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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  my P5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Branic77 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! I couldnt be happier with my choice. I was able to get every extra (moon roof, leather seats, all the perks!) and still stay in my price range. It handles like a sports car, and has a lot more zip than I would have expected. I look good in this car!

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rmcgoun - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my protege5.I opted for the standard trans. and the acceleration seems adequate. The car seems to really hug the road in turns. I looked at a lot of cars and this one has the best visbility especially when backing up. When comparing the toyota matrix and the ford focus wagon the protege wins hands down. You get 17in mag. wheels with 4 wheel disc brakes standard on the mazda, costs extra on the toy and ford. The price was much better on the Mazda. If you are looking for a stylish car at a reasonable price check out the protege5

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By boyzmom67 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We have had no problems with our Protege 5 since purchasing it new for our 17 year old last year.It is a well made car that is fun to drive.

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  little car can go - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mojoant - November 4 - 2:00 am

  fun fun fun not just for looks but could use a v-6 other than that its a great ride .....

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  A Nice Car At An Economical Price - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Coke - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I compared two cars during my look for a new car: the Mazda Protege 5 and a Volvo 40. One test drive in each car enabled me to reach one conclusion, that there was no comparison between the two. The Volvos turbo whined consistently and its wheels were unbalanced, whereas, the P5 had far better visibility in any direction and was more design appealing inside and out and more user-friendly in all aspects. One look was all it took, and judging from over two years of driving with few complaints, I believe I made the right decision.

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  My MX5 - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Louis Nefflen - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun and enjoyable car I have owned in years. We will be taking it on some long trips soon but so far it is a great car. Trunk space is small but great for weekends. Power enough for large hills and fast enough for the freeways. Just not a winter car, too low to the road and the top is always up because of the snow and cold. I you like the MGs of the past you will love the MX5.

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  love this car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By my miata - November 4 - 2:00 am

  love this car it rules

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  Mazda - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jmsalley105 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Mazda is great,stylish,awsome and makes you look really cool! not to mention the seating capacity!

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  Most Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hamilton - November 4 - 2:00 am

  You can get a power to weight ration that will rival super sport cars with the many aftermarket options. This car was designed as a convertible, so there is not the "second guess force and fit" with most other convertibles. This is the car that started the roadster revelution in 1990 as the car of the year. It has ranked in the Top 10 cars ever since.

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  Little Sweetie - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Red Baron - November 4 - 2:00 am

  THis engine gets everything wrung out of it that is possible. Running at3500 RMP she simply sings down the highway! Excellent in "down shift and up throttle" mode. With the factory- installed spoiler on the trunk lid, it tends to settle the rear end at higher speeds.