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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  i love this car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By luvie - April 25 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. the handling is great!!! i can take a sharp curve at 80 mph and it just hugs the road. Overall, any one of any age looks good driving this car....i get so many compliments about my Mazda P5.

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  WooHoo! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LaiLani88 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  They call it the Miata Grin. You cant help but smile while behind the wheel of this car! The control the Miata gives you is amazing. The drop top is simple to put up and down. Stock audio system blares loud enough to be heard on the fast LA freeways and the cd player hardly ever skips. This is NOT a car for the big & tall. Ive had passengers who are over 6ft tall & they were not comfy. It fits me just fine at 56". The Miata looks fast, but isnt capable of winning races against most Mustangs or Firebirds. Ok, so I tried it. Parking is a breeze- it can fit in spaces other cars can only dream about! And the cup-holder? Id like to say, what cup-holder?

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  Whats a Protedge? - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Charlie C. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I had never thought about a Mazda Protedge. It is without a doubt the best car and most comfortalbe I have ever driven. I am 62" but I can strectch my left leg all the way out I the drivers seat. Who are these people? The fuel economy is great. The ride is very smooth, the stereo is killer. The only drawback I have found is it is a little sluggish on acceleration. Othere than that it is a great car.! Thank you! Thank you, thank you!! Job well done!!! Please, please tell Mazda thank you!

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  Overall A Good Buy - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By JonSMayer - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Protege for about 3 months now and it is doing well. The actual buying experience was horrible (Note: Avoid Kings Mazda in Cincinnati, OH at all costs) but I got a decent price for the ES with the 6- CD/Moonroof option for around 14,900 out the door. The wind noise no problem, I find it only noticeable on very windy days. The gas mileage was a little dissapointing, I think I get about 25-27 mpg combined. Another small complaint I have is that the air conditioning never gets really cold, and on hot days (90s) takes much longer than you would like to cool down. Other than that the car has done well and I hope that this trend continues.

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  So far so good! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lmvp17 - April 25 - 3:20 am

  I bought my gently used 05 fully loaded Tribute (3.0, 4WD w/ towing package) couple months ago and so far so good. Had some trouble with the engine light but that was fixed by replacing the gas cap. I tow my 16ft fishing boat with ease and felt confident when the 4x4 kicked in to pull the loaded trailer out of the lake. Left the moon roof open one night through a rainstorm and had my interior and dash completely soaked! Surprised to say absolutely no electrical problems and leather still looks brand new. Only thing I wish it had was ability to play MP3s!

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  Mazda 5 door 2.3L - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - April 25 - 12:50 am

  I have 49,000 miles on mine and it has been terrific so far. Very fun to drive, the only glitch has been that the tire pressure warning light has been stuck "on" for some time although I have confirmed no tire pressure problems and actually gone to a new set of tires. Dont want to pay the dealer an arm and a leg just to make the light go out. Anyway, a great little car and I laugh at the guzzling SUVs when I accelerate by.

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  Best Bank for the Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - April 24 - 10:43 pm

  Great little car. Handles great, strong, powerful engine, amazing bose sound system, solid construction, hatchback is roomy, gauges are clear and easy to read. I fell in love with this car the min a drove it and didnt even hesitate to trade in my civic on it. Couldnt be more happier with the car. Styling, power, handling, and stereo are hard to beat for the $20k I paid for it!

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  Its a van! A wagon! Its a sports car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By disneyguy - April 23 - 2:16 pm

  We bought a 06 for my wife, I liked it and bought one for me. Still the best value out there...Mazda has to be losing money on selling these. Loaded, all the safety stuff, all of the goodies, nice looking, versatile, very well built.

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  Practical Performance Bargain - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Kevin - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Nothing from me that contradicts the other positive reviews. Ive driven my car for a few months now, and I have to remind myself of how inexpensive this car is; great handling, powerful engine, comfortable interior with loads of standard features, practical and reliable -- all for ~$23K! When I consider how aggressive the exterior styling is, Im really surprised at how comfortable and civilized the car is. As a middle-aged guy, I tend to feel a bit self- conscious due to the cars styling, but it just drives SO well! Be advised that if you live in an area that gets snow, you should plan on buying a set of snow tires for winter since this car is fitted with summer performance tires.

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  I love my Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Scott - April 23 - 7:40 am

  I love my Miata. Pros: 1.) It handles like a dream and is a lot of fun to drive. 2.) You can beat most cars off the line. 3.) It looks great. 4.) Reliable 5.) Good gas mileage (if you choose not to have fun.) Cons: 1.) No storage space. 2.) Loud road noise. I love my Miata.