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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  I loved this Mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By iheartmazda - March 27 - 12:36 am

  I have had my Protege for almost 9 years. I have had very few repairs over the year. Very reliable! It is sporty and fun to drive and easy to handle. I am only selling for another Mazda!

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  mini suv - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Marc - March 25 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this car used, going from a 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T coupe V6 and I may be a Mazda customer for life now. This car is zoom. I find myself saying that as I do multiple lane changes on the highway. It is my go-cart, but comfortable and with lots of storage. Enough to keep my golden retrievers in the back along with all his fur. Just drove the car 480 miles yesterday and got 33 mpg. Very comfortable seats (back is not stiff at all), great pickup with the manual transmission. Roof rack, sunroof and 6 disk changer are great! Brakes are smooth as silk with the 4 disks. I highly recommend getting one. I feel like I pulled one over on the dealer!

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  Why wont they fix my car??? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ebricha - March 25 - 8:06 am

  Ive purchased my 07 mazda new, the last few months Ive notice a noise coming from my car, my car was sounding loud, had it looked at and more than one person said they didnt hear anything,I have only 59,000 miles on my car. but I knew something was wrong. now come to find out its the VVT after it was inspected by Mazda dealers they also said my bad VVT has caused the timing chain to stretch, and I shouldnt be driving my car. BUT get this theyre not going to fix it!! Not until I produce ALL my oil change receipt. Thats almost five years. I dont get it if they know the parts bad, then they should fix it. Plus what about the timing belt? I dont know what to do!!

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  Good, with some flaws - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By bricknord - March 24 - 9:36 pm

  Gauges too high...when you have wheel tilted and seat adjusted normally, wheel blocks gauges. Some small trim defects, misaligned panels, etc. Wind whistle. Good mpg, nice suspension. Feels bigger than it is to drive, backing up a chore. Compliments from others on styling. Standard DSC a plus. Transmission can be felt downshifting hard when decelerating which is annoying. Very quiet at highway speed. Nice interior layout with exception of gauges vs. steering wheel. Too much bass at low volumes--stereo. Nice, roomy rear seat. Plastic wheel covers hard to clean (brake dust). Enormous trunk--very nice.

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  2010 Mazda3 i touring review - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kxdub - March 23 - 2:30 am

  I just picked the car up yesterday so the relilability rating is a guess. But it has a nice interior design, good gas mileage, and the engine seems to have more pep than the civic ex-l I tested. I love the streaming bluetooth audio feature. With an iphone (or any other that has apps I guess) being able to stream pandora, or ESPN radio app, or AOL radio through the bluetooth it almost negates the need for satellite radio. I like the suspension (a little tight) and the sport shift is nice. A comfy, good gas car, with a little pep and nice enough look. So far so good!

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  Love this Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Lover - March 22 - 2:56 pm

  Love, love, love this car! This has been an amazing car! Drives and handles like a sports car. I have never had any major, or minor, problems with it. Part of the LCD display for the air vent was out when I bought it. I have the 4-cylinder manual and consistently get 32 MPG! This car handles well in all weather and elevations. Love the brakes and tight steering. Very responsive and smooth on the highway. I get lots of complements on the car and everyone that drives it loves it as well. I will be getting another Mazda when I finally have to part with this one.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ZephyrCJW - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a used 2002 Protege5 and am exceptionally delighted with it. Ive not had so much fun driving a car since I owned a 1969 Mustang. The Protege5 may not have a V8 or V6, but this little puppy really hustles when it needs to and looks damn good while doing so!The headroom and legroom are exceptional.The front seats are very comfortable, even on long hauls. The rear seats fold down completely and you can haul around an amazing load of stuff. The interior is as stylish as the exterior. Lots of brushed chrome, a leather wrapped 3 spoke steering wheel, leather wrapped shift and easy to read, cool looking digital gauges complete the package.

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  So far, So good... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By stratt911 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002.5 model when they first came out and I currently have 9k miles on the car. Option include the sport automatic, leather, and moonroof. I was debating between this and a WRX but at the time, Subaru wasnt offering any financing specials. I am very happy with the P5s handling, sporty looks, and quality. I would definitely recommend the P5 to anyone looking for a great package at a great price. The only problem that I have so far is wishing it had more power (thats what i get for driving a wrx first). But this will soon be fixed with a turbo addition via Flyin Miata.

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  The Best for Less - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By P333 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda MPV is quite simply the best minivan for the money. It offers a car- like ride and performance yet has enough cargo space to haul the whole family across the country, I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. You can get into a nicely equipped MPV for around or just over $20k, try to do that with the new Nissan Quest that is set to debut in the summer of 03. The Nissan dealers told us to expect prices STARTING at $27k. Its a freakin Nissan minivan. There was a time when Nissan products offered the most car for the money. I think Mazda has taken over that title.

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  Nice fun car to drive. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By CrazyGuy - March 22 - 9:50 am

  I just picked up this 10th anniversary edition Miata with 100,000 miles on it. The car still runs and idles like new. No vibration at all. The paint is in very good condition. I love 6 speed manual tranny and dual tone interior design. Leather and suede buckets seats. The handling is excellent. RWD. I love this car. A nice Christmas present for myself