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:

• 

  2nd time M3 Owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazReview - February 28 - 4:03 pm

  The 2008 GT was a good car with luxury items patched on to it. The 2010 GT is an improved car ( Horse Power, Handling , HWY Gas Mileage , Front Lights,Styling ) with the Luxury items designed in from the start. The steering wheel human interface for the Audio / NAV / Driving Metrics are first rate. Dual Zone Temp Control/ Heated Seats / Push Button Start / Bose Sound are all executed in fine fashion. At $25K- $26K you have a BMW Handling / Acura Electronics Sporty- Luxury car. The Acura TSX costs about 32K and is a "floater" in terms of Handling. $25 K might buy you a BMW hub cap. Like the Dodge-Hemi Charger this car makes those who spent lots more for a similar car feel strange.

• 

  Zoom... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By pasailor - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The P5 is FUN! It is a great car to drive, handles fantastic and is versatile. The only drawback of the car is horsepower but it has good torque that just about makes up for that shortcoming. It has a very flexible engine without the peaky power that some small cars have. Comfort is great as I have done over 700 miles in a day (solo) in this car. Very nicely carries both a canoe and a kayak on top with Yakima racks.

• 

  NEW ENGINE - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By HOWARD - February 28 - 10:00 am

  ON MY WAY TO WORK, MY REAR WINDOW BE- CAME VERY DIRTY. ALSO THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. BY LUNCH TIME MY ATTEMPT TO GO TO THE DEALER FAILED & I WAS PUSHED & HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALER INFORM ME THAT ALL OIL PRESSURE IN THE ENGINE WAS GONE & A NEW ENGINE IS BEING INSTALLED (THANK G-D FOR THE WARRANTY) AS WE SPEAK. SOMETHING AINT RIGHT!!!!

• 

  Protege 5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jagert1955 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  A great looker and handles the road awesome. Comfortable seats and has enough legroom and headroom(even with sunroof). A couple minor gripes are that there are no cupholders in the rear and the ones in the front are not very deep. Could use some pockets on back of front seats. No choice in the interior colors. Some people complain about lack of power. Seems enough for me especially going from 0 - 40.

• 

  Fleet Manager - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By John Bassett - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I am the Fleet Manager at a Mazda dealership in Seaside california. I have so many customers asking me to get this car into inventory that I cant keep up sometimes. It targets a broad audience and handles like nothing else.

• 

  In the Beginning - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By S Gloshen - February 28 - 7:50 am

  Getting in and out of the vehicle has been made very user friendly with the use of the advanced keyless entry. Walk up to the vehicle open the door, get in, and start the vehicle without any key. The CX-7 is very responsive in the throttle and in the steering. Thus far I enjoy this more than my 2005 BMW 330Xi as far as space, entry, creature comforts, versatility of options, & of course riding at elevation. With the sport transmission, getting from 0-60 is more than quick enough. The ride on the 18s is just right. Handles like a sports car and takes road imperfections like a luxury. This vehicle is spirited and insightful.

• 

  Best small car Ive owned. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mark L. - February 28 - 5:43 am

  In the past before purchasing this Protege, I had owned Honda LXs and Civics. All had great engines, but all would succumb to extreme body rust. Living in the Northeast this is expected. Since buying my 2002 Protege, I have no problem with rust or engine problems. Mazda also stands behind their product. Dealerships are hard to obtain. The problem encountered is tires. Original tires wear out quick. Snow tires are expensive, and all-seasons are no better. I bought Brigestone winters and run Dunlap summers. By far the best car I have owned!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevon - February 27 - 4:40 am

  I have had this car for 3 months now and I still have a grin on my face everytime I drive it. I have a MZ3, cloth, TPMS, manual with navigation, and xenons. I recieved from my new car from parents and them being previous mazda owners (91 Mazda 626) of ten years and 400,000 miles I know it will last. The only downside is the power which it lacks, so get a manual it makes the drive more enjoyable. Performance parts are becoming steadly available so that can be fixed with a little tunning me being a teenager in all. The flip up navigation is nice also, not just for looks. To sum this up, this car is for the consumer that whats a budget vehicle with great looks and "moderate" power.

• 

  I love my Mazda! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sharon - February 26 - 9:13 pm

  We shopped long and hard for a car, comparing more than 10 manufacturers. We first drove a 2008 Mazda 6, and were not impressed with the interior room compared to others in its class. Once we got in a 2009 however, our minds were made up. We have owned it for 5 months, (8000 miles), and have loved every minute. The 4 cylinder has plenty of zoom-zoom, and gets good gas mileage. We average 26-28 mpg, and are pretty heavy on the pedal. Highway trips we get 31-32 mpg. Often while driving, I will smile at my daughter and say "I love this car". The grand touring would have been nice, but we couldnt justify the extra cost.

• 

  Sweet Ride, Designed in 2004 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By detroit1701 - February 26 - 6:46 pm

  The Mazda3 5-speed hatch is a great car to drive -- good handling and driving dynamics. Designed to compete with the VW Golf / Rabbit, it offers similar performance and fuel economy out of its 2.3L 156 hp engine. The only thing keeping this car from blowing out the competition is fuel economy. The next generation 3 should address these issues.