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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  Zoom Zoom Zooom Zoom..... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By spdboy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! Comfortable and stylish and yet functional.

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  Mazda Protege ES - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Buffalo - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Just purchased for my 18 year old daughter. Man is she getting comments about how great it looks. I drove it home for 50 miles from the dealership-what a Hoot to drive. Lots of power for this little ride. Sports suspension hugs the corners. Kids in California would love to get a hold of this one and turn it into a Fast and Furious 9 second qtr. turner. Great value for the buck.....

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  Impressive Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By iCGAux - November 22 - 5:13 am

  The Mazda 3 hatchback is an incredible value. So many standard features that you would most likely have to pay extra for with other comparable brands (Honda, Toyota, Subaru). The car is a joy to drive - handling is impeccable for its class, engine is powerful for the weight to power ratio. My decision to purchase this car was also based on the new Consumer Reports 2010 best cars, which the Mazda 3 received an excellent rating. My only concern is gas mileage. I do about 50/50 city/highway and the car computer (neat feature) is averaging 25.5 miles per gallon. I fully understood the gas mileage expectations before purchase, but it would be nice to average 30 mpg.

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  2002 PR5 vs Honda Fit - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mustangleader - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  Bought new 165,000 miles. Read a review by a person who traded in his PR5 for Fit claiming how it was a much better car. Huh? PR5 has more space and is a bigger car. Mileage is slightly better via Fit because its a smaller engine. Fit owner claims it drives like a go cart. Well, I drove a Fit and no comparison. Stock PR5 still out performs Fit and with some aftermarket things like cold air filter, magna flow system, and computer update for less than $800, the PR5 outperforms fit in every area except for mileage which I get 25 in town, 32-34 on the road depending how fast I drive. If you can get a low mileage PR5, the cost is cheaper than a Fit and these cars last.

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  My cool red 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By islanderon - November 21 - 1:23 pm

  Bought my car in March 2004. Very sporty and comfortable. Ride is firm but not too firm, makes for a great highway cruiser. All over very happy with it . Despite reports of tight rear seat, back seat in quite spacious in my opinion. I recommmend it highly.

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  Great SUV with Excellent MPG & Looks - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By verysmartcar - November 21 - 12:14 pm

  Just brought this CX-5 and love it. Right away driving 4 miles to work and 4 miles home getting 25 MPG in the city driving. You cant go wrong with this Mazda. Owned 9 Mazdas is a row and never had any problems with them. Best looking SUV for the Money. Very smooth ride and excellent visability. I have the Touring model that has the 17" Wheels that I think has a little better ride than the Grand Touring with the 19" Just my opinion. Mazda has the looks and reliability. Honda CRV Boring, RAV4 Ugly, Kia Sportage has the looks but not sure on reliability. Just go and look at the Mazda and you will be impressed.

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  Bumpy ride in Mazda 3 2011 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By 99intrigue1 - November 21 - 11:38 am

  Just (within past two days) leased a 2011 Mazda3 i touring and absolutely hate the ride! I felt every tiny bump in the road....stressful and uncomfortable!! Also noticed handling on turns was odd...not smooth by any means. Looks great and nice features, but going to call dealer and see what my options are.

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  Im in love with this vehicle! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony - November 21 - 10:06 am

  Purchased the vehicle used first week of March. 46,800 miles at purchase. So far I have put about 750 miles on the vehicle and I have to say - I love this car after only owning it for 3 weeks. One word of warning - if youre single and have a computer building background, this car may make you want to customize or "tune" it to at least an extent.

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  A true "Sport" utility vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By texaseskimo - November 20 - 11:53 pm

  The CX-7 is the anti-Toyota. Toyotas are great reliable products, and there are many people who love the isolated ride, but for those who like to experience the "Sport" in SUV, the CX-7 is a great alternative. In all I am very happy with my CX-7, however there are things to note. First is the there is a noticeable turbo lag, which at times makes the acceleration a little unpredictable. The ride is definitely on the stiff side, which is great for cornering, but not so great for those who like a smooth ride. This also contributes to the road noise at highway speeds. There is some torque steer from the front wheel drive. In all it is a great car for those who dont want to buy a Toyota.

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  happy so far - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By highwaystar - November 20 - 10:43 am

  Im really enjoying driving my new Mazda. It combines sportiness with practicality while giving me around 30 mpgs. This Grand Touring model is flush with several high end features such as the adaptive xenon headlights, memory drivers seat, and auto on headlights and wipers. My wife insisted on heated leather which we have need for much too often here in Wisconsin. Am currently having an issue with the outside temperature thermometer which is very slow to adjust to the actual temperature. A small problem perhaps but frustrating all the same. It was just such gremlins that led me to trade my 2006 VW Passat for this vehicle in hopes of higher Japanese build quality.