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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  cant go wrong for the money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By shred - November 18 - 10:00 am

  great looks, handles great and with all the rebates right now I got mine for a steal with everything in it! for the money, its the best car ive looked

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  Hard to beat for the price! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By MazdaPro5 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Compare the features with the competition and the decision is obvious.

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  Still Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By laferno - November 18 - 10:00 am

  When I first looked at this car I thought that it was a neat little car, but then I drove it and was pleasently suprised at the performance, cargo room, and comfort that this little big car offered. The car I had before this was a 97 Camaro Z28 with some mods and I was still impressed by the handeling of this little car and all of the stuff you get for a basic model.

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  perfect - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By apl - November 18 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda is perfect. I had the model of 1988 and I bought it second hand in 1995. I travell 100.000kms and I sold it in 2002. My new mazda is the best car i have ever.

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  you need to get one - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By printblue - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite vehicle that i have owned so far - it beats the mountineer that I just turned in.The ride is smooth, pickup for a 6cyclinder is great.All the features for the price, heated seats,sun/moon roof,cd changer,awd select on switch,cargo area that you dont have to stoop over to load,leather seats,on and on, this vehicle is wonderful.

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  THE BEST 4WD EVER !!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By trackfever - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles great!! Fantastic power when getting onto interstates. I have a moonroof which is great for all that fresh air without messing up your hair. Comfortably seats 5 sdults with plenty of leg room. Lots of room for groceries and even the rear seats fold down for those extra large purchases. I love my Tribute!!! ZOOM-ZOOM !!

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  Good Car so Far. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BJ - November 18 - 10:00 am

  700 miles so far. Gas mileage is not good but its a sports car. Needs Climate control instead of manual. The air conditioning does not cool the car and makes a clunk sound every so often. The air bag light comes on occasionally and when the clutch is not engaged it makes a grinding sound which can be heard from inside. The stereo system could be better. The black interior causes it to get too hot in the sunshine plus makes it appear dirty with very little dust. Overall good car.....hopefully continues as that.

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  bad ass car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mkpynes - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The RX-8 is blast drive. The speedometer is very helpful because it is digital. The audio system is much better than the nissans 350 Z. The speakers dont sound like they are right at your ears. It is nive to be able to fit four people in a sports car. The interior could not be any sportier. I say the RX-8 is one of the best cars in 2004.

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  RX-8 first Team chesapeake ,va - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Trevin - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The RX-8 handles very well. It does not like low RPMS might to be driven fast. Very fun to drive. Trevin Cox

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  Fun little car with some problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anna - November 18 - 6:06 am

  I bought my Mazda 3s in April 2006. About 3 months after I bought it, the brakes started squeaking, then about 5 months after I had it, the cd/time/temp display went out and I had to have it replaced, which took forever because they had to order the part; however it was under warranty. Also, be prepared to spend extra money for an oil change because it takes a special filter and oil that is an extra $20. The car does not handle well in snow or in hard rain. I really do like how the car drives and the way it looks, but I hope in the long run it will be a better car than it was this pass year.