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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  A Little disappointmenting - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By sunrup - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I like the drive the Protege offers, have a milion complaints about the gas mileage. The car has 12000 miles on it and still does not give me good mileage in the city. It does not go beyond 23 miles to a gallon. The overall build is pretty ok, it is definitely fun to drive. A few creaks have developed on the front doors, but the dealer said that was how these cars were built. The Accords give better mileage and I feel a little short changed on that front, may be I should have got a bigger car. The engine is now far more noisier, for 12000 miles I am a little disappointed at that.

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  2002 Mazda Protege ES - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By SteveR - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Car handles very well, comfortable, roomy back seat for the size class. Sharp looking exterior. Automatic transmission shifts well, although it feels like it could use another gear at highway speeds. Interior looks good, not too cheap; however the center console/armrest is too low. I also wish that it had a timer on the rear defroster, door unlock buttons on the passenger doors and a trunk release button on the keyless enty remote. The red illumination of the gauges took awhile to get use to as well. I am getting 25 MPG in mixed driving, I was hoping for a little better. Other than that I cant complain.

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  First Generation Odyssey Replacement - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By stan - March 17 - 7:00 pm

  Replacement for our 10 year old 1st generation Honda Odyssey (bought new). I was struck by the nearly identical specifications, etc. Physical size, wheelbase, engine size, output, seats, even MPG is identical.

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  Great Car but climate Control does not work correctly - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By newowner10 - March 17 - 2:44 pm

  My only real complaint is the Automatic Climate Control is not automatic. If the outdoor temperature is 85 Degrees and the temperature is set to 62F on the automatic temperature control the blower will run at 50% and slow down in 5 minutes to 25%. After 30 minutes of driving the temperature in the car is 78 degrees. The dealer said this is normal. I sent an E-Mail to customer care, a week later they repeated what the dealer said and would not take any further action on behalf. This causes me to have to manually maintain the temperature by varying the fan speed and switching the air intake. I can only assume all of the CX-5s (Possibly all Mazdas)will operate the same way. Be AWARE of this.

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  All Around Winner - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SupportTech - March 16 - 10:10 am

  Nearly 3 years and 38000 miles later this car still puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. You simply wont find a better balance of economy and performance in its class. Interior fit and finish have been excellent with the only beef being a floormat that has worn out already. Manual Tranny and brakes are top notch in operation and feel. Worst mileage: 26 mpg. Best Mileage: 33 mpg Suspension may be a little rough for the sensitive, but the dividends pay off in the handling department. If you want a plush cruiser this is not the car for you. This vehicle is built for those who like to be involved and take pleasure in the driving experience.

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  The best one for our $$$ - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mpvowner2 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Mini Van. Really worth for the money paid. We looked at Honda and Toyota but let go becos of the pricing and availablity. So far this van is fun to drive

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  Our Doubleought Freeport w/clutch - 2000 Mazda 626
  By SkiBry 1 - March 15 - 12:10 am

  For our first New car,thru much research (thanx Edmunds),this was the best buy for our bucks.The 130 ponies may not be enough for some but coupled with the 5spd we are having with a blast. Weve had ONE recall which was no big deal because our 626s brake reservoir cap had the vent in place.The only time she sees the inside of a garage is for oil change and other preventive stuff.

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  A Few Problems - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Drex - March 10 - 9:56 am

  So far Ive had to change the alternator. Replacement was done at the dealer (ouch) so I was given an OEM alternator with a whopping 1 yr/12,000 mile warranty. Nice going there. The shifter gets in the way too much. I notice if you put the SUV in park, it still has a tendency to roll a bit after you take your foot off the brake. Even after fixing the recalled accelerator cable, the SUV still has a tendency to lurch forward when taking your foot off the accelerator. Rear liftgate hatch has broken and wont lock. Cost of repair is over $300. High highway noise, not so good gas mileage, not pleased with Mazda overall.

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - March 10 - 6:56 am

  I love my truck, leather seats, power everything, nice sound sytem, I love the way it looks. Roomy interior and easy to see out of all the windows/no blind spots like some other in this class.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lemZ3 - March 9 - 10:03 am

  Downsized from a BMW x5 to this fun little ride. I needed a smaller more economical commuter and this was the only one that packed all the fun toys I enjoyed in previous vehicles. Handles great and definitely has enough punch to get out of its own way. If you are looking for a small-affordable commuter with all the comforts of a car costing thousands more, this is the car for you. If you get in blindfolded youll never know youre driving a sub 25K mazda.