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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  Zero to Sixty in Sheer Pleasure - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Emmy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The RX 8 I own is way faster than the 87 Porsche 911 I used to own. I have Titanium grey and get heads turning everywhere I go. Its hard to be on time to things because I get asked a lot of questions and strangers want a "tour." I bought an RX 7 the first year and sold it 5 years later for more than I paid!

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  performance/luxury/economy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By trcoastlaw - September 26 - 10:00 am

  expterior design; superior handling; luxurious interior; speed (low gear and top end); and price all make the mazda RX 8 the best value in a sports car in many a year.

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  YOU WILL LOVE THIS!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Steve P. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I Have always been for american cars but they no longer have the desighns or can keep up with my expectatoins It would take a lot to go back!I have 2 new cars a toyota highlander and the MAZDA RX8 Thanks to great car builders like the japanese I feel confident to finally have the best cars at a great price. thankyou so much!

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  AWESOME RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Todd Honea - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding performance, unbelievable head-turning car. No better car out there for the money!!!

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  Fantastic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Otis - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic, Great Car. Love the idea of Four doors. plenty of power. love the car. There is only ONE rotary engine and Mazda has it.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By skylight904 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Two word to describe it is unbelievably unforgetable!!!!!!!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Suaznne - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is a fun car. It is sporty and fun to drive. If you have the apperance package it looks sweet. I will soon be getting a license place that reads "ZOOM"!!

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  Solid build quality & fun to drive. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By M. A. - September 25 - 10:53 am

  I drove different makes of SUVs for the past 10 years and this vehicle is the best of all. Fit and finish is perfect. Seats are comfortable and roomy, interior materials are plush and instrumentations are well placed. Second row seat tracks are covered in order not to get anything pinched in there... hint, hint!! The transmission shifts smoothly and flawlessly. Acceleration is enhanced by the AWD without feeling grippy. The engine is quite and has plenty of power. The exterior looks sharp. Last but not least, the Bose system rocks!!

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  Mostly a great car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zel1 - September 25 - 6:48 am

  We have put 164,000 miles on our Tribute, including many long highway trips and back woods driving on two-tracks in the UP of Michigan. We required a new (rebuilt Ford) transmission at 94,000 miles, which possibly can be attributed to driving with cupped tires that probably vibrated it to pieces. Mileage is so-so, up to about 21.5 on the highway (we are usually pretty heavily loaded on trips). A/C, defroster, heater have always given some problems, but still work OK. Never burned a drop of oil, and still has good power on the highway. Hoping to make 250,000 miles.

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  Must Read for Speed3 Owners! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Herkdriver - September 25 - 3:56 am

  I noticed a black soot material on my tailpipes (which Ive since learned is normal for turbocharged cars) but I heard that previous models had issues w/turbo smoking (smoke coming from tailpipe at idle/all engine speeds) & I thought this might be the onset. Videos are online if u Google. Mazda allegedly fixed this in 2010 but theres a "mystery" Tech Service Bulletin (TSB)for service depts to switch owners to 5W-40 synthetic vs. std 5W-30 (what the filler cap & manual says). TSB doesnt apply to 2010 models. My dealer couldnt even find the TSB in their system! Question service depts b/c Mazda N. America doesnt endorse synthetic oil or 5W- 40! Could void warranty b/c manual says 5w-30 oil.