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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  This is Protege #3 - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By JackH - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Protege and each one is better than the last. Our 2003 is agile and fun to drive. My wifes last car was a Honda Civic and I was happy when she readily agreed to the Honda LX.

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  never buy mazda - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By kipp - June 16 - 10:00 am

  two starters one alternator and still no fix for running rough. the vehicle has lost its value quicker than anything i have ever owned. its trade in value after one year of ownership has been cut in half. i would never buy another mazda.

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  One Of The Best Cars Around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Robert Stephens - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the greatest cars I have ever seen. If I were any of you, I would go out tomorrow and buy this brand new Mazda RX-8. It runs like dream.

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  2009 MX5 - Driven 40k in the last 1 1/2 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By saintaug1 - June 15 - 3:11 pm

  Researched a bunch of different roasters. Drove the 350Z, Boxers, S2000 and bought a 2009 with 7k on it. A compelling factor was the PRHT which works perfectly. I just sold my Triumph motorcyce (much to my wifes delight) and I tell you, this little car is ALMOST as fun to drive. I did do a 180 spin in rain, so be cautious in wet conditions. I too would love to have about 50 more hp but you have to know how to squeeze the power out of it, mainly by shifting at higher rpms. I think the build quality is better than a couple used boxers I drove...really tight. The Honda S2000 used car prices were I think, over priced, the BMW I would hate to have to repair, as would be the Boxer. Fun!

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  The good and the bad - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MR O - June 14 - 10:20 pm

  Good engine, great manual transmission. Car handles very well. 25 mpg in mixed city/hwy driving. The remote entry keys work less than half the time. Good thing I can still lock/unlock the doors manually. Absolutely terrible in snowy/icy conditions due to slick performance tires. Occasional strange lurch in 2nd gear. This is a small, economical minivan, not to be confused with a Honda Odyssey. Compare it to other compact cars, not the big maxivans weighing half a ton more. Overall, a pleasant driving experience. Good, reliable, economical transportation. No mechanical problems after 23000 miles, except as noted above.

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  never again Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By mzdahtr - June 14 - 4:51 pm

  Poor, Poor Mazda. I suggest you Zoom,Zoom past this vehicle. Suspension is terrible, kills tires with no fix that you can afford to do. Plan on tire replacement every 18mo no matter the miles driven, Tire mfrs will not honor their guarantee on this vehicle. A/C quit cant figure it out i was told it was within the computer. Turn the wheel and you can hear popcorn popping. Terrible. This car is a Ford underneath. I guess it is a good thing Mazda is moving to Mexico. I wonder why Ford kicked them out of their facillities? Good Move.

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  It will be one year.... - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Marlo - June 13 - 11:33 pm

  in a few weeks since I bought the 08 CX7. It has 18k miles, and I havent had any problems with the vehicle. I brought the Sport but it came with some options (nav, Bose system, moon roof, Sirius, remote start). The CX7 is the perfect size for me. Overall, I enjoy the CX7.

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  Do not buy CX-7 AWD - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Maavalous - June 13 - 8:43 pm

  Do not buy a Mazda CX-7 with AWD! Mazda has a serious vibration issue in all the Cx-7 AWD models. From 55 to 100 mph (yes, I tested to 100) the car has a vibration in the AWD system. I tried to get it repaired and they tried for a while and gave up. We found four examples and they all vibrated. They now consider the vibration "normal". They refused to replace mine because "it would not eliminate the problem". I tested almost all the CUVs out there... none vibrate like this! Beware! They are not going to fix this!!

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  ONLY 3 row US vehicle w/ manual tranny! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - June 12 - 10:26 pm

  Perfect for a small family. If youre worried it wont do for the family vacation, dont fear! With the cash you save in purchase and fuel over a minivan you can rent a minivan if ever you need to!

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  Head Turner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Double Wankel - June 12 - 7:56 pm

  Great looking car in Velocity Red Mica. Good lines, and the suicide doors prompt plenty of interest. Adults fit in the back comfortably if the front-seaters scoot up a bit. Plenty of head room. The rotary lacks impressive stoplight torque, but the ponies wind up quickly. Its a great passer - drop to 3rd, floor it, and youre blowing their doors off just before you slip back out of the oncoming traffic. The gas mileage is poor for a smaller car - Im getting about 21 mpg when driving smoothly on the back roads at about 65 mph. I shudder to think how bad it would be if I frequently drove aggressively. Premium vs regular makes no difference.