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 Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By H. Whitley - September 9 - 12:36 am

  Continental tires a little noisy but overall a very good ride. Got 25-26 mpg on long highway trip in April.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom lives up to it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ashbrown38 - September 9 - 12:36 am

  I love this car, I purchased it brand new, the comfort and safety features is awesome. My previous car Ford Focus, even though fun to drive, it was functional. With this Mazda, Its fun, great mileage, sporty, speedy, security. The stability is awesome, tight curves no problem. Handles extremely well. Love the interior, Love the look. Love what it does to me as safety goes. Great stereo system, keyless entry is fantastic especially when I have a lot of groceries. Im finding out new things about my car every day. Definitely, recommend this car. So far, 39 hwy/28 city

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  Little Wagon that could. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Huckster357 - September 8 - 8:43 pm

  Exterior is both good looking and functional. Front bumper a little low. Interior nicely excuted and supportive but roof line a little low. Center arm rest needs better placement. Performance: excellent handling & ABS brakes. Engine needs more power. Great versatility w/ individually fold down rear seats. Seat position and pedal placement hard to adjust for maximum comfort. Many bonus extras in a low price package makes it more attractive than its competitors.

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  First Mazda - Impressed so Far - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By jk96 - September 8 - 5:55 pm

  We have 3 children and were looking to downsize from a Ford Excursion to a mid-size SUV. Our requirements were seating for 7, leather interior, and easy access to the third row. We drove every mid-size SUV out there in the under 40k price range and found the CX-9 was our favorite with the new Dodge Durango a very close second. Ease of rear access on the Durango killed it for us. I needed something my 6 year olds could do themselves and the Mazda was a breeze. Doors opened wide, easy slide second row for rear access, and the fact that I could still fit 3 kids in the 2nd row and fold the rear seats for cargo space if needed was a huge plus. Great value lots of options for the money.

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  Loving the 5 III - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - September 7 - 7:10 pm

  Now with almost 20,000 miles. At 46 years old, I still love my little run about, though I have been told it doesnt fit my "image". I dont care, its still fun to drive. Works great for our two kids and still dont know anyone else who has one. I like being exclusive. A covered console is still high on my list of wants, no privacy. I also wish it was traction control equipped, but believe the 09 or 10 now have it. Still drive it fast and like the ZOOM ZOOM. Would buy another one in a second! Chevrolet is going to build a competitor called the Orlando. Oh, also wish the sliding doors were power.

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  Best car for the money by far - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By KCD - September 7 - 9:33 am

  Purchased this car as a commuter: 90 miles round trip up the canyons. Power is great and gas mileage is amazing. We average 35mpg climbing 2500 feet to get back home. We looked at the Corolla and the civic and there was no comparison. We went with the Mazda because of reliability, power, and gas mileage. It is also a much better looking car. This is our second Mazda, we still own the first: a 1990 Miata with 100K miles on it.

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  Roadster Heaven - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roadster Heaven - September 7 - 6:06 am

  What a dream to drive! First roadster ever and what a blast. When seated in the cockpit, I feel like a race car driver. Performance is surprisingly fast, it doesnt feel like it but look at the speedo and youre movin. Very comfortable, great design, love the heated seats. Bose sound system is great, especially with the top down, though a CD stacker would appreciated. I cant drive this car enough!

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  Original owner, 113K miles - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Ray - September 7 - 5:26 am

  Ive just made my final payment. I have had not a single problem with the car. In fact the first set of brake pads lasted 90K miles and I am on my 3rd set of tires. The combination of good fuel economy, bulletproof reliability, well appointed interior, and great handling make this car a winner. If you can find a used one that has been well maintained buy it, especially the ES model.

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  Awesome car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carlos - September 6 - 8:33 pm

  I have had my Mazda 3 for two weeks now and totally love the car! After researching which cars were good and what I liked, I narrowed it down to the Mazda 3 and Civic. When I test drove the Civic, it was sluggish and felt cramped inside. When I test drove the Mazda 3, I noticed the greater space and almost gave myself whiplash because the pickup was so good. Im still getting used to the "smile" but I must say the car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it! Im finding excuses to got out just so that I can go drive it some more! This is my second Mazda and I love them both (wifes is 2003 Protege with 145,000 miles). Mazda is at the top of my list for future car purchases!!

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  Best Bang for the Buck...AGAIN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NoVa - September 6 - 9:46 am

  I bought this to replace my beloved Civic Si after the great reviews I had read and the exhaustive research available on the net. This is by far Mazdas best offering for the money in any class. The engine is peppy if not outright powerful. The exterior design is broad shouldered & modern. The interior is well though out & purposeful. Material quality could be better as the plastics get dirty quickly but can be easily cleaned. The mileage is the biggest disappointment as only strictly adhering to the 55 speed limit will get you EPA advertised mpg.