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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  My Mazda - zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ron - April 15 - 12:30 am

  Overall we really love this SUV . There are only two things that are bugging us. The cup holders in the console area are horrible! There is no room for the second cup unless you lift the lid of the center console. Not good. The second is how fast the brake discs get worn. Not even 7,000 miles and they have deep groves in them. Otherwise, love the car.

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  Great minivan - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By kristi - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this minivan for almost 2 years now and Ive been very pleased with it. Only one minor problem fixed under warranty the same day, no other mechanical problems at all. Even though I have the 2001 version with the supposed "under-performing" engine, Ive had no issues with the performance at all. The gas mileage could be a little better but otherwise I have no complaints. I get compliments on it all the time, even though its not brand new anymore.

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  Best Choice I Could Have Made! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By GoKart4KB - April 14 - 10:00 am

  What an outstanding choice the Protege5 was! I love this little car. I have been a dyed-in-the-wool SUV owner and never saw the draw of cars. Now I do! I zip in and out of traffic, stop on a dime, and take turns at a speed that would send my Chevy Blazer for a tumble. Fuel economy is good, parking is easy, but I still have room to haul larger purchases. I am so happy!

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  The most fun youll have with your pants on! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By beatnikbettie - April 14 - 6:57 am

  I bought my 96 Miata two years ago. In good running condition with I’m assuming 120K. Since then she has been across state lines, driven 103 MPH down deserted highways, been my daily driver and is the closest to heaven I’ve ever been I am not good at maintaining my cars, I forget until something goes wrong. She’s had an oil link since I bought her and once in a while she ends up bone dry and ticky but as soon as I add oil she’s right as rain. The speedo cable squeals..not a big deal. all in all she still runs like a powerhorse roadster should, has saved my life with epic handling. Ill never own anything but a Miata. ever.

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  Great SUV/wagon/whatever it is... - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By flyingcow - April 13 - 7:13 pm

  2000 miles, and am happy thus far, except for a few minor quibbles. 4 cylinder auto transmission is peppy, if you turn off the overdrive. Roomy, really fun to drive, turns on a dime, quiet, car-like, good seats, plenty of room in front AND in back (Im 6/3), Feels solid on the highway. Excellent sound system - 100 watts will rock you out. 22 mpg in city, 25/26 mpg highway with automatic transmission (as advertised). Amazing price: $15,800. 4 year/50K warranty. Gotta buy it!

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  wow, what a car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By BohoChic - April 12 - 11:36 pm

  This car is simply amazing, especially considering the rebates that are offered right now. I was originally looking at the Mazda 3, but I actually bought the 6 for less money and got more options. Value-wise, I dont know any other sedan that can even touch this, and I test drove them all. Its comfortable, quiet, has excellent handling and braking, and its sexy! I love the sleek lines, both inside and out. This may be marketed as a family sedan, but I can see many singles loving this car, especially in the sportier versions. I have the automatic transmission, and love the option of being able to use manual when I need it. I cant say enough good things about this car!

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  Would not buy another one - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By ronbchamp - April 12 - 12:50 pm

  This car has not been too bad overall but it has had some issues with idling which have never been resolved. Its a problem in the cold climate of Canada. When it gets very cold it cranks really slow then floods. The CD player is junk - sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. The rocker panels rust almost as fast as a GM or Ford. Maybe because Mazda is now owned by Ford and is no longer a true import. Buy a Toyota and you wont see that kind of rust on it so fast and they start easy at even minus 40 deg F.

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  Fun car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RWW - April 12 - 11:06 am

  I love this car and so does my 17 yr old son whom I bought it for. Thing is its so fun to drive and gets such good gas mileage and is so nimble in traffic and did I mention fun to drive and looks sport that I have yet to hand the keys over to him some 8 months later. He can drive the minivan! Seriously, this is a great car that handles and performs extremely well for a car its size and compared to many other cars. It has great leg room for my 64" frame and is peppy enough to keep you out of trouble.

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  A nice change - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By lanpingd - April 12 - 12:16 am

  Bought this last month and has put on 600 miles. Had to say goodbye to our 2000 year Ford Taurus, its working fine but we relocated to SF bay area and parking was a headache. My wife is the main driver and she feels happy to make this "size" change: enough acceleration, relative spacious interior and trunk, stylish inside and out, and the parking can never be easier. The first two tanks averaged ~25MPG, mostly local with heavy traffics. Looking to keep this car for long time and we expect it to be no less reliable as the previous taurus. Good car for a budget-limited young couple!

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  Fantastic Little Car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Landric - April 11 - 9:53 am

  I bought my 02 Protege ES new. It was a fantastic car, fun to drive, excellent handling, good performance, comfortable, decent gas mileage, great safety features, and completely reliable. I had the dealer find me an ES that had the ABS/Side Airbags/Power Sunroof package. Gas mileage on the highway hovered around 32 mpg, low 20s in city driving. The transmission shifted smoothly and easily, the engine reved up quickly and offered decent power. The real treat with this car is the handling, its fantastic, and especially nice with the sleeper looks. Its feels a lot faster and sportier than it is. I replaced the front brakes at 70k, 2 sets of tires, and oil changes. No problems in 115K.