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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  Advise please? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By elvis8it - January 17 - 1:35 am

  I have owned my Mazda CX7 for three years, with very little problems. However, I am concerned about possible turbo issues down the road. Would love to hear about other owners of 2007 CX7s with over 60K? I have about 50K on mine. I currently love the car. I had one issue in which the warranty covered with no questions (I did have to show my maintenance records). This was for the the VVT / Time chain issue. Mazda took care of it, no problems, even provided me a loaner car!

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  Great with a few glitches. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Mick - January 16 - 11:16 pm

  I leased my CX-9 one week ago after about 4 weeks of comparison shopping. I love the ride on this vehicle. It is smooth and comfy on the road, yet still manages to feel somewhat sporty, and drives like a much smaller vehicle. I had a Ford Explorer and the comparison is like night and day. I find the 2nd row seats very comfortable for my 60" frame, and the 3rd row a little tight for me, but my 56" wife thinks its just fine. My 2 kids certainly fit well. The drivers "cabin" is roomy yet seems to wrap me up more like a sports car than an SUV. The ABS and AWD worked wonderfully last week in our spring snowshowers. Finally, it looks SHARP!

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  Great Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Mark - January 16 - 9:50 pm

  I am probably one of the few people to put this many miles on a car in just a few years. I have 180,000 miles on it and the car never quits. Other than basic maintenance I have had only two problems in all my miles. 1) Power steering pump started leaking and 2) rear brake caliper froze (probably due to Chicago winters). The engine is still strong. The wear ability of the products used to build this car is superior. The car interior still looks very close to new. I can’t say enough about this car. If youre looking for a reliable, fun to drive, fuel efficient all around do everything car, look no further. The problem will be trying to find one. They only made them in model year 2002 and 2003.

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  great car for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gary R. - January 16 - 10:10 am

  Nice car for the money. A REAL performer in town and on the road. I get 28mpg @ 65mph with cruise on. A fast car off the line/stoplights.(get the V-6) Roomy, comfortable interior, trunk has ample room. Handling is comparable to my Mazda Miata Convertible and is great in the twisties. I drove Camry, Accord and Altima and they are 4 cylinder plus more expensive. Mazda gives you more car for less money.

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  CRAPPY CRAPPY TRANSMISSION!!!! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mkburgess828 - January 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought my Tribute w/ 77k on her 17 months ago and first off it is VERY weak. I maintain my vehicle myself and do so very OCD like. The transmission gave out on me @ 108k. My only complaints are the noticable lack of power and the PATHETIC transmissions Mazda designed and installed on these vehicles! Thank Goodness I have a GREAT hookup here in NC which rebuilt the tranny with much better than factory parts. I took out and reinstalled the transmission myself which saved $400. The rebulid alone was $900 which is a deal. If you buy a Tribute be prepared to replace the tranny without ANY doubt. For someone without help or ability its gonna be $1800-$2500..EASY Good luck, Youll need it!!!

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  Miata Owners Review - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rnady - January 14 - 9:46 am

  You will be nothing but happy with this car, i have been driving Miatas since 1994, and never had more fun!

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  top of the line ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Unitenyc - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Black Mazda Protege ES in December 2003. the retail price was $18,050, I got a $2,500 rebate and hagggled hard. I got it for 13,000 before taxes. I think that is remarkable. It came with every option except sunroof and anti-lock brakes, but the 4 wheel disc brakes have massive stopping power. It has 16" aluminum alloy wheels and Dunlop tires! Halogen headlights! All around a great car and I feel I got alot of car for the money. Much cheaper than honda civic and toyota corolla. But they cant compare to this car. Mazda should have never stopped making this car. I would ONLY purchase the ES. It is a finely made, fun to drive, easy to own auto.

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  Better then the competition - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Mazda Boy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Never looked at Mazda before but am I impressed.This car offers more standard equipment then the competition.Love the look of the car front and rear.checked out toyota and honda both seem bland to me.We bought the Lx and we always get compliments on the color and interior space.What impressed me most has been the build quality of mazda.I have always bought american vehicles but I was impressed on how tight this vehicle rides and corners.You wont go wrong buying this car!!!!!! I highly recommend it.FUN>FUN

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  my rating - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mark Lester - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to SAY that i love my mazda. Its my first car and im glad i got it. You should get one to.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kentucky Dude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda 3s for three weeks now and am extremely happy! The engine is powerful and the sport AT is great (especially in manual mode). Ride and comfort is superb and the leather interior is first rate. This car stops on a dime - great brakes.