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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  Mazda Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mkn - July 10 - 11:26 am

  This is a great little car. So fun to drive and extremely reliable. I drove a Honda Civic for several years before I bought this car and what a difference with the Mazda. It’s so much more comfortable and driver-friendly.

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  Mazda Protege LX 2.0 2003 - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Joey pep - July 9 - 11:50 pm

  I was interested in the Protege with the 2.0 engine because of its incredible reliability and performance, but it has a very nice complex style for a car this size. I suggest this car if you hesitate between a Honda Civic, a Protege 2.0 and a Nissan Sentra. And for young drivers, the insurance is pretty low compared to other vehicles. In the 5 spd manual, unlike other cars in that class, you still feel the torque in 3rd and 4th. The LX model is very comfy. And for the admirers of audio systems, dont underestimate the Proteges. I plan on keeping it stock because I love it so much.

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  OK car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By tom - July 9 - 11:26 pm

  Have had the car almost a year and have enjoyed the handling. The very first thing is the fuel mileage is very poor. In town is 20.7 and interstate is 25, not at all what I expected from a 2.0 engine. Took a trip to AZ and was surprised at handling in traffic, and it felt roomy. I found nothing extra in the mountains as far as power. I guess the engine is a little small, which brings me back to poor mileage. I love the dash at night, doesnt blind me when driving.

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  CX-9 is a very good SUV. - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By aarnal2 - July 9 - 7:33 pm

  I own a cx-9 and every time i go to my garage, i say "wow, i made a good choice." The cx-9 is affordable but looks luxurious and costly. Compare it with suvs like the Acura mdx and the Toyota highlander and i would say Mazda came up with a competitive car.

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  Good Value - All Around Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By davidej123 - July 9 - 11:15 am

  I recently picked up a 2005 Mazda 3s, with the 5spd, as a grocery-getter / everyday workhorse. I wanted something versatile, reliable, and cheap to maintain, with above average city mpg. However, I also love driving, so I wanted to make sure it was still fun and very much a "drivers car". The 3s has been good-to-excellent on all counts. The shifter is superb. Somedays, I actually like it better than the shifter on my M5. The handling is precise, like a go-cart. The brakes are good. In combined driving, I average about 28-30mpg without fail. Typical trip to the pump is 11gals for 330mi. Decent - but if fuel economy is your absolute top priority, buy a Prius because it will crush this.

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  Im impressed - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Thppbt - July 9 - 7:03 am

  I love this car! I cant get over how much bang I get for my buck. Mazda produced a refined and beautifully designed car inside and out with all of the high-tech gadgets I would expect in a $40,000+ car. Look out Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti. Before I bought the CX9, I had compared it with the Ford Edge, Acura RDX, Acura MDX, and even the Mazda CX7. In the end, the CX9 was a no- brainer. The exterior styling looks aggressive. The interior styling is gorgeous. The CX9 has virtually all of the same features as the Acura MDX, but for $1000s less. I liked the power and handling of the CX7, but I preferred the cargo capacity, options, and fuel economy of the CX9.

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  catastrophic clutch failure at 14k miles - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By natdallas - July 9 - 2:43 am

  Ive really enjoyed driving this car. Ive driven two manual hondas, one subaru and an old datsun. Never any clutch problems. My 2010 Mazda 3 had a tight clutch one day, and then in the course of a day and a half, the clutch engaged the gear only partially--losing power--and finally, with a snapping sound, no power at all. Miriam Stevens (at Mazda North America Customer Care) gave the impression that Mazda does not care about premature clutch failures on this car. I mentioned the many web-postings about customers with similar clutch failures that appear out of nowhere, ending in sudden failure. This issue is not the result of wear and tear. Want to call lawyer.

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  Best in Class - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sebastian - July 8 - 4:33 pm

  60+ miles each work day. All highway. Handling is very responsive. Sports car like feel. Hugs the road. Comfortable drivers seat. Probably wont ever sit in the passenger seat! I researched the Camry, Accord and Altima. Drove them all. Bought this. Only downside is the road noise. Its not loud per se. But, test drive the car on the highway if it is something that bothers you. Cranking Sirius on the Bose stereo is always a good way to drown out road noise. Fuel economy is not as bad as it looks in the 6cyl. I have 1700+ and I am averaging 22 MPG. I noticed that when I set the cruise, I appear to be getting 25+. Mazda has a winner with this model.

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  The sleeper of Sport Wagons! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Morton Y - July 8 - 3:40 pm

  This car is the best of both worlds--a true performance sedan and a station wagon capable of hauling asphalt. A total pleasure to drive. The best built US manufactured car I have experienced. Excellent fit and finish. A lot of value for the money.

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  MX5 Great Value - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jazzycat - July 8 - 10:26 am

  The MX5 is a feature packed well engineered roadster. Probably one of the best values on the market. The engine and suspension of the new Miata are more sophisticated, but leave you wanting a more sports car like feel. The engine while strong feels and sounds like a boring sedan. Suspension is incredibly supple, but is too soft and leads to ridiculous levels of body roll in corners. The MX5 has great options and features for a car that sells under $25K. My car with dynamic stability control, LSD, traction control, Bilstein suspension, Bose stereo, side airbags, leather interior, 17" wheels -- was $24K. The MX5 also has one of the easiest to use convertible tops ever!