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:

• 

  I Love my ZOOM ZOOM - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By brittany16 - March 29 - 4:32 pm

  I owned a 2008 red mazda 3 hatchback for 9 months it had almost 55,000 miles on it and not a single problem and I recently traded it in for a 2011 celest blue Mazda 3 Hatch with 29000 miles on it. I have not one complaint about this car. Its 100% perfect. The handling is amazing, its got plenty of speed and is extremely comfortable. The outside appearance is very sporty and nice looking and the inside is great looking as well. I give mazda 2 thumbs up when it comes to building these cars. I wouldnt trade mine in for the world.

• 

  Mazda3 S, Zoom Zoom Zoom is no lie! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nigel - March 29 - 8:53 am

  I cant speak highly enough of my bright blue Mazda3 S. It has been a joy to drive and absolutely trouble free. One recall for the crash sensor behind the front bumper. 10,000 miles a year, of which 70% is in town. Getting about 24 to the gallon in town and about 30 on the interstate at fairly high speeds. I have the shiftmatic version which Im quite pleased with (first one Ive owned) although I wish it was 5 speed like the later models. I find it hard to get off the line really quickly, but once the VTec cam gets going it positively flies. Handling is wonderful, accelerate hard through a corner at high speed and feel the Gs. Current models have much better equipment options.

• 

  2014 CX5 2.5 Touring - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By pmacx5 - March 28 - 1:07 pm

  Its been 2 yrs/ 20K miles and it still deliveries the fun to drive with perfect Reliability. I service my cx5 at the dealer. first service @5k $40, second @10K free, third@15K $55, fourth@20K $60. Owning a Lexus, BMW, and Nissan, we seem to drive the CX5 everywhere. Avg., MPGs when new was at 23-24, mix driving - after we hit 4-5K we avg., 27mpg. On trips 300+ miles on cruise control holding 70mph we avg., 31mpg. I have a BMW 42K price tag and the Mazda matches the steering & Balance character of it. We have been very Happy with the Cx5. If I had any CONS: it would be the the bluetooth, its quirky & it needs a little sound deadening padding like Lexus. other than that, Its a great buy

• 

  My first Mazda !! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lance - March 28 - 2:00 am

  But definitely not my last. My family has always driven Mazdas but I had never owned one myself. That will change after purchasing my Protege5. I am hooked on Mazda as the dealership service was excellent both in sales and after-sales service. Not to mention the Protege5 is definitely the best handling and best looking car I have ever owned.

• 

  went outside the box - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By indianared - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Have been a Ford person for years. Noting the less than favorable reviews on the Focus, saw a Protege 5 and fell in love. Have had it 2 /12 months and is everything I wanted. I am retired and use it for daily trips locally. Average 26-27 mph. Husband has big 350 diesel 4x4 and we use the Mazda for our outings. He is 6 tall and 230 lbs. and have plenty of room.

• 

  I loved this Mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By iheartmazda - March 27 - 12:36 am

  I have had my Protege for almost 9 years. I have had very few repairs over the year. Very reliable! It is sporty and fun to drive and easy to handle. I am only selling for another Mazda!

• 

  mini suv - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Marc - March 25 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this car used, going from a 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T coupe V6 and I may be a Mazda customer for life now. This car is zoom. I find myself saying that as I do multiple lane changes on the highway. It is my go-cart, but comfortable and with lots of storage. Enough to keep my golden retrievers in the back along with all his fur. Just drove the car 480 miles yesterday and got 33 mpg. Very comfortable seats (back is not stiff at all), great pickup with the manual transmission. Roof rack, sunroof and 6 disk changer are great! Brakes are smooth as silk with the 4 disks. I highly recommend getting one. I feel like I pulled one over on the dealer!

• 

  2010 Mazda3 i touring review - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kxdub - March 23 - 2:30 am

  I just picked the car up yesterday so the relilability rating is a guess. But it has a nice interior design, good gas mileage, and the engine seems to have more pep than the civic ex-l I tested. I love the streaming bluetooth audio feature. With an iphone (or any other that has apps I guess) being able to stream pandora, or ESPN radio app, or AOL radio through the bluetooth it almost negates the need for satellite radio. I like the suspension (a little tight) and the sport shift is nice. A comfy, good gas car, with a little pep and nice enough look. So far so good!

• 

  Love this Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Lover - March 22 - 2:56 pm

  Love, love, love this car! This has been an amazing car! Drives and handles like a sports car. I have never had any major, or minor, problems with it. Part of the LCD display for the air vent was out when I bought it. I have the 4-cylinder manual and consistently get 32 MPG! This car handles well in all weather and elevations. Love the brakes and tight steering. Very responsive and smooth on the highway. I get lots of complements on the car and everyone that drives it loves it as well. I will be getting another Mazda when I finally have to part with this one.

• 

  Fantastic Car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ZephyrCJW - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a used 2002 Protege5 and am exceptionally delighted with it. Ive not had so much fun driving a car since I owned a 1969 Mustang. The Protege5 may not have a V8 or V6, but this little puppy really hustles when it needs to and looks damn good while doing so!The headroom and legroom are exceptional.The front seats are very comfortable, even on long hauls. The rear seats fold down completely and you can haul around an amazing load of stuff. The interior is as stylish as the exterior. Lots of brushed chrome, a leather wrapped 3 spoke steering wheel, leather wrapped shift and easy to read, cool looking digital gauges complete the package.