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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  Fantastic fit and finish - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Scott - May 6 - 12:13 pm

  I have owned plenty of cars over the years and know good fit and finish when I see it. This Protege is top notch. The five speed transmission is as crisp as any Miata. Fuel economy is in the low 30s. If you are in the market for a reliable, good looking economical sedan this may be your car. I like it so much Im now looking for a pristine 03 Protege 5.

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  new car - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By molly07 - May 5 - 8:19 pm

  i love the car still new to me ,fun to drive.

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  Mazda 3s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob - May 5 - 3:03 am

  The car is a great car for the $. I only have one real knock against this car; it has too much road noise. Mazda really needs to work on this - it should be a simple solution and would dramatically improve the driving pleasure!

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  Up and coming GEM of a car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hector - May 4 - 9:36 pm

  This care meets my needs PERFECTLY! Married father with twin boys. Us four are perfectly comfortable in this mini-minivan. If 1 or 2 more board, all I gotta do is flip up the rear seats, strap the kids in & the 2 extra passengers ride like kings in the 2nd row. LOVE the underseat storage in the 2nd row! VERY comfortable car & LOVE the fabric, too. The styling is very Eurochic, sporty, modern & cool. LOVE the ride & handling - surprisingly smooth & responds INSTANTLY to your commands. Very responsive braking & LOVE the automanual tranny - smooth/responsive. The car can be a tad too slow for my taste, but its still responsive enough and very smooth for a 4 cylinder. Car feels much more expensive!

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  Love our new (used) Mazda 5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By zandy - May 4 - 3:10 am

  We bought the 2006 Mazda 5 two months ago after looking at other wagons for a long time. We liked the fold down 2nd and 3rd row seats. It is very similar to a minivan with the 2nd row bucket seats, sliding doors, and slightly elevated drive; but I still call it a wagon because I DID NOT want a minivan. Others complained about the AC/heat, but I think its great - never turn AC above 2. The car drives great. Overall, Im not that impressed with the MPG - weve only filled up the car twice in the two months weve had it, but both times it averaged in the low 20s. FYI - were suburbanites in our 30s and only drive 50 mi/wk.

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  A 4-door Miata with Mercedes Quality - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Creek Car Guy - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my fifth Protege (counting my 323GT). I wish I still owned ALL of my Proteges. This car has the fit and finish equal to the new Mercedes I have also owned. I use this car as a "sports car" for kayaking and camping trips, so it is my "escape" vehicle. I have used some of my previoius ones as my main commuter car with excellent results as well.

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  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By AKnight - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Have put 2000 miles on it the first month Ive had it - fun to drive and great highway gas mileage. And to think I almost bought a Neon - so glad I didnt.

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  I love my mazda3. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By rob917305 - May 3 - 6:02 am

  This is my first mazda and Im very happy. I got my mazda3 two weeks ago and totally love it more everyday. It handles superb. Very nimble, lightweight, and sporty suspension. The manual feature is like a turbo magic button. This is the best designed compact economy sedan that drives like a mini bmw, is cool looking, and not boxy. Oh and forgot to mention, priced right.

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  Its not a luxury car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8DRVR - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle in the sports car class you can own at this price point. The negative reviews you will see are due to the price of this car making people think it is not a true sports car. DO NOT buy this car if you are looking for A. Economy or B. Luxury. It is loud, bumpy and get bad gas mileage. HOWEVER!!! It is a premier sports car that will make you want to go two towns away to get milk, even if it cost twice as much. It is a blast to drive and will challenge cars you wouldnt think in handling and speed. No it isnt the FASTEST car on the road, but if you get into the twisties it the guy behind you will think it is!

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  2010 Mazda cx7 i sport - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Rockycat - May 1 - 3:36 pm

  This car is very comfortable and smooth. Gas mileage is awesome, and I am glad I did not get the turbo. It doesnt need it. If I wanted the power I would have gone for a 6 cyl suv, but the gas mileage makes it even more enjoyable! Being here in flat Florida w/no hills may make it acceptable as well with the non turbo. Interior design is beautiful w/no cloth on the doors to get dirty and it is very cozy inside w/the black interior...easy to keep clean. Wanted pearl white, but that only came with tan interior. Handles awesome and visibility is better than I thought it would be.