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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  Outstanding sport/family car!!! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Popeye - May 27 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this car for my wife after her Stratus got totalled in a 7-car pile-up. All other cars we looked at were all the same. Line any brand, make or model up on a football field, and theyre all the same boxy car. I bought this one for her because of style, then engine, then performance. GAS MILEAGE? Youve got to understand this engine. Due to its rotary nature, it all boils down to a 6- cylinder, 2-stroke engine. Typically, 2-stroke engines have never had much power until you reach a speed above city street speed, and fuel consumption matches. You can drive this car at 80 MPH in 3rd gear (yes, auto also) all day with no problems. Never slides, squeals or tilts much on turns.

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  Fanatastic Car!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By afranchuk993 - May 27 - 10:52 am

  This car is fantastic! Never gives me any problems! The seats are extremely comfy no matter how long the drive. The fuel economy has been great (about 25-28 mpg) It also has a HUGE glove compartment and huge trunk. There is so much storage space! For some reason mine vibrates when idling at a red light and jerks when going from the 3rd to 4th gear. It never has left me stranded anywhere, but when my mother drove it in the winter it left her stranded at safeway and also overheated. But I have never once had a problem. But my mothers 2007 Mazda 3 GT is smooth, runs fantastic and never has a problem. These are great cars and I would suggest buying one!

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  I Love My "New" Mazda - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By alooknac - May 26 - 5:53 pm

  I have owned a 1989 Mazda 323 hatchback and a 1994 Protege sedan. Most recently I was driving a 2006 Subaru Forester. I sold it and bought this Mazda Protege ES sedan with only 64,000 miles on it, same as my Subaru. I missed having a 5 speed and I did not like antilock brakes when they were put to the test on ice. I love my "new" car. It is fun to drive and it is very nimble compared to the Forester. Of course I gave up some cargo space but not much else. I get better gas mileage. I am averaging 29+ mpg with mixed driving. I am curious to see what I will get n pure highway driving when I go on a road trip.

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  Excellent car! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By abandoy - May 25 - 5:29 am

  I have owned my car for one week and have enjoyed every minute of it. The only thing that I am having trouble with is setting up the SMS messaging with my iPhone.

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  2001 Mazda MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By JesseB. - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. Plenty of Power. Easiest MiniVan to parallel park. Milage around town could be better but not horrible.

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  Mazda B4000 SE 4x4 - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Dicksgarden1 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck for the money.....good quality thru out.....quick...rides nice but not spongey at all...handles good...& I think it is sharp looking.....mine is Black mono......if you are in the market for small pickup dont over look this

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  Truck luvr goes 4 wagon...and luvs it!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By JKB25 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven pick-ups for the convenience of being able to always have room for my stuff, but I hate the poor gas mileage Ive been getting (with my 2000 Dodge Dakota). The P5 has PLENTY of room for your stuff, is very fun to drive, has a great sound system (mine has the 6CD chanher and a 100W subwoofer) and gets great gas mileage. I feel a little lower than Im used to but Ill get used to it! Buy this car, its a great value and you will love driving it.

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  Best kept secret!!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Richard Roy - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I owned a MPV 1991 before. For my next van, seat management was hign on my list. There are only 2 models with the third row folding in the car (wonder why they dont all have this feature). In my case, the Odyssey was too big. I park the van in my garage. There is one area of concern which is the motor. So far, Im please with the Ford Duratech performance. Maybe they can spend some time about reducing fuel consumption.

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  I Love My Tribute! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wgBeethovenV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Being a senior citizen with a diabetic physical handicap, I had my share of problems entering sedan (low seating) type vehicles. With the Tribute this problem no longer exists. Its height affords the driver an ease of entry together with a very comfortable/roomy driving position. The "over the hood" windshield viewing area is superior . The maneuverability and handling of the miniSUV feels like a sedan most likely due to its unique suspension and steering ratio. Great vehicle for the price!

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  THE MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jl - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great all around SUV. No matter what anybody says