traded in my 04 RX-8 GT last week for the 08 CX-7 GT. I wanted something with better mileage, more room, yet still sporty and stylish. The CX-7 was perfect, because it draws heavily on the RX-8s style and isnt all that much bigger. I expected to be disappointed with its 4-cyl engine, but have been pleasantly surprised by its performance. Its peppy and the transmission is smooth, almost feels like a CVT. Love the manual shift mode. Leather is comfy and stylish with the stripe down the middle of the seats. Nav system is a dramatic improvement from my RX-8 nav system, the touchscreen is simple and has lots of features.