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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  Recent Purchase-So far, so Good. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By SI Steve - February 15 - 2:16 pm

  Have this car for about a month. So far, wife and I are very pleased with the seat comfort,interior materials and design. I also like the quick pick up from a red light that makes it seem as if theres a much larger engine than the 2.0 L 148 HP standard mill. Very nimble cornering and turning... I avoided a stuck car in the middle lane of a major highway with its quick steering response, but steering is too sensitive at 60 mph + and requires constant minor corrections to stay in lane.

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  Wow! What a car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By travelboy - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I got a Protege5 at a Waco, TX dealership (after being frustrated with Austin dealerships). Black Mica; Moonroof w/ deflector; 6CD changer; wheel-locks; Sport automatic; polished alloys. Final price was $17,536. The car is a dream. It operates with the fluidity of a pen; it goes EXACTLY where you want. Amazing streering puts a smile on your face when rounding sharp curves. The space comfortable and the power and acceleration much better than my V6 Xterra. The Black Mica color adds an element of euro-class to the very athletic looking design. I was sold by the test drive. It is THE most fun-to-drive car I have ever owned.

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  THE budget sedan for sports car lovers - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Mike in St Louis - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted a "small" car to replace her 97 Civic EX. With that in mind, we found this to be the best car available. I love the way the Protege handles. Its not as fun as my Miata, but much more fun than any of the above mentioned cars. More power would be welcome, but Im willing to trade off some power for the excellent handling. While I would prefer to have the 170HP Mazdaspeed model, it was going to cost close to $6000 more (dealer markups) & we couldnt have got the 0% interest loan. Bottom line....if you prefer sports cars but need a sedan, and if your budget is under $20,000, get this car. You wont regret it.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By floridaspincast - February 10 - 7:33 am

  After driving and test driving SUVs for three months, we selected the Tribute to be the best overall. Price, style, comfort, fuel economy and ride. The Infinity FX35 and the GMC Envoy were close seconds. The leather package is very nice, the interior setup is very good. We took it on a 500 mile trip and it handled great! Fuel was great.

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  Nice for the Price - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Acroduster - February 9 - 10:13 am

  When compared with its rivals and their sticker prices, the CX-9 is in tough company. However, when you look at what youll actually pay for them, the CX-9 looks much better. It appears to be the value leader - very nicely appointed, sports-car zoom-zoom handling (which you wont find in the competitors), and feature laden. Even my skinny 7 year old can slide the center seats to access the rear (she couldnt do that in the Tahoe we had). Speaking of the Tahoe, when we compared them side-by-side, the CX-9 has more depth behind the rear seats, and has more depth when the rear seats are folded. I wouldnt have believed that if I hadnt seen it myself...

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  HOT HOT HOT - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sarakay54022 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my MP5 for a few days now and I love it. The exterior, the interior are awesome. The handling is superb and I love how quiet the engine is. The seats are so comfortable and I love the dash setup. Would definately recommend. A+

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  100,000 Miles - Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By cleaver - February 7 - 10:22 pm

  Weve put 100,000 miles on this car. The struts are just now needing to be replaced. Other than that, we have simply changed fluids and replaced tires on this car. The original brake pads are still on it. For a $16,000 car, this was a bargain. It does everything a cheap car should do, plus some. The suspension is well-tuned and the steering doesnt feel dead in the drivers hands. It isnt a racecar by any means, but it is a drivers car that lets you know how the tires are working while you are driving. Gas mileage often over 30 in mixed driving. Ill keep buying from Mazda after this experience.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hoyt Andres - February 7 - 5:40 pm

  This is the 4th new Miata that Ive owned. Ive had at least one of all 3 body styles. This one is great, but the trunk opening almost made me keep my 1999. Its just too small. And the lack of a spare tire WAS a problem for me when I had a blowout at 9pm at night and the flat fix kit didnt work. AAA towed me to a motel and then came back to get me the next morning and towed me to the Mazda dealer (the only place that said they had a tire that fit). Fortunately, they were able to repair the tire. Overall the additional power of the 2006 and the new features were the deciding factors for me.

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  Its all good ! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lone Ranger - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The most fun you can have with your pants on ....

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  I call my P5 Little Zippy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mrt823 - February 5 - 11:46 pm

  I bought this car used 4.5 years ago and I couldnt be happier. I did a lot of research before hand and this car just completely blew away the competition in safety, looks, and pure driving enjoyment. My husband is used to his truck, but even he loves the pep of this car. Now that gas has skyrocketed, Im getting an even better deal, averaging 27 mpg in town/30 hwy. I dumped the standard sport tires after replacing each one twice in short order. They are super responsive, but very expensive and low longevity. I replaced a broken thermometer on it about 15 months ago (~$90 with labor) and that has been my only cost, other than reg. maintenance.