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:

• 

  2003 Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By SaraD - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege5! Mine is loaded (leather, 6 disc in-dash cd changer, sunroof, and a manual trans). The seats are comfortable - they feel like you are sitting and not slouching. Stearing wheel is small and easy to grip and the buttons on the radio and air are easy to use. You dont have to read the manual to learn how to turn the radio on! Another thing I really like about my car is that you can lock all the doors by using your key in the drivers or passengers door. And on the remote key, if you accidentaly press the unlock button and you dont open a door, it will relock automatically in about a minute. I really recommend this car!

• 

  Protege5 Pleasure - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By eldermp - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Although there was an item or two that needed attention under warranty, none of it would affect any major component, just minor stuff. This car has been wonderful! It is a pleasure to drive. There is a nice balance between performance and common-sense- economy, and it comes almost fully loaded, right out of the box.

• 

  A minivan well worth the price - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By AJA - October 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I spent 6 months researching minivans for our next purchase. Given all factors of cost, reliability, features, etc. What we like about the vehicle is the comfortable seating along with the instrument panel. Another nice plus is the ability to control the radio/CD player from the steering wheel. The minivan handles like a car and grips the road. The MPV is quiet on the highways and provides a nice ride at interstate speeds. We got a great deal which included a $2000 rebate and close to deal cost. The only serious contender was the Honda Odessey. We could not justify spending $3000-4000 more on the Honda name.

• 

  SUV with sport car personality - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By robscx-3 - October 18 - 10:11 pm

  I have owned the 2016 CX-3 for a couple of months now. I love it! It is the most fun to drive car that I have owned. (and over the years I have owned many). It is the most stylish sub compact SUV on the market, and the interior is upscale. The Bose sounds great...and the array of safety tech features is awesome. The only consideration is limited back seat space. Otherwise, a no brainer in comparison to its competitors....Especially if you love to drive.

• 

  Best Value in Class - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fun to Drive - October 18 - 8:50 pm

  I have owned the Mazda6 for almost a year now. I have over 11,000 miles and have not had any problems with the Mazda6. The acceleration is amazing. I have clocked my Mazda6 from 0-60 in 6.0 Seconds. I have raced an Acura TL, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and beat them all. You must buy the 3.7 liter though, because its more fun to drive. I test drove both engines and the 2.5 liter is not as fun. The gas mileage is great for a V6 at 272 horse power and 269 pound feet of torque. I am getting 22 city/29 highway. The Mazda6 still drives as good as the day I bought it. I love the quality of the Mazda6. I would recommend the Mazda6 to anyone.

• 

  Great Car a Little Thirsty - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By jimisurf - October 18 - 9:36 am

  I have been very happy with the CX-7. I have tried most of the competition and given the interior, exterior styling and the driving performance the CX-7 has them beat hands down. The only complaint I have thus far (@ only 500 miles) is that the gas mileage has been low. I know it will get better as the engine is broken in. Im not at all dissatisfied though. You are going to pay for performance somewhere or you can drive something boring. Have fun, drive a CX-7!

• 

  A Revolutionary Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Louisville family - October 18 - 6:00 am

  This is an amazing vehicle that hopefully represents the future of car design! Fuel efficiency, sportiness, family friendliness, wise use of space all converge in the Mazda5. As a small family with one child that loves to take road trips, this is our dream car. If youre committed to being a responsible driver (using less gas), but want comfort, performance, and room; rush to your Mazda dealer now!

• 

  Absolute blast - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By krayzieray - October 17 - 8:32 pm

  I had my Mazda 2 for 6 months now and just love driving it anywhere I can, even with 2 child seats in the back there is ample seating room (as long as theres just kids) back seat is only good for 2 adults at most. The lay out is simple and straight forward which I find appealing over the overly done subcompact cars, though I did install a 8" navi/Bluetooth/DVD screen for around $350 which just makes the car look a little more upmarket, the seats are supportive and comfy but a little to soft for me, and with just enough cargo space. Overall I highly recommend the Mazda 2 for anyone looking for affordable, reliable, and a fun all around car, as long as you get the manual. ZOOM ZOOM

• 

  Slowly Decaying Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anti-Zoom-Zoom - October 17 - 2:43 pm

  Where do I begin.... Well at first I loved the car. I bought it with 5500 mile on it, now I have 18550. In this 10 months I have been to the dealership numerous times for maintenance. The headlights kept burning out, I had problems with my catalytic converter, air mass flow sensor, and now the transmission is bogging. If you want to change your cd player you have to buy a $300 dash kit because Mazda designed it that way. Also Mazda is one of the few companies that has no iPod integration kits. Also theyre resale value is horrible. All in all I feel I was misrepresented when I bought this car. "Soul of a Sportscar"... Hah...more like "Soul of a Hoopty". This was my first and last Mazda ever.

• 

  Simply the best - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By drobinson - October 17 - 10:03 am

  Hands down best car I have every purchased. Ive owned 3 Hondas; 90 LX, 96EX and 99 SI Civics also an 02 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (piece of junk). This car gets out handles and preforms all these cars and also get better gas mileage. MAZDA is the car of choice in this segment. Sorry Honda lovers but its true. Buy a Mazda and youll see.