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 is Best compact SUV Value - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By agc - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The best way to show the value you get with the Mazda Tribute is to compare it to another. I bought the Tribute and a co-worker bought a Toyota RAV4 recently. We paid nearly the same for our vehicles. I got a powerful smooth V6, ABS, towing package, side air bags, flip up rear window, retractable cargo cover, overhead opening rear door, more room & comfort, & he got none of these.

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  n|a - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By minis - August 18 - 10:00 am

  small engine but it gives out 200 percent of the power and agility

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  Simply Amazing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaGuy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My family currently owns a Mazda 3s, 6i, and Protégé5, all are amazing. It has great handling, a better feel than the 6 and higher limits than the Pro5, although the Pro5 has a better feel and the 6 has higher limits, it is a good balance. The engine is great, but be advised that if you plan to change your own oil, it uses a cartridge filter available only at the dealership and online, retailing around $11 for the filter. The transmission is great with short throws and precise shifting. This car doesn’t really fit in with any vehicle class, more powerful and sporty than any compact in its price range. I would put it closer to a BMW 325i than a Civic.

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  Do you love to drive? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chicago "3" owner - August 18 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a 5-door car stop, you just found it. The 2.3L is quick- get the leather tim, if you can . If your a stick driver you may find the "3" feels more like a VW then a Honda or other like imports. Over all- for the money this car will be hard to beat!

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  great - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By saraannwarren - August 18 - 10:00 am

  it is fun to drive all over the city. great little car for the buck

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  Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian1381 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive and practical as well. A great car for a student.

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  10s - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Travis0000007754 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Fun to drive. Excellent features for the price

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  All the U, much more S than SUVs - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By fredjanke - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up one of the first Mazda 6 Wagons available last week. About 800 miles into it, I am very pleased with my purchase. I understand the value of cargo room, but dont want to drive some boat that doesnt corner and gets crappy milage. Enter the 6 Wagon, with most of the cargo capacity of smaller SUVs, but with the ability to corner and accelerate without mpg numbers starting with a 1. The engine is a bit less torquey than I expected, but spin it past 3 grand and it gets fun in a hurry. The handling is stellar, as is the interior. Its a heck of a lot of sport, cargo room, features, etc. for the $. And I can still drive a manual!

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  The anti-SUV - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hyper-dog - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2dr extended cab Tacoma for Sport Wagon with 5 speed manual. Needed more interior room, but did not want gas guzzling, top heavy SUV or full size crew cab truck. This car is great! More fun to drive than my last sedan (98 VW Passat 1.8t/5spM), which had excellent driving dynamics too. The Mazda corners flatter and has better feel in the steering than the VW. Id like a slightly shorter throw on the shifter, but the feel is good. Dont look in the mirror and youd think your driving a sports coupe. Has as much cargo room as most of the 5 passenger SUVs but its a lot more fun to drive and gets better fuel economy.

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  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian Maher - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, peppy, nice styling, Zoom Zoom!!!