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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  A True Gem - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Tweek - January 30 - 9:10 pm

  I researched every other car in this class and deliberated for nearly four months before making up my mind and to this day Ive never looked back. Amazing on fuel, fun to drive (Id recommend the stick), shes beautiful to look at both inside and out and with the right aftermarket audio improvements shes a music lovers dream. There is so much I could say about my baby but if you own one you already know... and if you dont, well, I can save you the headaches of looking around. THIS IS THE CAR TO GET!!!... hands down.

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  Extremely good car- Both looks and Value - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cheezhead21855 - January 30 - 3:13 pm

  getting 30-37 mpg. Turns heads. Overhear people saying thats what i want... Only regret is that i could not get with sunroof when purchased and the ventilation is a bit strange without it. Otherwise a fantastic car and I was able to get at an unusually low price- so negotiate! You will not be disappointed in this car..

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  Nice Car for the price - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By yoho - January 30 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned my Mazda3 for about a month. I went and drove the new Hondas and the new Toyotas and did not even check out the American makes. For the price of the Mazda3, it out performs in acceleration, handling, braking and shifting. It is also more comfortable and just all around more enjoyable to drive. If you want a nice car that has a sexy design and drives well for a great price, then I suggest the Mazda3.

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  Nothing better in its class! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By js - January 29 - 4:00 pm

  We just purchased this vehicle and couldnt be more satisfied. From my first test drive I couldnt believe the incredble way this car drove. It feels solid and inspiring. No cheap plastic pieces used for the interior. And the exterior design very attractive. A total package for less than you might think!

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  Fun to drive with great value! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By SY - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Aug 02 out the door with tax for $19K. Now with 9K+ miles, great car to zoom around anywhere short or long distance. Can outhandle almost any car, but cannot outperform many cars, need to gun it to get it to move. A little bit of engine knock when using regular grade gas, but you make the call, premium-worthy enough to eliminate the knock? Cannot get to the storage behind cup holders when cups are there. Tiny armrest compartment can only hold CDs and can only rest one elbow. No cup holders for back passengers.

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  Gorgeous car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mannym - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I rarely hear comments on the looks of the new Miata. It really is a gorgeous car to look at. As for performance, it takes more driving skill than a Corvette, wich is fine with me.

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  A Mini Audi A4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HockeyFox - January 28 - 7:03 pm

  After owning a very problematic Audi A4, I vowed never to spend that much money to spend that much time at the service department. After giving way to accepting that Honda made a reliable car, I test drove the new Civic. Nice, reliable, but boring to drive. Quality was apparent, but it didnt feel European tight. On a whim I test drove the Mazda 3. It was like driving my A4 all over again. European flair and quality construction. Reviews are very favorable and reliability history appears to be quite good. I purchased the vehicle and expected some remorse towards not buying the Honda. NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER. Best purchase I have made. Love the ride, great comfort features. Winner!

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  Still love my miata! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Vegas Resident - January 27 - 6:43 am

  Here it is 8 years later and I still love my car. It has only 50,000 miles and lots of love. In that time I have had only a few minor repairs. One was to replace the master and slave cylinder for the clutch system and finally am putting in a new radiator. But what to expect when your summers are 115 degrees with no rain day in and day out. It still purrs like a kitten and I finally had my first brake pad replacement. All other parts still original and no major problems. In fact I think the NB is the best of the miata runs. It gained the necessary curves that made it so sweet. The NC lost some of those curves which was sad and got some fenders that were more RX in looks.

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  One of the best! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - January 26 - 10:30 am

  I loved my 2005 Mazda 3 sport sedan as it was a great car. Over 160000 miles on it with absolutely no issues what so ever. This new 2010 model is even better. Better mileage better comfort and better features. Build quality looks to be very good again with fit and finish again at the tops of its class. Im six foot 5 inches tall and I fit in this car with no troubles at all. Im not sure what the other guy was talking about when he said tall people look elsewhere? Compared to its to closest competitors, its got the most room inside for us tall folks. The only other small sedan that can compare comfort wise for us tall folks is the Nissan Sentra. Great buy, great car, recommend!!

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  A Dream come true! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sharon Jones - January 25 - 10:40 pm

  Although I have not had this car very long. I have been eyeing it for a year. When I first saw this car online I knew it was the car for me. I love the look. My husband calls it the "sexy look" car with the impressive body style. He is also happy with it, loves the ride and the great pickup.