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 ideal car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Clare - September 6 - 12:33 am

  I test drove several vehicles in this segment and none had the feel of the Mazda3. It genuinely feels like a far more expensive car. It is a real treat to drive and own. I highly recommend this car.

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  iamzs review - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iamz - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  With the P5, Mazda gave me the form I was looking for and did not sacrifice function one bit. Some have complained that the 130 horses and 135 ft-lbs of torque tucked under the hood, are not enough. Well, I have not found that to be the case. The torque comes in nice and low and churns out nicely. The handling is near perfect. It seems at times, the harder you push the P5 into a curve, the more stable and flat she becomes.

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  Drivers 3-row CUV more upscale than before - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By jcpharm - September 3 - 8:37 pm

  Wrote this on kbb already so just adding my 2 cents here as well. Quick take: Pros(+) nice exterior/interior (albeit subjective) considerable low-end torque gives more than adequate acceleration with no discernable turbo lag great handling for the class (drives much smaller than its size) MUCH quieter than other Mazdas Heads Up Display (HUD) is pretty cool and safer since you dont have to look around as much at the dashboard or nav-display - even blindspot warnings appear in the HUD) safety package (for GT trim) includes blindspot monitoring, lane-departure warning/assist, adaptive headlights, auto-highbeam, automatic brake support, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control) Fuel-efficient for the class (21/27 - 23 combined EPA) CONS(-) Cargo area is probably amongst worst in class (71 cubic ft vs. Honda Pilot 100 cubic ft) AC does not seem as strong as before no ventilated seats, no heated rear seats, no panoramic roof, no handsfree auto liftgate Not a lot of extra power after 2-3k rpm (but honestly i havent had to push the engine in those ranges) 6-way power drivers seat adjustment vs. 8-way (height) adjustment in competitors 3rd-row seats are probably only usable for small kids Towing rating is 3500# which is below competitors overall, the cons dont mean that much to me since i only have 2 kids, dont tow, and dont need a ton of cargo but for those who need those things, those might be deal-breakers. personally the steering/handling and interior quality and quiet but comfortable ride are what did me in. so overall i really like the car and think you get a lot of value for the money.

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  LuVmAzDa - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zippie - September 3 - 1:16 am

  I traded up from a 2002 Honda Civic LX. I was a little iffy about trading a Honda for a Mazda as I have never driven one, but Im so glad I did. I love this little car, it handles like an Infiniti and even the interior is comparable to the Infiniti. This little car is surprisingly fast and it has that agressive street racing look. I love this car. :)

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  Zoom, zoom, zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By milocat - September 2 - 4:10 pm

  This car is by far one of the better ones Ive owned & it is by far the most fun to drive. Ive been a Honda owner many times, but this car has changed my thinking. I love the heated leather seats, steering controls, & best of all, the sport shift stick. The hatch on the wagon is easy to open and close, hard to say about most vehicles (Im only 53" tall). This car is really a headturner & people are always asking me what it is and commenting on the sporty styling. It is easy to get my son in/out of the car & the hatch makes it so easy to load groceries, strollers, etc. If youre in the market for a smaller SUV and want something that gets good gas mileage, heres your best bet.

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  Still a great car! - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By LeiInSeattle - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new after graduation from college back in May, 1999. ES model I added powered sunroof. When I drove out of the dealer room, its only 13 miles on its odometer, now its almost 47000 miles. So far I had 3 problems, first happened in Twin Cities, MN in 2000, check sign was always on falsely, esp. during rainy and damp days, finally fixed it after several trips; Next happened in 2002 CD player didnt work, probably due to some scrached CD effect, changed a new player and another to make it work again. Both of above were under warranty. So I didnt pay a buck at all.

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  Beautiful convenient reliable family car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By baywood - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Just got a brand new 2003 LX sand mica (still in wrap when we test drove it). Sharp looking. Ride is quite, smooth and comfortable. Handling and parking is easy. Breaking is confident. A/C is cold. It takes no effort to open or close the manual sliding doors, so I didnt choose the power doors. Like all the features of the 2nd and 3rd row seats (they are big toys for me now). The plastic materials of the front middle table, the storage under passenger seat and the real console feel cheap, but practically usable. Overall a beautiful convenient reliable family car. I also own a 90 323 with 130,000 miles and it still runs well. I hope the MPV will treat me even better.

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  Glad I Bought It - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Penten15 - August 26 - 9:03 pm

  When I bought my Mazda3 it was actually my first new car. It is very fun to drive and the steering is more precise than anything I have ever driven. The leather is very comfortable although the dark leather certainly keeps the car warm. Fortunately the AC is amazing. Fuel economy is good but not amazing, but the car is more fun than anything that that gets better gas mileage.

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  Oh Shinka! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By SK - August 26 - 3:50 pm

  My Shinka is hot! Been on numerous tri-state road trips and the fun quotient cannot be matched. Unique looks of the Shinka garner a lot of admiration even from fellow RX-8 owners. Has passed all recall tests with flying colors. Similar bugs already mentioned but overall an awesome, sexy yet functional car. Only cons - light colored leather and the gas mileage.

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  great car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaowner - August 26 - 2:33 pm

  Have had mazdas and still own them, but like this interior layout. Seats not as comfortable as the older protege, but pretty good. Much quieter than the protege. Love the value edition. Homelink mirror works great and got rid of garage door openers from the visor. Wish the fuel economy was better, but it gets what its rated for. Hope this helps