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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  What a fun car!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By shahidm - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2003 s trim during the year- end sales. The car is very comfortable and easily seats 4 adults. Almost perfect combination of practicality (I have three kids) and fun - and very reasonably priced. The auto/manual transmission is great and one can switch from one to the other on the fly while driving - you can even keep your foot pressed on the accelerator. Dash is nicely laid out with the controls laid out cleanly - and they are intuitive to use. Overall, very pleased with the car.

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  RICHS - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RICH HOSTELLEY - August 8 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR! FUN TO DRIVE. CARRIES STUFF VERY WELL DUE TO LARGE TRUNK. NEEDS JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE ENGINE POWER.

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  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By vwbtl2040 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I totally love my new Tribute. I decided to buy this car after shopping the Ford Escape which is virtually the same thing plus/minus a few make exclusive features. I came out of a VW Beetle into this so the size aspect was very different from what I was used to. I find that I have a great field of vision with my suv. I have driven it in snow, ice , rain, and dry weather. It was awesome in the 15 inch noreaster recently! All the creature comforts of my car are wonderful. I love the cargo capacities that it has to offer also.

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  YAHOO!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Terry Sheneman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased an RX-8 decked out to the 9s, and, IT IS AN ABSOLUTE AWESOME CAR!!! What a ride!

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  Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By malensky - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my RX-8. It handles like a dream, hugs curves and moves with cat- like reflexes. The four doors make it a great choice for small families. The tons of safety features make it an overall choice for people with small children, such as myself, who want a sports car, but still need exceptional safety features. The options are unique, yet great...and endless. The price is affordable. It is one of a kind.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By droddick - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Its great getting to drive a sports car that is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks from others. I have no complaints except it should get better gas mileage. The fit and finish of the car is excellent; and 4 adults can actually sit with reasonable comfort.

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  Love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jrnyace - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle was supposed to be for my wife that is 9 months pregnant. We chose the mazda "s" for the four-door capabilities. Im having more fun driving this car than my Dodge Hemi!

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  best car out there - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sandro00 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  very Sporty, great looks and and awsome price

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  love it so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By clout_15 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Have the Stee Gray Metallic with cloth interior. Also got the appearance package with abs/traction control. Really fun to drive. Much sportier than the Honda Accord I use to drive. Much more than I expected as far as ride and handling

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  Absolute BEST value under $20,000 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tjmazdaman - August 7 - 10:20 pm

  This is undoubtedly the best car I have ever owned. Performance is excellent, the shift it yourself auto is way cool, easy to use, and fun! Purists should stick to the 5-speed though, which is one of the best Ive ever tested. This car looks sooo cool, and gets noticed. Build quality - incredible. Feels like it should have cost at least $25K. Razor-sharp handling, terrific road feel, dead-on straight line steering center, excellent brakes. Interior ergonomics are outstanding. Beats Honda, Toyota (snooze) and Nissan hands-down; styling, performance, versatility, standard features, ergonomics, driving satisfaction (FUN!) value, AND warranty. Youve read - now go buy and ENJOY!