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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  Fantastic Car! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Andy Brown - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I debated about buying a 2-seat convertible for many practical reasons, but now that I did, my only regret is that I didnt do it 10 years ago! Ive always loved the look of the Miata, and once I test drove it, I couldnt believe how much fun it was to drive. Not only does it handle like a dream, it is actually very comfortable at highway speeds, which I didnt expect. The trunk is plenty big for any normal cargo needs, but for big things I did keep my old Mazda 626 (still reliable after 124000 miles). In addition, being in a convertible is fantastic-you really experience the world and arent isoloted from it-exilirating.

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  THE GREAT RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JEFF FAULSTICH - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY RX-8 AND HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT IT. THE RIDE IS LIKE NO OTHER SPORTS CAR, AND THE SOUND OF THE RENESIS ENGINE JUST MAKES YOU WANT TO RUN THE CAR AS HARD AS YOU CAN. THE PERFECT 50/50 DITRUBUTION MAKES THE RX-8 JUST HUG THE GROUND AND CORNERS.

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  I love this Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jcenghusen - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I was up in Seattle visiting my Mother (I live in California). I seen the lease price of zero down and $299 a month, and decided to check it out. I was not in the market for a new car, but after test driving it I fell in love. I bought it that day, ate the return airplane ticket and drove it home. The trip home was great (and fast). The car corners great, and has plenty of power. Its simply a great car.

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  u cant beat the rx8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By speedman - February 26 - 10:00 am

  i bought the car last month, after some very serious research. I analyzed the G35, 350Z, 2005 Mercedes 230 Kompressor, volvo S40 T5 and Audi A4. (i test drove all of them). Here is why the RX 8 is the best. The RX 8 combines, comfort (very smooth ride), performance (wait until you rev that thing to 8000+ rpm), value (great price for what u get), design (its just a beauty from every angle), and the most important it is unique, there is nothing out there like the RX8 you cant even compare the engine with other cars. let me put it this way, if you want to add fun to your day to day driving, the rx 8 is the car for you. if you want to be like everybody else the RX8 is not for u

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  The BEST Car Ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LavaOrange - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my lava orange hatchback back in January 2004. I love the fact that I was one of the first and few owners. Its fun to look for other Mazda3-ers on the road. (Always HONK & WAVE when you spot one...Its a 3-thing) This is the best car Ive ever had and Im hooked for life. My family bought a Mazda 323 back in 1982 - worst mistake ever. So, I was a bit worried until I saw the new 6s and now, the 3s. Im a Mazda-gal for life! Even after 7 months - I feel like Im driving it for the first time. Its wicked fun!

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  Mazda3 The Best of the Best - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BusterPR - February 26 - 10:00 am

  A Good Car. I suggest that everyone buy one. Is the Best of the Best. I love it!

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  Love the Blue Buggy! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LouLou - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, we have two children in car seats and there is still enough room for a smaller person to sit between them and being able to take out the back flap over the cargo area gives you way more room than I thought possible.

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  That which we call a Rose. - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Josh Smith - February 26 - 2:10 am

  The Miata is one of those cars people just awe over, you cant help but name it, you want to call her something. The sleek curves give off a sense of class, while the small, but cocky stance says "I want to play". The Miata, in my opinion, is underrated, it has enough power for most people, and enough aftermarket support for the rest of us. A light-weight rear-wheel drive car is just one of those things that any generation could admire. Cruising the interstate with the top down, wind blowing.. You cant resist but feel that youre free.

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  Cant stop looking at it! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By carlitos92 - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  Okay, I admit that styling was the #1 reason I bought my CX-7. There is simply nothing else like it on the road. It also has sufficient pep, but handling is really its strong suit, dynamically. Its like an RX-8 on stilts. Im a bit worried that its not the frugal runabout I thought it was when it comes to mileage, but then again, Im only working on my third tank of gas. Overall, if it lives up to the typical Japanese build-quality expectations, Ill be ecstatic. If you have to do it all with one stylish car, this is it.

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  Mazda 6-cess! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By randy - February 25 - 12:13 pm

  I got my car to replace my totaled mazda b-2500. the only complaints i have is the notchy gearbox and various rattles but thats it. my mazda is rock bottom of the 04 mazda6 lineup- no moon roof, automatic trans, leather, multi disk player etc. but the interior design is very good and roomy. cars good for aggressive driving and sounds the part too. some say it doesnt get enough horse power and mileage but mine with a aftermarket intake has 30-40 extra hp and 2-3 more mpg, so dont change the car change the intake.