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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  Matrix what? - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Coqui258 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the Matrix ever since it came out, and was sure I was going to get it, UNTIL I saw that Protege5. The Matrix is so much bigger and less sport than the Protege5, which is a huge plus! Dont get me wrong, the Matrix is still nice, but side by side, the Protege5 outbeats Toyotas newest model. Also, feature-to- feature, youll be crazy NOT to choose the Protege5!

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  Low price for a high quality car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By insmanblue5 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have a little over 400 miles on my 03 P5. I have owned Mazdas in the past and feel confident about the quality. I bought this car as a second car to carry my bicycle around on a bike rack. The fit and finish is as good as my Infinity G35 but the quality of the paint is even better. I bought this car brand new loaded with automatic,leather, sunroof, dimming mirors, ABS, side airbags and polished wheels for $16,300! Does any other car compete at this price level and quality? Answer No.

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  MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Bowles - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By radney - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many compact SUVs and I decided to by the Mazda. I love my car. It is fun to drive, and it has a lot of room inside. Overall, my car was worth buying.

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  I like my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By smithd - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I thoroughly enjoy driving and owning the Mazda Tribute. I have found no problems with it and it handles great. I highly recommend this SUV over others in the same market.

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  You cant beat this wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joseph Kirk - August 17 - 10:23 pm

  Great vehicle so far, Like the mpg/horsepower tradeoff, but with current prices for gasoline, wish it got a few more mpg. Cant wait to get it on an open deserted road to test out the V-rated tires.

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  All I ever wanted - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Danny - August 17 - 2:50 pm

  Im loving it ! I had an CX-7 and the turbo was too much for me to handle (turbo lag was omnipresent). I was dreaming about CX-9 since I bought CX- 7 but my wife was not so sure we can handle 40K. Then, I missed more all the options that my Grand Touring Buick LeSabre 2000 was having : rain sensing wipers, day lights, compass in the rearview mirror, trip computer and so on. Missed so much the Buick...and I ended up trading in CX-7 for CX-9. In the first day, I drove in Greater Chicagoland area, 200 miles of fun and joy. I was so happy that I could not believe it. Thank You Mazda, for being number one in my heart. Still...put the towing package for GT. Please.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michtom - August 17 - 1:56 am

  Ive had this car for 6 months now, and am still loving it. I wanted something sporting/fun to drive with great acceleration and handling, but needed 4 doors and room for 4 kids. In the Mazda6, I got a sweet revving V6 engine (Ford Duratec) with a manual transmission - a combo that is getting hard to find in a midsize sedan. Handling is great - flat cornering, quick steering and excellent braking. The ride is firm but not harsh. I still smile every time I get an open twisty road in front of me. Also has well laid-out interior, good size trunk, comfortable & supportive seats, great stereo, and looks great. I looked for a used one, but they hold their value so well I decided to buy a new one.

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  Great fun car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GLF - August 15 - 9:56 am

  This is the 3rd MX(Miata) I have owned. Each one was better than the previous. This car is a great road car and once you get to the turns and hills it is even more fun. I dont think you can over drive this car. Very easy to maintain and keep clean. Well built, planned and supported.

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  Legendary - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stuntman Bob - August 15 - 9:33 am

  Have you ever seen or driven A car and said "I wish I had purchased that when it was new". Well if so then you will understand this vehicle. Being the prior owner of 2007 Mazda3 I can clearly say that this car far exceeds the predecessor which was something I was worried about initially. I, like most, was gun shy about a 1st year car and took a chance. Boy did it pay off. This car is FAR beyond "best in class" this car will be branded as "one of the best cars ever made" in the class with the 1969-2002/BMW,1978- VW/GTI,2002-Subaru/WRX- etc. I wont even start on how great it is as you just need to read the surrounding reviews here and elsewhere. If you miss this gem, too bad I told you so will do.