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 Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Frazier - February 26 - 5:30 pm

  Ventured back to Mazda after reading all the reviews on SUV/CV market and love the CX-9. Purchased Touring AWD on 1/11/08, and have about 5500 miles on it. Smoothest and quietest ride ever, great stereo, a real joy. Makes my wifes Camry XLE seem awfully loud and rough riding in comparison. Only drawbacks... avg about 16-17 mpg in town, and 18-20 on highway. With a 20 gal tank range is nothing more than 350 miles. Only needs reg gas though so some savings here. But no trip computer. Overall, I would buy again... a real joy to drive. Not a single issue in the 4 months and 5k miles, just an oil change. Enjoy the drive.

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  The SUV I Always Wanted - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JessieHope - February 26 - 11:46 am

  I love my Tribute. I wanted a smaller SUV and looked at several makes (Jeep, Ford, etc.) before deciding on the Tribute. It has great cargo space and the area around the driver is comfortable and very well laid out. The gear shift is on the steering column which took a little getting used to but now I love it. It opens up the console as more usable space. There are plenty of well designed cup holders and a flat floor across the back seat, making this the perfect ride for roadtrips. Even with 5 adults its comfy.

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  My first Japanese and luxuary car - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By dfe109 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Mazda provided great incentives for pricing the car. I agree that this is a lot of luxury car for the money. I never dreamed I would pay this price for luxury! Ive never purchased a Japanese car before but Im a changed person! Quality is great!

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  A sport car in sheep clothing - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By MoreZoom - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive test-driven Toyota Matrix base, 2002 Honda Civic LX and Mazda LX (all auto as gf wanted) before my final purchase of this Protege LX. Base Matrix was $16,000 plus, Civic LX was $15,000 plus, Mazda LX was $14,880 b/f tax to me with alloy wheels. Man, price was the prime deciding factor at first. Then, after test drives, I found that the Matrixs 130 horses was not enough to move the 2800-plus lbs of the auto, Honda - Na! No torgue! Protege won with 135 torgue and 130 hp for its 2700 lbs for the auto. Man, the road-holding is great! Fun-to-drive little car!

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By troyohchatter - February 24 - 3:07 pm

  The specs tell the story of a very average vehicle. Average power, MPG, etc. But just drive it. Handles great, the seating position is ideal, the automatic drivetrain is near perfect, even for a guy that prefers a manual, and it can seat six adults in a pinch (front and middle rows move up a notch). The vehicle is tight as a drum, low noise level, and overall is tighter than the last Honda we had, a 2003 CR-V. I have no idea why anyone with kids would want doors that are not sliders. Sliding doors do not hit other cars in parking lots and allow easy access to child seats.

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  Best for Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NickNich - February 24 - 10:00 am

  After breaking my foot in a biking accident,I had A LOT of time to research a new car. I began with the latest issue of Consumer Reports, Edmunds.com, and data from the internet. I narrowed down my search for a fun and fuel efficient vehicle to the Mazda3, Acura RSX, and Scion Tc. I personally loved the Scion, but was concerned about production problems (and the seats hurt my wifes back). The Acura handled well but only had two seats in the back and I have 3 children; & the cost was getting above my budget). The Mazda3 was the best value and is a blast to drive. I got every factory installed option except for the navigation system. I saved money and now

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  Quality Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By european sensibility - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My search for a new compact lead me to two cars in the end. Both the VW Golf TDI and the Mazda 3i had features that attested to their quality build. They both handled the road nimbly and had adjustable seats/steering columns which were important for my short wife. The Golf TDI is a stylish car that gets great milage but its reliability seemed questionable after reading all of the reviews. The Mazda 3i seemed to be a little more reliable in the long run. In terms of fuel economy, nothing can beat the TDIs 49mpg, but when you consider all the smog that it produces, Mazdas clean burning engine is much more environmentally friendly.

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  Glare on Steering Column due to Mazda insignia - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By kingbee0602 - February 23 - 4:01 am

  Love the new CX-9, except with the large windshield, I keep getting glare bouncing from the almost mirror-like center plastic/chrome implanted insignia in the middle of the steering wheel. It is very disconcerting and can be very distracting. Guess I will have to cover it with electrical tape or something to eliminate the glare from the sun.

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  Great car for the money! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By steph315 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car and love it! Ive read past reviews where one of the main complaints is the lack of horsepower but this car is zippy enough for me! I used my credit unions fleet dealer and my buying experience was wonderful and haggle free and I paid $16343 which included the sport auto transmission and abs brakes w/side airbags! The car is fun, fun to drive and looks great! Zoom zoom!

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  Awesome MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J. Bednarz - February 19 - 1:43 pm

  I have only had my MX-5 for about a week, but can honestly say I have never had a car that I enjoyed driving more. I have had a lot of compliments on my Copper Red car and, in my opinion, is the best-looking affordable sports car on the road. Its got a lot of pep and corners nicely. I certainly got my moneys worth and more! Love my car!