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:

• 

  My RX-8 Review - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Mr Rotary - January 20 - 10:13 pm

  This is a very fun animal to drive. Performance could be a little bit better on the engine side: theres no torque or power at the lower RPMs until you hit 5k or more. Too bad theres no turbo, I miss the old RX-7s. As with all rotary powered cars, fuel economy is awful. Interior design is really good but the chairs cant recline all the way when I want to lay down and theres no lumbar support. The reason for an 8 on reliability is because I had to bring it in for three different recalls and this thing EATS OIL! Rotary engines consume a lot of oil, I had to add oil to it every 3k miles.

• 

  Another dud from Mazda? - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By smpc12580 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 750+ miles driven on this car. My Observations are: 1. Poor gas mileage. Between 14 & 16 in city driving. And I drive like granny! 2. Some interior elements do not keep up with the price tag. Too much plastic used on the interior. 3. Extremely fun to drive. 4. Engine sound is unique; however, cruising its silent like a good night of sleep. 5. Above average acceleration.

• 

  2000 Mazda Protege - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Monica - January 19 - 2:46 pm

  The only maintenance I have had to have on this vehicle were a recall and routine maintenance. The recall was an oxygen sensor on the emissions system, and before that was replaced, I had to take it in a lot. However, it was covered under the warranty. The Mazda CD player has a mind of its own, though and is very finicky about what it plays.

• 

  LotsaMiles - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By tedg - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car since it was new 11 years ago - it replaced another just like it that died on us, and it now has 224,500 miles on it. Though we are looking for a new vehicle, we plan to keep this one as a second vehicle for use locally. I was amazed that you give mpg as 25 - 27; weve never gotten less than 32, usually more, up to 38! Perhaps part of that is my exclusive use of Mobil 1 oil; with the vagaries of gas pump shut-offs, regardless, I feel 34-35 mpg is what we have (and continue to get) for mileage. Driving its been a pleasure, though its showing signs of age - noisiness, mostly.

• 

  Get one while you still can - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mkaresh - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Great looking and very fun to drive. The engine is powerful enough to be fun with the manual but not so powerful that its easy to get into trouble. Steering and handling are outstanding. The interior looks much nicer with leather. Its roomy for such a small car--I currently have three child seats in the back. Engine a bit rough and noise levels are relatively high at highway speeds. Ride can be busy, but better than my test drive led me to expect. Overall, an amazing car considering how much I paid ($13,343 with ABS, leather, and sunroof).

• 

  Great Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By tlauro - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Our MPV has been great. We saw it as the best blend of performance, handling, styling and utility available for the money. The only issues thus far have been a jerking in the transmission on occasion. My understanding is that Mazda is aware and that there is a fix. We just have to bring it in. Overall, no major complaints. Build quality is excellent. No rattles or squeaks even!

• 

  Painfully fun to drive - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris - January 12 - 12:53 pm

  Loved the car, but couldnt take the low, hard seats and harsh ride. I do not think that the 17" tires helped the ride quality as well. Sold the car after only two months of ownership. It was fun to drive and got 27 mpg.

• 

  Good Daily Commuter - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Protege-ing - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Its a peppy little car, though Id rather have the manual than the automatic that I have(passed down in family). Little rattles and noises here and there, but nothing major, 45,000 miles and still going strong!

• 

  1999 Mazda 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Lucas Magnum - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been nothing but reliable. The four cylinder automatic is adequate, but not fast. The cabin noise is more than it should be on rouch asphalt. The interior ergonomics and passenger comfort at excellent. The emergency handling is very good.

• 

  The most reliable/most boring car ever. - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By J. Victor - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned and driven this car going into my 3rd Michigan winter, and aside from routine oil changes and brake maintanence, have had ZERO problems with this car. Its been a rock solid little go-kart. Its also totally boring. I might think higher of it with a splash of color (as mine is silver with grey interior), and it has no fun toys to speak of (typical PW/PL/cruise) but I can count on it to run and run well. Engine still has some zoomzoom even after 170K miles. Very impressed with this things longevity.