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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  Mazda tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By konajcc - December 29 - 2:00 am

  as with previous Mazdas, an excellent auto

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  alex - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By jakeman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Car seems well built and fun to drive

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  recommend - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bbbig - December 29 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive. great handle and sharp turning.

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  Mazda MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By HoJo - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent road holding and ride. Powerful V6 2.5L. Ample cargo and passenger space for a small family. All in all much better than any of the other similar sized vans on the market. The cargo space is VERY versatile. I like the way the third row seats fold half down and tip over to make a tailgate seat for the ball games and the beach. My vehicle was fully imported from Japan and has that Japanese attention to detail and quality that others only wish they had.

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  Coolio - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Farah - December 29 - 2:00 am

  the automoblie is a very equppid machine tat i would like to buy one day

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  Mini Suburban - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By CaliforniaFun - December 29 - 2:00 am

  A bargain road hugging, gas guzzling eye catcher. I bought a fully loaded (all options except the body kit) for $29.5. I thought it was going to get better mileage than my GMC Suburban, but I was shocked. Itis definitely a fun car to drive, but you would need to really push your 1st and 2nd gear to the limit to get any zip at the low end. Most reviewers said that the shift was smooth, but I found it somewhat difficult, especially the reverse gear. The non-adjustable can cause serious stiff neck. It seems as if Mazda expects all drivers to be the exact same height.The freestyle doors are very difficult to open those doors in parking lot.

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  Mazda 3, The Head Turner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikethuan - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The first time you look at the mazda 3, your mind can hardly believe that this is an economy vehicle. It has none of the woes of an econobox but has the pricing of one. The shifting is smooth and precise and the throws are short. The engine noise is also noticeably more quiet than the previous proteges. The features are unbelievable for a car of this price range. With available xenon and dvd navigation, mazda 3 owners can have what theyve only dreamed possible in a luxury vehicle. While the loaded price of this vehicle is a hefty, $23,075 (MSRP fully loaded 3s Sedan Automatic), the vehicle starts at $14,200 (MSRP 3i model).

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  Its very Good Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 808hawaii - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Its very good and affortable

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  Zoomless in NH - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dissapointed one - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Great features, i.e. style, sporty, and everything that other posters have mentioned in this media. THERE IS A SHIMMY at speeds of about 60 and up, which is inttermittent, which is not being identified by the dealership. Theyre threatening calling it a "charictaristic" of the car. Be careful about this.

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  Mazda make cars fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By johnnyB5646 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great looking car. Get compliments all the time. My fiance zooms around in it and has a blast with its comfortable yet sporty feel.