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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  The Best Car Ive ever owned - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By queenb - October 14 - 5:10 am

  I have always loved the Protege. This one has over 165k and is still going strong. Makes me say "zoom zoom" every time I go around a corner fast. Never had a problem with it, it has never been in the shop for anything other than routine care. Everything still works great. No electrical problems at all. Someone just hit it, how do I part with the best car ever?

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  Great little car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Pete - October 13 - 10:56 am

  I have always been a truck person, but bought this car to limit my annual mileage on my truck. This has been a great car that I bought cheaply with 87K on it. I changed the timing belt, and change the oil every 6K with synthetic. I now have 143K on it, and it runs better than when I bought it. I use it like a truck, and even have hauled my jetski with it. It just has a little trouble pulling it out of the lake but manages. It gets between 30 and 34 MPG with a mix of freeway and town driving. Its not the fastest for sure, but it is sufficient, except on big hills.

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  02 Dual Sport - Good Small Truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By reddualsport - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this one for a little over a year and have not had any problems. The ride is bouncy but its a truck. Mine has the trailer towing package and Ive hauled a 18 foot boat (1800 lbs) for 300 miles on one trip and it performed better than I expectd.

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  Smallish but the very best in its class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Joe DeJohn - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I researched for a long time, we miss the availabity of the great Japanese wagons (Accord, Maxima, etc.). This car is peppy, handles great, looks very good although we have gotten some "clown car" comments and is very economical to drive. Its fairly practical as well, do not expect full size wagon accoutremnents but with no kids in the car and the seats down we have carried some fairly large loads. Interior is slightly small otherwise this has been a great car for us, two adults with two small children.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By NothinButNetJAG - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I own an ES-V6 model, and I would call this "The Sports Cars of SUVS." I think the Tribute out-classes the Ford Escape. The tribute has a more nicer interior than the Escape, as well as many more standard features. The Zoom- Zoom really shows. A peppy DOHC 24 valve 201 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 is fun to drive. The car is very comfortable and sporty. Great stereo on ES-V6 models. Handles more like a car than an SUV. Feels more capable and sportier than our $34,000 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Great off-road capability. I would recommend this SUV over the Ford Escape, Isuzu Rodeo, Honda CRV, and Honda Pilot. I love the Mazda Tribute!

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  One of Many - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobbydmears - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Mazdas since 1974. I have yet to be disappointed. The Mazda 6 is even more than I expected. Next....RX8!

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  56K and still going - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By js1 - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  It will be two years in March 09 and this car is tough. 56k and still drives like the day I drove it off the dealership lot, save for new tires at 40k and rotors that are worn, but I do push this car to the limit. I think if you are looking for a dependable used car that gets 35mpg and is fun to drive this is for you. Previously drove 97 honda civic and 93 honda civic and like the car better than previous two, much more reliable.

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  AWESOME CAR - 1998 Mazda 626
  By theyrmom - October 12 - 3:44 pm

  I bought this car new at the end of 1997 and I have almost 130,000 miles on it. I have the services done and the oil changed - thats it. I have had no major problems with this jewel. I have the automatic transmission, so I dont understand those who have had problems. Are they having their car serviced and oil changed? Anyway, I finally had to get a new battery after 8 years and the guy at my local service center was amazed that it was the original battery. I have had to finally get new tires. This is just a great car, I think I will keep it until it stops and it is not showing any signs of that anytime soon. It still drives like a new car. WOW!

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  Mostly happy - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By JustpeachyinDC - October 12 - 11:43 am

  Bought ours new in July 07. Overall, this is a very good car for a new family with small children. Easy access with the sliding rear doors but it doesnt feel like your driving a minivan. Needs more horsepower! We have averaged 23 mpg in mixed driving since we bought the car, not bad but not great. Routinely get 27 on the highway even with the Thule cargo box on top. This car is one of Mazdas best kept secrets!

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  Bummed out - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - October 11 - 11:03 am

  I was really excited to get this car except that its been in the shop 3 times in its first year. All with oxygen sensor problems which the service manager told me doesnt happen often. Well its happened 3 times with me and it sucks. Worried about how reliable this car will be down the road. I had planned on keeping this car for a long time now Im already looking for a replacement.