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 Protege 2002 ES Standard - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Newcarbuyer - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a month and love it. The ES is fully loaded, disk breaks, ABS, moon roof, CD, ft/sd airbags, wheel locks, cargo net, and alarm. This car spoils the driver with lavish comfort and exceptional safety. Not only does one receive all these extras, but they come at a very reasonable price. The drive, very stable due to its fully independent suspension but the standard is very touchy in low gears. As close as you can get to a miata with out tossing practicality out the window.

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  Protege a great compact - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Ray Moore - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the civic,sentra, and the corolla; in my mind the Protege is all in all a superior automobile. For the money and driving experience none of the other cars in this class can beat it. I am really impressed

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  Excellent quality at a reasonable cost - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Stefano - May 23 - 3:00 pm

  High quality material comparable to luxury cars that will cost 20K more. Instrumentation is simple and useful for comfortable and safe driving. Smooth and fast acceleration.

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  Basketball Mom finds the right vehicle! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By MomsMazda - May 23 - 11:26 am

  After a lot of research, and looking and driving everything...I stumbled upon a 2009 Mazda5! Roomy, fun to drive, great mileage, cool looking, fantastic level of standard equipment, seats 6 comfortably, plus equipment. I couldnt find a single thing wrong with it, everything was perfect, the fit and finish, paint, assembly. The stereo is supurb, the automatic rain sensing wipers are cool, handling is great, too!

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  Great car but with some odd issues - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By dougrek - May 22 - 9:50 pm

  All in all we enjoy the car. Great acceleration and handling, plenty of passenger room, beautiful styling. I would recommend to friends and family. For a vehicle this size its astounding we havent had to change the brakes yet, and were at 60,000 miles. Two odd issues: The mounting pads for the engine already are worn, which creates a nasty clinking sound when the car is put into gear; and the circuits go bad, meaning Ill turn off the car and the fan will suddenly go full blast - I have to turn the car on and off a couple of times to make that stop. But these are relatively minor fixes (Ive been too lazy) because overall the car has been wonderful for us.

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  Dare to compare - look out Lexus! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By JohnT in NJ - May 22 - 3:53 pm

  Bought the GT AWD and got an awesome deal. Dare I compare this to the Lexus or Infiniti SUV offerings? Absolutely yes. Interior quality and materials are great. E.G. padded armrests on doors. Nice. The cargo space whips the luxury class models. Features? Navigation, backup camera, proximity key, Bluetooth, moonroof, memory seats with powered lumbar support, iPod jack, powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone a/c, blind spot monitoring! For under $40K you CAN have it all. I got the white pearl exterior.

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  disappointed - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Ziggy - May 22 - 11:23 am

  Expecting better fuel economy over the previous generation; still very poor for the power output compared to conventional engine. Need to regularly keep eye on rpm to know when to shift gears. Engine does not give audible sound that I am aware of when to shift gears which is distracting. I have unintentionally red lined many times. Overrated specs along with total dealer denials; one that car was over heating and refused to address.

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  18/22 mpg??? - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Goober - May 21 - 8:40 pm

  Dunno where they get these fuel ratings. I get 27 on my commute & up to 30 hiway. Have never gotten lower than 25 mpg, even pulling the trailer. Not bad for a 2.0 4 cyl.

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  Great Value for Money - Born 2 Look Good - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By osuamar - May 21 - 10:00 am

  love it ever since weve bought it...racked up tonns of miles already..

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  Not overdone - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By a.k. - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great minivan. There is plenty of room for transporting people and things without hogging the road. I was so glad to find a vehicle with decent gas mileage but enough size.