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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  Good if you own a tire factory - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By CWF - September 29 - 11:33 am

  Bought new in 08 and initially really liked the sporty handling and versatility. But, tires got really loud before 10,000 miles. Dealership was useless; said we should rotate more often, even though we always rotate at 5-6K. Disappointed in Edmunds and other car sites for not warning about design flaw that eats tires, and has been doing so for years. A Google search will turn up hundreds of complaints about excessive tire wear. Looking at another car mag, it appears that Mazda may have fixed the suspension problem in the 09s. To bad for us that we bought the 08. Anyone looking to buy a sharp looking, tire eating, used micro van?

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  Pretty Darn Good - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By cturner14 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  After having such good luck with my Mazda Protege, bought in 1990 and still running well - getting 35m to the gallon, I decided on a Mazda truck. I couldve bought a Ranger, but the Mazda just looked better and I am not dissapointed. Plenty of power for a 3.0 V6 Automatic, and looks great in the parking lot. I made the right choice. The Mazda minivan is next and will get them from the same dealer.

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  2001 SE Edition (the "BRG" model) - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Raven - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2001 MX-5 SE Edition Miata and all I can say is "wow". This little gem turns heads at every stoplight and if past reliability history proves true, I should have plenty of fun years ahead of me. The wood trim and faux cloth tan top are real eye catchers as is the gorgeous British racing green paint job. No matter how bad a day Ive had at work, all it takes is a few blocks in this lovely lady and Ive got a grin on my face. Wonderful car.

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  a solid good car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By diad - September 29 - 10:00 am

  i drove both 02 honda civic lx & 02 mazda protege dx, i like protege better. its quieter, better stereo, better noise control, richer feeling for the interior. if u want to campare & complain, plz use apple to apple not ur dream car. bottom line, u get more than what u pay

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  Big bang for the buck - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By zoomer - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Its a perfect ten for the price i paid for.

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  Strong and Sexy - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Dave Yeboah - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I researhed extensively before I settled on this car. I rented Hondas, Toyotas, and Saturns just to compare to the the Mazda PROTEGE ES. I bought the MAZDA PROTEGE ES automatic with all the trimmings. There is no greater feel when everyone looks at your car at the traffic light before you ZOOM ZOOM away. When you drive the MAZDA ES, it causes jealousy among other drivers. Therefore, I urge all new MAZDA PROTEGE ES owners to be humble on the roadway. THE ES exudes strength and sexiness. This car comes HIGHLY recommended. I recommend you look in a Thesaurus for the word MAZDA. My Thesaurus has the words- MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

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  Still Love It - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaManiac - September 28 - 7:13 pm

  I had wanted this car from the instant Mazda unveiled it. I love small sporty sedans. I researched cars for four solid years before confirming that this is the one I wanted. Almost two years of ownership and Im still in love with this car! I think its one of the most underestimated cars on the road today. It doesnt belong in the economy class, it needs to be bumped up somewhere well north of the land of Focus and Cobalt, but just south of entry-levels from Acura, BMW, and Audi. It rides perfectly, it handles great, it looks beautiful inside and out. The engine is faster than many V6s Ive driven. Ive had zero problems with it. Im VERY happy with it.

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  Be careful of the one that you buy - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cute Car - September 28 - 12:16 pm

  I had a 99 Miata. The car was beautiful!! I thought I could tell from the details that the car was taken care of, no scratches, no dent, seats good condition, and ran well - I was wrong!! This car within 3 months of ownership I had a lot of problems. I know that there are bad vehicles in every making, I think that I got one of them. For those willing to try this car it will be fun to drive. I do suggest the manual tranmission it just makes it even more fun to drive. Mixed feeling on this ride. I will never purchase another though.

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  Best Car! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cathy - September 27 - 5:30 pm

  Love this car. Fun to drive, very comfortable, roomy back seat, HUGE cargo capacity with rear seats folded down. Best car Ive ever owned!

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  Mazda5 GT - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazda5 GT - September 26 - 10:53 pm

  Overall a very good family car without the family car look. The rear DVD system is great for the kids while on any trip rather long or short. Little worried about the gas mileage so far.