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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  Way to go Mazda 5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By PF - May 15 - 11:50 pm

  We have two kids and a very large dog and we all fit comfortably in the 5. We downsized from a Sienna and we love the car. I suggest getting a standard 5 speed. Very very zippy and a blast to drive. The power even though it is a 4 cylinder is no problem with a stick. Weve been getting 28 mpg with standard transmission.

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  Extemely reliable and fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Hugo Munoz - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I cannot say anything bad about this car. bought with 9000 and have changed brakes this year. Engine, Transmission,clutch etc. are all working strong. Perfect car for anyone. ONLY defects are headlight bulb = $25, air filter hose = $90. Other than that car is completely perfect.

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  Great Car For Anyone - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony - May 14 - 3:10 am

  I have had this car for 4 months, and it has been great. Reliable, quick, economical, and good looking. What more can you ask for?

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  Best Buy All Purpose Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By azfamily - May 14 - 12:03 am

  One week after the purchase we had to turn our Mazda5 back to the dealer for the exhaust system recall. We have to say that Mazda handled it all very well. The vehicle is so correct in concept, design and timing that we could not resist it once we had driven it. We are car people and have owned many, many cars through the years. This one is the most versatile, useful, fun to drive package available. We have not experienced any power problems even loaded with 6 adults plus luggage. Family or not, this is one of the best buys out there.

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  Oh my gosh! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By tsarheld1 - May 13 - 11:07 am

  I purchased this car nearly 2 weeks ago and I love it. Have burned though 2 tanks of gas...had an emergency in the family out of town....but on tank was around town and I got 33.28mpg and the second tank was all highway miles at 37.58 mpg...not bad for less that 500 miles on the car. I was really captured by the looks and took a test drive and then went home and checkout lots of online review...from people not consumer reports ..".which I find useless when it comes to cars". Everyone that owned on raved about handling so I took another test drive and checked out the competition ......and I was convinced this was the car to replace my tired old 2004 Aveo.

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  Sad Its Gone - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Ryan - May 13 - 9:20 am

  As my first car, my 02 Protege was everything I could have hoped for. It had good handling, brakes, and was comfortable to drive on my trips back and forth to college. It was reliable and ran good for 90,000 miles. After only having it for 2 years, an unlicensed driver hit my side and totaled my car and only got 5,000 dollars for my it which is way less than what the car was worth to me. I since have gotten a Mazda6 which is okay but different, but while looking at other cars and the Protege really was great compared to everything else I test drove.

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  Great little vehicle! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Steve - May 13 - 7:13 am

  We looked at all vans, but balked at the $! Mazda hit it right with price and features. We have 2 teens, and most of the time the 3rd seat is folded flat. Much usable space this way, and easy to convert if hauling more kids around. Tough going in the snow, the GT wheels look cool, but the wide, low profile tires are tough in the snow. As I told my wife, they do plow here, and we only had issue when everyone else did too, so no biggie. Love the Bluetooth, all the nooks and crannies, and total flexibility in this good looking little mover. We also love how sporty it drives, how well it parks and fits in the garage, and the zesty copper paint!

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  An excellent, beautiful handling car for the money - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ohioan2 - May 11 - 2:23 pm

  Two-plus months and 2,900 miles on my Velocity Red hatch and Im loving it. Fun to drive, handles like a dream and I enjoy my daily commute in comfort and style. Plenty of power when needed, with great torque, on the 2.5. Youre giving up some gas mileage, but Ill pay for the trade off. Still averaging 30-32 mph with mix of highway/city driving, much better than my old V-6. Its nice to be crusing in something different and sporty in the sea of Civics and Corollas. Looks aggressive with those 17-inch alloys, side body crease swoop and is ready to prance. Even the smiley grill is growing on me, although the fog lighs and front license plate wipe off some of the smile.

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  Very satisfied. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nick Tishma - May 11 - 8:50 am

  This Mazda has BMW-like handling at a lower cost. Reliability has been much better than domestics I have owned. The exterior still looks like new and the interior (leather) has held up well too. This car should last me another 6 to 7 years easily. I still enjoy driving it every day.

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  Almost Zoom Zoom but good enough! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By tamon77 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I dont care if I evet buy another car. Car dealers drive me nuts!! That being said my wife and I instantly fell in love with the P5 from the moment we drove it. Overall,its a fun car with plenty of room for us. I wouldve loved a Mazada3 but budgets are budgets right :( This is our second car. I own a 2002 civic sedan which I love and my wife drives the P5. I love driving the P5 around town on the weekend but getting back into my honda for the weekly commute is like coming back to an old friend. If you can still find one of these new then give it some serious consideration. You wont be disappointed.