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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  2002 Protege ES - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By jwalchan - November 22 - 10:26 am

  Have been a Honda owner for past 4 autos; Mazda seems to be as good if not better

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  Fix the Transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - November 21 - 7:36 pm

  Watch the transmission. Very annoying clunks, which make me worry it will fail in later years. Very cool looking. Small, but if thats what you want you wont be disappointed. I bought mine new and overall is a good value.

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  no complaints here..... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By darthmedic - November 21 - 12:50 pm

  Almost bought a Honda Civic, but being a tall guy I didnt exactly fit. I like the Protege 5 much better, driving style and handling are much more user friendly than the Civic. The shifting is simple, and the drive is smooth. Engine seems to rev at high rpms over 70 mph in 5th gear, but it doesnt even come close to the red line. Just drove in rain today, and it was a carefree drive.

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  I like my 626 :-) - 2002 Mazda 626
  By skeezers - November 21 - 12:30 am

  I have had my 626 for about 6 months now. We bought the car used but I have to say that we have really enjoyed the car. Although the exterior is a little boring the performance and comfort more than makes up for it. The car is quiet and has a very sturdy feeling to it. It also has great get up and go. Weve had no problems. We took the car on a long road trip and it was very comfortable and handled well on steep and mountainous roads. We love it!

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  In response to "May Have A Lemon" - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By jewhite1972 - November 20 - 8:50 pm

  I also purchased the Grand Touring model. At first during the summer it drove perfectly, up until a month ago. It started with jerking on acceleration, then the tires would screech loudly, and also it would stall when I stepped from the brake pedal onto the gas pedal. Ive only had this truck for 6 months now and had to take it in to the service department where I brought it from...to no ones surprise but my own, it was the transmission. Thought that was a little uncommon, being that the truck is only a 2008. Seems that the Mazda Tribute transmissions problems is not at all that uncommon...so buyer beware and by all means do your research. Wish I had!

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  Mazda 3 5-door - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By d harvey - November 20 - 7:03 pm

  Great storage space with real sports car feel.

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  Great for the money! - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By tisakson - November 20 - 6:38 am

  We bought this brand new after loving our test drive. After a year, the handling is excellent. It is fun to drive...tight steering and great visibility. Road noise is fair but a bit loud. Cons include the front seat arm rests, they are very small and rather uncomfortable. Anyone over 5 10" will be kind of cramped. Also the stereo knob is very slippery to grip...silly I know but annoying. The temperature and fan knob settings are all on a very small display on the dash...hard to read. So my minor gripes may be picky but my humble opinion. Still very happy with the overall ride and versatility of this small minivan!!

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  Whats up with these tires!!!!!! Help! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Graciegirl - November 19 - 4:00 am

  I love my Mazda3 hatchback but, I can not seem to keep the tires from "cupping". I am replacing tires about every 25,000 miles, this is getting expensive. My dealer has replaced tires for me twice but, has never actually come up with a solution to the problem.

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  Great, but... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Too tall - November 18 - 1:03 pm

  This is a well thought out, economical family car. Seats the kids and their friends, smooth well powered ride. The big problem a shopper should know about is that you have to be short to average (< than 510") to sit comfortably in the front. I am 62" and the console angles out and is very wide, leaving no space for legs. I am always pressed up against the console and cant think about going a distance trip in this vehicle.

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  1998 626 LX - 1998 Mazda 626
  By shaundarbie - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad car for the price. Stay away from the automatic transmission models--they have a long history of premature failure. Luckily, ours came with a 5 speed. Unless youre very concerned with gas milage, try to find a V6. Ive found the 125hp four cylinder engine very unrewarding. Where the 626 shines is in handling. Ive been very impressed with the way the car corners