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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  Protege5 - Pretty Good So Far - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Troy Winston - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Since I have only 3000 mileson this new Mazda Protege5, I cant comment on overall reliability.I can give a basic review. Handling is good for a car in this class. Fun. Exterior design is top notch, and FAR superior to its peers like the Toyota Matrix. Interior is nice with decent quality of materials, and with a great sound system, easily besting its competition. Some weak elements are the front strut tower brace that I can bend. The only real gripe I have is that is certainly does NOT deliver "zoom zoom". Its 130 HP motor is a pathetic performer that does not rev willingly to its peak at 6k rpm. I should have got the 3 model that just released.

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  Like the van hate the transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Gregg Gagnon - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife an I purchased a 2003 MPV and on firts impressions really liked it. However we began to experience problems with the transmission shifting very hard into 3rd gear. We took the van in for service and they said it need a computer update. We got the van back and eveything seemed to be fine, but 2 -3 weeks later the same problem with the transmission started all over. Back to the shop it went and a week later we got it back with a new transmission. Once again everyting was great for 3-4 weeks but the same problem is back.

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  Not bad! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By cruttley - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The blue is a very nice colour.

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  Almost Bought One - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By gsemike - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I agonized over my Altima vs. 6 decision last March and ended up with the Alt. Just recently, I rented for a 6 and this convinced me that I made the right choice. The 6 is nice and sporty, but the Altima is more handsome and just all around nicer to drive. I didnt like the 6s seats back then and I still dont.

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  The honeymoon is over - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By carroll george - July 2 - 8:43 pm

  Very good handling, good mpg for a compact, very good power, lots of features for money, ride below avg. Even for a compact also not very quiet even for a compact, had it back in for at least 2 events. Remote start and engine lite was on 4 days while I waited for an appointment. Could not drive it for fear of breaking down out of town or in bad place. Messed up 4 day week end.

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  A true sports car at economic price. - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By prosthodontist - July 2 - 11:53 am

  An exciting car to drive, despite the lack of horsepower. Has the advantage but also disadvantages of a convertible. Advantage: top down+summer afternoons = heaven on earth. Disadvantage: More moving parts/joints = more creaks, leaks, and breaks, sub-par sound insulation, increased cost and weight with decreased rigidity. Supposedly has a manual shifter from heaven, but I live in a city with traffic from hell (LA) so opted for the auto, which Ive learned to love, especially with the paddle shifter and engine braking capability. Compactness of the car has taught me to make do with less.

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  nice ride - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By b. rod. - July 2 - 1:39 am

  you should have all the cat. converters checked for clogges,ie rear 1 it will blow a hole in egr valve. costing about 285.00 , i had mine removed and replaced with pipe . resolved issues. cts will clogged from unburned gas causing motor to shut down. this pipe trick does the job. all happened at 121k. also keep gas filter changed. its on frame, easy to do.

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  Best Value - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By john2551 - June 29 - 10:56 am

  For the price you really cant get a better car. It drives like a 3 series. Has everything but nav, you get everything pretty much standard even on base trim. You cannot even compare the CR-V to this car, but if you are keeping a car 10+ years maybe the honda is the better choice. Only complaint I have is that its now on its 7th recall, but Mazda has been great and always puts me in a CX-7 loaner.

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  Glad to own - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rickwla - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Subaru Forester, which was an excellent car, and Im very satisfied with the performance and roominess of the Tribute. Fuel economy could be better, but its par for the course for its class. 7 speaker stereo system has great sound. Wish there were seperate controls for the air conditioning and the vent outlets (why Ford chooses to limit air conditioning only to the front vents is a mystery).

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Carbide - June 25 - 3:46 pm

  We have been driving this car for 9 years, now, and this was the best car decision we ever made. The car is now 12 years old, and most of the original parts still work fine, including alternator, power options, rad, water pump, steering components, etc. The only unexpected problems were with some replacement wheel bearings which didnt last as long as they should have. We live in a very wintry area with lots of road salt, and the body has held up well. I did a bit of research before we bought the car, so I avoided the automatic (Ford built) transmission of the 90s. Ours is a manual transmission, and it is still smooth as silk ; and the gas mileage is amazing. Basically, I love it!