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 Small Car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By JimB - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable and economical small car that looked good and performed well. After extensive research and several test drives, I bought the Protégé. The Protégé LX does not disappoint. At $13,499 after rebates, I doubt there is a better new car in this price range. It has ABS, CD, alarm system, alloy wheels, and all the standard LX features. Im very happy with its styling and performance, particularly its handling. Its great fun to drive. If it lives up to its reputation for long term reliability I will be very happy.

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  Best value in mini-SUVs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By cobraal - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We just rolled over 10K trouble-free miles in our 2wd Tributes ES. The Tribute has to be the best value in the mini-SUV market. It has as much or more passenger room (especially in the backseat) and cargo room as some midsize SUVs but in the size and price of a mini-SUV. My wife likes the driving position, its small proportions and low step-in height. It handles well for a tall vehicle, has great power, brakes and steering. The biggest surprise has been how smooth and quiet the engine and ride are. Plus we get 22 mpg in normal driving. Great value, highly recommended.

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  Superb car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - September 10 - 6:36 pm

  Just purchased this car a few days ago but it is clear what the pros and cons are. Great Handling, very firm and responsive steering. Acceleration actually surprised me when I first jumped on it and the car does feel sporty (I am guessing maybe 0-60 in 8 seconds?) For the money you can touch the performance and great looks. The only drawback is the seats are hard, they dont hug you like a Subaru or a Honda Civics, they are more like folding metal chairs (with lumbar support) I will be looking for a way to increase the comfort of them ASAP. The uncomfortable seats are a price I pay for the fun of driving this car, I never had a car I looked forward to so much to driving everyday.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By desertrat - September 10 - 9:36 am

  After recently owning both Lexus and BMW, I decided to try a Mazda this time. Considering I had a questionable repair history with the fancy nameplates, whats the worst that could happen with Mazda? Well after 1800 miles, nothing. The vehicle is fun to drive, handles well and looks great. Only time will tell of course, but so far I have been impressed with the car.

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  More trunk room than my 01 Maxima! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By John Wilson - September 10 - 9:36 am

  Two months into this car with a little over 4200 miles on the odometer. Only negative was a bad AC compressor at 2k miles but was fixed within 4 hours. Car drives and rides nice with plenty of room for the family including the boys baseball gear and a couple of chairs. I was looking at used Pontiac G6s when I found this one and couldnt be happier. Average mileage with 5 speed with mostly city driving is a low of 25 mpg and a high of 29 mpg so far with things only looking better as the car gets more broken in. So much better than the Maxima at 19 - 23 mpg which also asked for premium fuel. VERY happy with my new MAZDA6!

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  Living Up to most of the other reviews - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Staten Island Sr - September 10 - 6:43 am

  I found the Madda 3i touring Value Sedan had the best overall interior quality look and feel, and the standard equipment package included everything I wanted. Driving it over the past few weeks confirmed that I made the right choice. The seats are very comfortable, the car is nimble, very maneuverable and a pleasure to drive.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By silentguilt - September 9 - 10:53 am

  This is a quality small car that is easy and cheap to maintain. I have had no major problems with 28k on the odometer. The one problem I had was a airbag sensor, and a quick fix under warranty. The 1.6L has only 105hp, but makes use of all that is there with a slick shifting auto tranny. Complaints: The car has one small rattle, and is a bit rough and loud on the highway. If you have a chance to pick one of these up used, do not hesitate!

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  1 1/2 Year Review - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By kkcaufield - September 9 - 7:53 am

  I have had nothing but good success with this vehicle. Everyone forgets its a small SUV, not a Limousine. It rides like a little stiff - short wheel base- and seats are acceptable. It will never be quiet like a Cadillac, or smooth as a Mercedes. But its peppy & sporty. Now have 31K miles, and zero complaints. Dealer is excellent. Cant figure our why people complain when they know up front before they buy, its not going to get the gas mielage of a Corolla. And since its a small vehicle, you not going to get a huge gas tank - where would you put it? But...in winter time its great, 4 wheel drive works fine. I would recommend this vehicle highly.

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  Sadly Itching to Trade-In - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By hey! - September 6 - 10:23 pm

  CONS. - The bumpers and the body paint do not match (white). The cheap plastic front air vent/fog light covers. The paint got scratched the day I drove it off the lot. The red radio display reflects off the windshield (very distracting). The windshield wipers are not fast enough in heavy rain and they shake my car when Im stopped. The interior handles for my seat feel like they are going to snap off. The gauges and steering wheel are difficult to line up. Condensation inside headlight covers. Little headroom. Front int. lights too bright. The low beams draw a sharp line in my view. PROS - Good mpg. Roomy trunk. Big back seat. 5 star ratings. Side airbags. Reliable. Unique styling.

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  A hi-tech car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By d2honeyz - September 6 - 8:53 pm

  Excellent, fun car, the only thing is the cup holders are in a bad place and the heated seat buttons get pushed on and off by mistake a lot.