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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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By MSP - March 15 - 12:16 am

  The protege is a great car. Alot of people like civics and other cars, but the Protege is simply on the the best compact cars made in 03. When I purchased my protege I knew it would be a nice car. But I was really suprised how much fun it was to drive and what a great car it is. I would never have gotten anything different.

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  Fun, this is it!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By miamor - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vivid yellow, auto with moonroof. Car gets lots of looks on the road. Car is not as comfortable as Id like or fuel efficient, but the price was right with the rebates. I figure I couldnt wait until December for the Mazda 3 to come out.

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  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By phw1443 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Having been the owner of suburbans, this was a little bit of a change. Besides the size and the power differences, I never thought I would like the smaller SUV, however driving it has been fun and relaxing. No fighting the traffic changing lanes. Rides smooth. I would recommend the Tribute.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blu - March 14 - 10:00 am

  fabulous car, hot to drive , fun nice looking at decent price.

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  Wheres the air? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt Breaux - March 14 - 6:56 am

  Do the Japanese not have summer conditions? In Texass 98 degree F weather, neither the fan has enough volume nor velocity, nor does the evaporator have enough capacity. Drivers leg room is awkward where the knee is in contact with the center console. Steering is great, shifting in manual convenient. Volume and radio controls on the wheel very nice. 1st gear leaves you desiring more. Maybe thats found in the 2.3. The trunk raises completely out of the way. Be careful with the doors when beginning to open, they dont rest until wide open, which may call for scratches and dings. Gauges are easy to read day/night. Terrible, horrible gas mileage for a 2.0L. Factory tires are low mileage.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By RA - March 13 - 10:56 pm

  Needed something small and economical, without being a lame ride. Looked at corolla, and sentra. By far the Mazda 3 has the looks and the performance. Fun to drive, very quick. Not so fuel efficient only getting about 21 combined. Excellent handling.

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  Reliable and zippy family sedan - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Carcrazy10 - March 13 - 7:56 pm

  Bought my 99 626 V6 as a preowned with 84K miles on it and have driven over 22k miles since then. No major repairs other than spark plug wires. Regular oil changes and fuel additives like injector cleaners and gas treatment keeps the engine running smooth.Very reliable and friends riding in the backseat love the comfortable seats.

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  zoom zoom :) - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Andrew - March 13 - 4:53 am

  Spent a lot of time reading reviews before purchase. This thing is flat out fun to drive. It may not be a sports car or be the fastest thing on the road but the 2.5 motor WILL get out of its own way. There is plenty of get up and go for my liking. The ride is a little stiff, but thats a nice trade off for how well this thing handles in the corners :) There is very little body roll. The gas mileage is decent, 23-24 so far with my average driving and better on the highway. The seats are little hard but more I sit in it, the more I like it. And the CX-7 is got great curb appeal. Nicest vehicle Ive owned yet, and Ive owned a few.

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  I Love My Miata - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tony - March 13 - 2:23 am

  Ever since the Miata first came out, I was in love with it! Now, after 10 years I finally got one and the thing most people would be surprised at is that I got rid of a 2001 Audi A6 2.7T Quattro Sport and the Miata is what I replaced it with! I have never had a car that is so much fun to drive! There are many cars that I considered to purchase; the Boxster, BMW Z4, and other more expensive cars, but when it came down to fun for the money and most importantly, reliability and not having to go to the dealer just to change a lightbulb, the Miata won the contest and I have never been happier with a car in my life! If youre thinking of buying one... do it. You wont regret it.

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  Our 2nd 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By La Otra 6 - March 12 - 11:53 pm

  This is our 2nd Mazda6 purchase in 9 months. We purchased a Mazda6 hatch last March (see 5-doors of fun review). The wagon is everything that our hatch is and more. The wagon handles the same, accelerates the same and brakes the same, with a little extra room. At 65" tall, the ride is comfortable, there is room for our 2 German Shepherds and two sets of golf clubs and for both of our golf storage accessories. I added the Mazdaspeed 18 wheels and tires for an even sportier look and better handling. By far this is the best looking and handling wagon, on the road today for the money!