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:

• 

  Reliable, fun, and good looking, too! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By BozzieBear - December 28 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my P5 new in August 2004, seeking a reliable, thrifty, commuter car that would still be fun to drive. I like hatchbacks and chose the P5 over the Mini (too cramped) and the Matrix. After 25,000 miles I remain thrilled with my choice: 30 mpg (mostly freeway) and not a single maintenance problem. The P5 was a real bargain and I still look forward to driving it.

• 

  Fun, reliable car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By McPiv - December 28 - 8:00 am

  First new car that I have ever purchased. I have enjoyed the sportiness of this car. Decent gas mileage. Ive used this car for my personal use as well for work. I have only had to do one repair in the 5 years that I have owned it (replaced erg valve) other than general upkeep.

• 

  The GT PRHT is the perfect sports car - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By marylander3 - December 27 - 6:46 pm

  I just love this car!! We got a 10 (identical to the 11) with Premium Pkg, Suspension Pkg, and Appearance Pkg at a tremendous discount. It is gorgeous (in Brilliant Black). The premium package eliminates any prior concern about the tawdriness of the interior -- it is almost plush, and the sound system is superb. Seats and steering wheel position is excellent. Clutch and shifter are the best of all the dozens of cars Ive owned, including Porsches. Handling is unbelievable, and the optional Bilsteins do NOT make the car too harsh in normal driving. Finally, the power hard top is magical -- doesnt even intrude on trunk space. I just love this car!!

• 

  I love my Zoom-Zoomer - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ldavisca1 - December 27 - 8:16 am

  After careful research, using Edmunds.com as a tool, I selected the Mazda Tribute after finding that it matched 9 of the 10 criteria I insisted on having in an SUV. The test drives I took on the freeway and mountain roads sealed the deal. The Tribute in size and comfort beat out all the mid-size SUVs I considered, the safety features and style are high on my list, and its an all-around pleaser on any road conditions it has faced. Driving it is not only fun, its satisfying. Its a head-turner with its step-tubes, gorgeous paint job, and all-around sporty look. The cargo area is spacious, easily accessible, and the secure. This SUV rocks!

• 

  Much sharper than my Civic - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michdee - December 27 - 5:23 am

  I just bought this car and gave my 01 Civic to my teenage sons. I have the fully loaded version with automatic transmission, leather seats, moon-roof etc. Drive is very smooth and has great pick-up for a four cylinder. Looks very sharp. I really wanted a small car with heated leather seats and it is very hard to find unless you want to step up to a luxury car in the $35K plus range. Surprisingly the gas mileage is not good. I get about 19 MPG (mostly city driving - I average 17 MPH). I was hoping for a little better than that. Car looks more expensive but everyone knows how much it costs so that doesnt mean much.

• 

  I No Longer Desire An Audi - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Velma - December 26 - 8:36 am

  I researched and researched this car and decided to get it. Its awesome in everyway, and Ive had no problems with it. My dream car is the Audi A3...but now I dont know. Im very happy with this car in everyway. I drove from NC to Toronto, Ontario and had the best drive.

• 

  Fun First Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By GatorKnight - December 26 - 5:26 am

  This was my first real car, and I love it. It is a fast car for a base cheap car, and handles well. I love the look of it, especially with the wing spoiler. The comfort is great and the interior features are also great. Overall, this is a great first car for any person.

• 

  fun 2drive, poor MPG with 2.3L engine - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andre - December 24 - 7:16 am

  2005 Mazda3s hatchack. Pros: good looking car, fun to drive, good output above 3000 rpm, good handling, does not lean much in corners, assembled in Japan, warranty 48 months. Cons: poor gas mileage with 2.3L engine (regardless if MT or AT), poor visibility, cupholder position for MT owners, low rpm torque is absent, soot on exhaust pipe, soot on sparkplugs, brake dust, dust & dirt & scratches shows easily on interior, windshield wiper control is too busy with too many functions (hard to turn the damn wipers off). Underdimensioned catalyzer for the 2.3L engine?

• 

  JimsTribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By CinciJim - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the look and feel of this car. Handles great. Engine is responsive. Seats are a little hard for long drives, though. High-end sound package is well worth the extra $. Overall, great value in a small SUV. Pricing is right for this car.

• 

  RX-8 is unbelievable ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rboyle6978 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is unbelievable. I dont have a bad thing to say about it. It is so much fun to drive and the performance is stellar.