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:

• 

  Great little car! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jph - October 15 - 5:06 pm

  Keeping in mind that no car is perfect, Im not scoring a 10. This is my daily driver, commuter and grocery getter, it will be driven all year round (dont get any snow here) my baby girls car seat is permanently secured in the passenger seat. The 2.0 has plenty of power, but the car is not "fast" by any means. However, it can change direction faster than most cars, and this is where the MX-5 shines. Very nimble out of the box, it handles just great. A little bit more body roll than Id like though. Lightweight, 50/50 weight distribution, double wishbone suspension, sticky tires, rear wheel drive. Close ratio manual 6 speed; a true sportscar.

• 

  Second Childhood - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob Raines - October 15 - 12:57 pm

  My second childhood. There is no spare tire, and it pays to shop around. The first price quoted can be improved upon in spite of what they say to begin with.

• 

  Inexpensive, fun and make a statement - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mx5fan - October 15 - 3:40 am

  This is one fun car to drive, even stock. With aftermarket items (shocks, springs, etc.), it is even better! Although the EPA gas mileage is 29 MPG on the highway (for 1996), I get 34 to 36 MPG on the highway. Combined with the reliability of all Miatas, the cost of ownership is very affordable. Note that this is not a fast car. Even my 04 minivan can out run the 96 Miata on a straight road (0-60). However, the Miata has much more handling than speed, making it a fine canyon carver, autocrosser or city zip-zapper. If you enjoy modifying cars for appearance or performance, the first generation Miata has plenty of mod options. Id spend the money on maintenance, tires and gas, though.

• 

  Proto 5 Review - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By winlet - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Proto 5. All options, sweet leather seats and steering wheel, fun to drive, love to corner it. Drives much better than my new Jetta that I sold. (Had all kinds of problems with that car) This car looks sweet and puts all the zoom, zoom, zoom it claims in its performance. No problem with acceleration here.

• 

  Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rons - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Great fun litle car, for the money you cant beat it. Top up top down its enjoyment all the way.

• 

  Number #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Leanne Roth - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I am the type of person who sometimes experiences "buyers remorse". One thing I do know is that probably one of the smartest things I have ever done is buy this vehicle! I can honestly say I never have experienced "buyers remorse" with the purchase of this exciting & fun to drive vehicle. If there was only one thing to complain about, it would be the somewhat noisey drive, but thats what the stereo is for!!:)

• 

  Christys Review... - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Christy Hollenbeck - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1999 Mazda 626 LX that I traded in for this one this one is more comfortable.

• 

  Additional Comments to My Last Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - October 14 - 4:33 pm

  More comments here of Mazda3 for buyers/owners to note. Again this is a great car, simply the best in class. Few improvements here but all are minor. Exterior styling is great. Head lights should be pointed slightly higher. On downhills, the lights fall a bit short. The red tail lights are a bit dim and small. Should be brighter for safety reason. Though the bumper reflective tapes help a bit. For s model, you get black plastic in real bumper. But its more scratch resistant, good when loading cargo. Real bumper does flex a bit.

• 

  Very pleased with this car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dash_Riprock - October 14 - 4:20 am

  I had a Speed6 before this. I needed to "grow up", but still wanted to enjoy driving. 6-speed automatic delivers seamless shifts so well I almost dont miss the Speed6s manual. The power seat and tilt/telescope steering wheel it easy to attain a comfortable driving position and still see all the gauges. The "blue halo" effect at night takes a little getting used to. The cabin is tastefully done, and many people have commented on the rich feel Mazda has given this car. Theres plenty of room front and rear, and the fold-down rear seats are convenient. The exterior is very well executed, especially the wheel well bulges at front and rear.

• 

  Fun Reliable Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Mtoth - October 14 - 2:06 am

  I have owned this carr since Aug 2003. I bought this car just before I drove to my first duty station while I was in the Army. This car has made several trips across the US. I have not had to do anything beyond routine maintenance yet to this vehicle. I love this car and plan on keeping it for an extended period of time. I average around 27-29 mpg. I have the 5 speed and notice that it is not as easy to shift in the morning when it is cold. Thats to be expected when you have moving gears. I just did my 60,000 mile check up and needed a new timing belt & battery but my car had been mostly in hot weather. I love this car and will own it until it cant be driven anymore.