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:

• 

  Been very reliable, gas consumption bad - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Kim - December 12 - 10:33 am

  Bought this car new to replace a 1991 MPV. Gas mileage was good to start but as it gets older its terrible. Hate the spare tire setup. Its the worst to try and change to the spare. It broke right after the warranty expired. Mazda needs to re-think the mechanism of storing the spare. Mazda also needs to be real on the carpet color choices. Kids, pets, etc. are riding in this vehicle and the light colored carpeting takes a severe beating. Thank goodness for steam cleaners. Upholstery is light but cleans up nicely. Leg room and clearance between back seat and middle seats are hard to maneuver unless youre a kid. I like the middle seat feature of being able to move them apart.

• 

  Great Car at a Great Price! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Atlanta Commuter - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a relatively small commuter vehicle that had great gas mileage. Also wanted something sporty and that looked nice. Got all that and then some in the PR5! I test drove the Civic EX, Corolla, Matrix/Vibe, and even the Camry (the car my wife wanted). None compared to the PR5 in terms of looks, standard options, performance, and uniqueness (dont see very many on the road). As far as cost, got it for $100 under dealer invoice & 0% interest for 5 years thanks to doing my research here and allowing email to do the negotiating for me. Had the best price nailed before I stepped foot on the lot! This is by far a great value for the money.

• 

  Ditch the PT - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rsnowman13 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  After owning a PT Cruiser for 6 months, I dithced it for a Protege5. I had nothing but trouble with the PT and the gas mileage was abysmal (16 combined). The Protege5 outhandles and outperforms the PT in every area accept 1. The PT did have more cargo space. Otherwise, the Protege5 has been a joy. Plenty of room for my needs and waaaaaaay more fun on the back roads. Sure it could use a few more ponies under the hood, but thats what the aftermarket catalogues are for.

• 

  You Must Buy a Mazda3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mel - December 11 - 12:13 pm

  I bought my 2010 mazda for its appearance inside and out. It takes corners sharply, ride is smooth, easy to handle, feels & looks sporty. Has awesome power. When I drive I feel like saying ZOOM ZOOM! I would recommend. 2010 has traction control which is an upgrade from prior models. Controls on the steering wheel is smart. Air Conditioner cools car down faster than I ever experience and it isnt too cold where you have to turn it down or off - just right.

• 

  Fun ride, but beware of problems. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brad Benton - December 11 - 4:04 am

  Bought my car 3.5 years ago at 47,000 miles and now have 95,000 and am looking for a new car. This was a fun car, but had issues throughout the 3 years of ownership. Check engine lights galore, door locks not unlocking with remote/interior unlock button (had to manually unlock each door, got annoying after 1.5 years of them not working and incompetent dealer service department not fixing), 4 headlights replaced, fuel pump broke pouring gas I just bought all over the ground, and most recently my drivers window will not work. Auto trans shifts rough into 2nd. Its a shame because the car is fun to drive on the highway/down country roads, the car is nice and tight, drives like its on rails.

• 

  Lovin the ride - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Manatnac - December 11 - 2:23 am

  This is my third rotary and it is great. I have had no problems, its fun to drive and has all the passing power I need. Corners so well, shifts easily, smooth power, and is so beautiful to look at. The sound system is good too. Not a window blowing sound but certainly adequate for the small interior. Many do add woofers and amps but that is a personal choice. The fit and finish of body parts is tight, the brakes are strong, and the styling is unique. I am a satisfied customer.

• 

  I will think twice! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Elizabeth - December 9 - 5:56 pm

  I will think twice before I buy this car again. Tires were junk!! Lasted less than 23000 miles..what a rip off! After replacing with awesome Bridgestones...ride and traction is sooo much better. Within a few months a driving has to have the front end worked on...leaking front differential needed to be replaced as well as the drive shaft. I feel like I was the one who got the shaft! I am just waiting for something else to fall apart!

• 

  A pretty good SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By dan18932 - December 8 - 3:16 pm

  I have had my Tribute for 1 year now. I bought it used from the original owner. It has gone through all of the recalls and I thought it was fine, until the transmission went out at 47000 miles. It had burned up one day while I was driving home from work. The original warranty had expired because it was a 2001. I took it into the dealer and they said I needed a new one which would cost $3000 dollars. I told them I never heard of a cars tranny going out so soon. After fighting with Mazda they agreed to pay half and the dealer I took it to paid some so it only cost me $1,000 dollars. I do not think I would ever buy one again though it drives nicely and has pretty good performance. My mpg is 19.

• 

  I love driving again - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rob7 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I honestly look forward to the most routine errands or just any excuse to drive my Miata. The style and look of this gem turns heads everywhere I go. I love my Miata.

• 

  Awesome 1999 miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ray - December 7 - 6:56 am

  Bought a 1999 miata with 64k mileage on it around 8-9 months ago. Bought it from the original adult owner. About the car: Manula transmission -Low mileage when I bought it -havent done anything aside from 3k oil change -Current mileage on the car for the past 8-9 months is 73k I enjoy driving this little beauty. My gf doesnt like it because its manual and she thinks the car is too small(your opinion matters little..). So far, upgraded air filter to K&N oem filter(1mil mileage warranty), momo shift knob, and just recently added a High Quality trunk lip spoiler, Original did major service @50k, so I guess I will do one at 90k or so. So far, the car drives flawlessly.