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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  Mid Size SUV at Compact SUV prices - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tribute2003 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  after driving the SUV for about 6 months now, I am glad I bought the Tribute ES V6 with leather. It is comfortable like a Toyota Highlander in size (a couple of inches shorter in the cargo depth) but atleast $5-7k less with Mazda rebates on S-plan. In fact the price was comparable with Honda CRV/Toyota RAV4 but WAY MORE comfortable than those compact SUVs.

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  Great little sports sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3Believer - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive always been a muscle car and truck guy but after living in England for 4 years I learned to appreciate other kinds of vehicle. And the Mazda3 is one. Its fun, comfortable, quick, and feels more expensive than it is. The engine pulls hard for a 4 banger and is smooth as butter up to the redline. The 5spd has a short throw and you never have a problem finding the right gear. Seats are firm, yet supportive and the dash is beautiful. The best out there in its class. And I know, Ive driven them all. Love this car. But remember kids, just say NO to autos. This is a drivers car. Cant wait for aftermarket.

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  nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By silverwilson - February 2 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is a very comfortable,exciting car. This car is a step ahead in design and offers the quiet smooth ride,usually found in more expensive luxury cars. The buying experience was smooth. I recommend getting several quotes and having the deal nearly done online. Then go into the dealership and sign the paperwork.

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  My Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TG #1 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a really smooth ride, there really nice inside and outside. There not that expesive. And youll love driving it. Also they will look really phat with some rims.

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  LOVE MY NEW MAZDA - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By J R M - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I ACTUALLY WAS LOOKING FOR A NEW 2003 AS THE DEALERSHIP WAS HAVING A SALE ON ALL REMAINING 2004S. THERE WERE NO 2003S LEFT SO I DECIDED TO LEASE A 2004. I MIGHT HAVE GONE OVERBOARD ON THE OPTIONS, BUT I AM GLAD I DID. THEY HAD TO HAVE THE CAR BROUGHT OVER FROM SACRAMENTO BECAUSE THEY DIDNT HAVE THE COLOR I WANTED. WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP THE NEXT DAY, I COULDNT BELIEVE HOW BEAUTIFUL IT WAS (AND STILL IS). I GOT SPORT AND LUXURY PACKAGES. CAR IS SO SMOOTH, FAST AND COMFORTABLE (LEATHER SEATS TOO!!) FOR THE PRICE YOU CANNOT GET A COOLER CAR. I AM NOT SORRY I BOUGHT THIS CAR. EVERYBODY LOOKS AT IT. I RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE PRICING SEDANS. JRM

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  From P5 to M6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cplq258 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  My first mazda was the P5 which I Loved. It handeled great the P5 is a good car for a single man. As my Family Grew, I decided to by a sedan my first and only choice was the Mazda6. This car handles like no other in its price range. Respect thats what you get when your behind the wheel of the M6. The V6 24 vaulve engine is a one of a kind when it comes to performance.

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  rating on my 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By OSCAR - February 2 - 2:00 am

  just bought it wish it had more HP

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  great economy car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By anony - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Been using the car for 3 1/2 years, no maintenance charges at all except the usual oil changes, and a battery that was was replaced recently. Performance is very good to go.

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  The car that I waited for years - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Lenin Rincon - February 1 - 10:00 am

  great design, performance and fun to drive

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  My Car - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hanna - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Hello.... We got this littel beutiful car for just a while a go, but I have to say that this is truly a fun car to drive, I guess a lot of people say that this is a toy car, but I have to say that this is wrong, my baby suprises me when it comes to the handeling, balance, the easy shift. One word for this car WOW!!..I like it..