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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  A sport car in sheep clothing - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By MoreZoom - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive test-driven Toyota Matrix base, 2002 Honda Civic LX and Mazda LX (all auto as gf wanted) before my final purchase of this Protege LX. Base Matrix was $16,000 plus, Civic LX was $15,000 plus, Mazda LX was $14,880 b/f tax to me with alloy wheels. Man, price was the prime deciding factor at first. Then, after test drives, I found that the Matrixs 130 horses was not enough to move the 2800-plus lbs of the auto, Honda - Na! No torgue! Protege won with 135 torgue and 130 hp for its 2700 lbs for the auto. Man, the road-holding is great! Fun-to-drive little car!

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  First Impressions - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Laundryman - February 26 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has, so far, been good.I admit that I have not owned ot long enough to give an authoritative critique. However Ive found it to be comfortable and well equiped,( having added no extras except for wheel locks). I can live with the sound system although Id advise in favor of the upgraded sound system if youre really into music as I am.

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By troyohchatter - February 24 - 3:07 pm

  The specs tell the story of a very average vehicle. Average power, MPG, etc. But just drive it. Handles great, the seating position is ideal, the automatic drivetrain is near perfect, even for a guy that prefers a manual, and it can seat six adults in a pinch (front and middle rows move up a notch). The vehicle is tight as a drum, low noise level, and overall is tighter than the last Honda we had, a 2003 CR-V. I have no idea why anyone with kids would want doors that are not sliders. Sliding doors do not hit other cars in parking lots and allow easy access to child seats.

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  Gas Mileage not as high as advertised - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By schuylkillsa - February 24 - 2:55 pm

  My highway gas mileage is supposed to be close to 35 MPG. I have over 5000 miles on the car and have taken several long road trips and Ive yet to hit 31 MPG. Are others finding the same thing?

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  Best for Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NickNich - February 24 - 10:00 am

  After breaking my foot in a biking accident,I had A LOT of time to research a new car. I began with the latest issue of Consumer Reports, Edmunds.com, and data from the internet. I narrowed down my search for a fun and fuel efficient vehicle to the Mazda3, Acura RSX, and Scion Tc. I personally loved the Scion, but was concerned about production problems (and the seats hurt my wifes back). The Acura handled well but only had two seats in the back and I have 3 children; & the cost was getting above my budget). The Mazda3 was the best value and is a blast to drive. I got every factory installed option except for the navigation system. I saved money and now

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  Quality Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By european sensibility - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My search for a new compact lead me to two cars in the end. Both the VW Golf TDI and the Mazda 3i had features that attested to their quality build. They both handled the road nimbly and had adjustable seats/steering columns which were important for my short wife. The Golf TDI is a stylish car that gets great milage but its reliability seemed questionable after reading all of the reviews. The Mazda 3i seemed to be a little more reliable in the long run. In terms of fuel economy, nothing can beat the TDIs 49mpg, but when you consider all the smog that it produces, Mazdas clean burning engine is much more environmentally friendly.

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  fuel pump/car starting problem - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bryan - February 23 - 11:13 pm

  i purchased my mazda3s 3 months ago. in the second month (4000 miles) i began to have problems starting my car. on the initial start up, the car would crank, but would not start; i would have to turn the car off & then re-start it in order for the engine to start. serviced @ dealership; they stated it was fuel pump, dealership replaced fuel pump, car worked for 3 weeks & 600 miles later (4600 miles) car is not starting again; cranks but will not start. currently no recall

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  Despite the points I would not buy - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By A2BDriver - February 23 - 9:06 pm

  I know this car is supposed to be sporty. It drives and handles okay. I wanted a good daily driver for the snow belt. But in the first light snow all of a sudden the TCS kicked and IMMEDIATELY swings the rear of the car out. I lost power to straighten the car as it held back the front wheels, I barely recovered, entered a turn an again the TCS kicked in throwing the car sideways, again losing all power to the wheels. I pulled over and found the stupid button, turned the TCS and had an uneventful rest of ride. Tanks Mazda for almost killing me, I barely missed an oncoming pickup. I am going back to the dealer to permanently disable this dangerous "feature".

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  superfun, but poor mpg w 2.3L - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By x519178 - February 23 - 3:30 pm

  Pros: good looking car, good output at 3000+ rpm, good handling, doesnt lean much in corners, fun to drive. Cons: poor gas mileage, brake dust, cupholder in the way of shift stick, absent low end torque, poor visibility

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  the plus-size Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By treeweezel - February 23 - 11:53 am

  I like how the wagon looks like a grown-up Mazda3 both in size and style. Classed-up, but still with some spunk. We have a BMW 530 wagon near identical in size, power and age, and there is absolutely no deprivation in taking the Mazda. More trunk and backseat, even. The 3.0 V6 brings the heat at high revs, but feels like much less engine at lower revs. Gutless under 2000 rpm and an absolute dog below 1500 rpm, youll need to shift often. First gear is tall and if you let the clutch in too fast itll really leave you out to dry. The engine also goes through oil and spark plugs kinda quickly, and the lack of replaceable fuel filter worries me.