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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  My RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zukowwa1 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, but the gear ratios are so close it seems to have a few too many gears. It would be nice if there were some adjustment so that 4th & 5th gears could be used for city driving and 6th used for >50 MPH. The cost for fuel (due to the need for premium grade coupled with the poor gas mileage) is ridiculous. It is like driving a full-size SUV!

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  Very good car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By OnMySecondMazda - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is one GREAT car. Very stable cutting corners. Here are only few "negative" observations; everything else is GREAT. Headrest is a bit awkward as it pushes your head towards the front (I was told this is good in the case of a crash?). Snow handling is very poor. My old Protege w/Michellin X1s could go up a steep hill covered with 7 inches of snow without a problem. My new M3 has a very hard time handing smallest amount of snow. OK it has sportier tires but I wish I did not have to get winter tires. Air bag light (red one in front of the driver) just started coming on (will have to investigate if this is a known problem).

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  Dont pass this up! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By av123 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  All The previous reviews say it all. This is probable the best car you can get for the money right now. I think Mazda went all out on this model to cut into the Honda Civics dominance of the class. They came up with a winner.

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  IT WILL TURN HEADS - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lasso - October 19 - 2:00 am

  this was my first new car and all i can say is wow,i took my new car to virginia and got 32 mpg there and 29mpg on the way back,every where i go people turn their heads especially with the sport 17 inch rims.And at a good price range also u really cant go wrong.if u want a sporty car that turns heads,looks like a million bucks and feels great to drive then this would be it.

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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg - October 18 - 4:03 pm

  This has been the best car purchase. I wanted to get a 4x4 for Minnesota winters but still have a car thats fun to drive. This definitely lives up to it! The revamped interior with a substantial center console and gear shift make it much more luxurious than past models and its space and handling create a much more versatile car than ones like Chevy Trailblazer. On road trips I get about 28mpg and all the comfort you could want.

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  Dont buy a Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rome - October 18 - 5:43 am

  I purchased my car 2 years ago. I bought it brand new. What I find so irritating is that I cannot go to my local auto parts store and purchase an oil filter nor can I go to lube place and get it changed. I have to drive 20 miles to get my oil changed at the dealership and I find that annoying. My clutch gave out on me at 40k. I ended up paying $1,400 in repairs. My first car was Saturn and the clutch has not given out as of yet. The mechanic did a horrible job, now it is leaking fluid. I feel that I was horribly ripped off on the quality and I cannot even go to my local auto shop and buy parts for preventative maintenance. I am FORCED to go to the dealership for parts and it stinks.

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  Fabulous and Fun! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tklines - October 18 - 3:03 am

  Stumbled upon this car and never considered any other. It called my name. Very fun to drive, peppy and reliable. Very stylish, have had strangers tell me its a cute car. Takes corners beautifully, but its a rough ride on our freeways. Rather bouncy, like a truck. (Maybe its the freeways?) And the tires wear out quickly. But with the sunroof, tinted windows, and CD changer, Im a happy camper. The hatchback and seats fold down to an enormous amount of space for storage.

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  After 6 years its still fun to drive! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By JimmyJam - October 18 - 2:46 am

  I have owned this car new since I just got out of college. I have revved the engine to redline on a regular basis (I have a stick), and maxed out at a top speed of over 140 mph (on the way to Vegas - note the throttle just shuts out till your speed drops down). I have to say that this is probably the best car I have ever owned for the price! I have only done quasi regular oil changes, one set of breaks, one set of tires, and a fluid/transmission flush, oh and a battery replacement, thats it! No lights or fuses have been replaced, I have never even replaced the batteries in my remote keyless! The spare set still looks brand new! She is paid off, and I am keeping her and getting a CX7!

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  My Second Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Motorhead - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The first "Protee" I had got 240,000 on it before the trannie blew...rebuilt it, and and original engine has 300,000 on it. But it had become a little cranky over the years, so I thought it was time for a new one. (I sure got my dough out of the first!) Its a great little urban runabout, ultra-reliable and I get about 25 MPG city, 31 HWY. Seems to have enough pep with the 2.0 for Southern California freeways. The rides a little stiff, and it transmits a bit of noise on rough freeways (which is nealy all of the local decrepit Caltrans freeways), but overall a very nice handling machine.

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  Chops review - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Shooter20 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent family van, especially for those with smaller families. It is super on the highways and the view from the drivers seat is nearly perfect.