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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  Great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It handles as well ir not better that most other cars in its class. Looks great, nothing else out there that looks like it. It also still has room for the kids in the back seat. Great car, very satisfied. Gas milage is not quite as bad as people say.(I get around 20 mpg)

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  Mazda RX-8 A practical sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Greydog9 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. It drives like a much more expensive sports car. The car is small but with plenty of room inside. Im 63" and used to drive a Town Car.

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  BEWARE OF THE SHORTFALLS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ENGINEER - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The RX8 is a great looking auto and it handles quite well - BUT: 1. It drinks fuel like a Hummer. 2. Its way underpowered with no real torque to boast of (especially the automatic transmission). 3. The air conditioner is all but useless in the South. 4. It has dangerous rear blind spots due to its cabin design. 5. Get the spare tire but then forget any luggage after that. 6. Rear passengers can barely see over the window sills - claustrophobic!

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By carpicky - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The 3s 5-door is written about to "appeal to a younger driver," but Im not in my twenties and love it. Mazda was smart to include what they did in this car i.e. 17" rims w/ low- profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a sporty suspention, to name a few. I wanted an auto for commuting but also wanted it to be fun, which translates to, wanted it to perform. This car meets those needs. I was looking at the jetta too but who wouldnt go for this car with such savings and higher reliability history? Drive: One word, NIMBLE! I took a long sharp turn during test drive and it had just about no leaning as it just zipped around the bend.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 11brakuy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  When I first went to the dealrship I was looking at the Mazda 6 but with one look at the Mazda 3 I knew that I wanted the car. Now the real test would be driving it. I took the car over night I it handled so well even the people that had there doubts had nothing bad to say. I have had the car a little over 3 weeks and I am just as happy as the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Best Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By CB3 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  So far I have 900 miles on the car. I dont have a single complaint yet. I chose this car out of the usual compact shopping list of Civic, Jetta, Corolla. The handling of the car is great. Even with the AT, the throttle is very responsive. Braking is equally responsive. Interior and exterior design is very attractive. Build of the car is very sound. I find the profile, and car in general, to be similar in comparison to the IS300 except 10k cheaper. Take it for a test drive and youll see what you can get for sub 20k. My options include ABS/SAB/EBD, Xenon & TPMS, Sunroof & 6-CD, Sport, and Sportmatic AT.

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  Best for money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mooby - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for a week now, and have put over 600 miles on it. I was also looking at a 03 Civic EX and a 03 Corolla-S. The Mazda 3 wins. Its more powerful, better looking in and out, and just a better vehicle overall. Acceleration is great with the 5-speed. The handling is fun but not so rough that it beats you up. I got 30 mpg of spirited mountain highway driving on the 2nd tank of gas. The blue/orange gauge cluster is the coolest Ive seen in this class. Got my Titanium grey, 5-speed S Sedan for $18,000 with the sport package (17s), safety package and xenons. Built in Japan, with the 4-year 50k warranty, what other car offers this much for $18,000?

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  happy to buy it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mulawin - September 27 - 12:53 am

  We just got the Tribute after all the research on the net and I can say the roomy interior surprised me! I was glad I chose it over the CRV which is smaller and has a less classy feel on the inside. My husband loves the way it handles like a small car but packs power. Windows are tinted and I love the lighted vanity mirrors. How considerate. I also appreciate that they made the roof rack standard. Like it outside and inside. Its a very nice SUV to have.

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  Weak transmissions - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Fenderroads - September 26 - 4:56 pm

  I bought the car for my daughter in 1998 for her to finish high school and go off to college in. The car has never left her stranded, but the automatic transmission has greatly increased the cost of a higher education. Ive had the transmission replaced twice, once at 55K miles, and again at 120K. The clutch packs appear to be the weak link in the transmission. I had to change the heater coil in 2000. I made the repairs myself one week end. Ill never do that again.

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  Wish I put more thought into it. - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By jterrozas - September 26 - 10:47 am

  All though the price was reasonable it really doesnt replace a van. By the time you put up the third row there is nothing left for storage. We bought this to replace our T&C because we wanted better gas mileage but could hold four kids. It can hold four kids, but thats it. No stroller, no shopping bags. It is made for either the occasional back row seating OR as a four seater with a trunk space.