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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  MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Toomach - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is a fun car with reasonable performance, acceptable gas mileage, plenty of stowage space, handles better than many cars and has good safety. Most of the benefits of an SUV without most of the drawbacks. We bought it to travel in. The car comfort with plenty of room makes it ideal for us.

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  fun but tight - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jeff schwartz - July 22 - 10:00 am

  car drives very well: steering control is terrific, makes tight turns, brakes on a dime. Fast on highway but very noisey. cabin is very tight and uncomfortable on long drives. outer design is beautiful but front end gets beat up alot by hellen keller parkers in the city. No front bumper to stop nicks and scratches by license plate area. All around fun drive for about 1 hour and then discomfort settles in. Car is a death trap in snow, ice and slush. Car easily gets stranded on snowy days.

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  2004 tribute to tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By geebee - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Car is enjoyable to drive, very dependable, with average gas mileage. The V-6 has enough getup and go when needed9 (freeway onramps) and very good braking capabilities. clean ride, and easy to maintain. Parkings not a problem.

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  Lovein it. Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By marieann - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my MPV. I will buy another one.

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  fun car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By romero - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have has this car for a year now and i am still in love with it. If i were to get in an accident and the car was totaled i would get another rx8. I love the way the car handles. Ifeel safe driving it. You cant spin due to anti slip brakes. I love driving, the 6 speed is a must. You cant be a lazy driver which makes it feel like you have more control of the cars power.

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  This is the Best Econo (Not) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Akrais - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is not an economy car. The 2.3 liter is a joy to drive: Ive zoom zoomed ~350 miles in the three days Ive owned it. The car comes alive in third and the 40-85 mph acceleration is incredible. 52-48 weight distribution and built in roll bars eliminate body-roll and instill confidence behind the wheel. No Honda, Toyota, or Nissan sedan can come close to the 3s performance.

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  best car in its class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By gmu luke - July 22 - 10:00 am

  people know they spent way too much on their car when they see the mazda 3. for the money, nothing can compare. looked at cars the entire summer and after test driving the mazda3, i couldnt imagine driving anything else. its a thrill to drive. got my 3 with the power package

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  Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By StephanieAnn - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I havent owned this car for a whole year but so far I love it. I have no regrets on buying it. I have never ownes a Mazda before and haveno problem with buying another one later on. The design og the car is awesome and more sportier than the other mazdas before. the performance is out of this world. it will get up and go at no time! I cant stay away from driving it! zoom zoom zoom is right!

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  Why Choose the Mazda 3? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3 Sami - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is the first car that I have purchased on my own. For 2 years since I have had my drivers liscense I drove a 1992 Buick Skylark. Although the skylark was fairly reliable I just did not feel young and hip driving it. I love to drive, and there is nothing better than having fun while you drive a sports car, but being able to have the features of a sedan. The Mazda 3 truly is the best of both worlds.

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  Style & Function - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dime - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive! It handles great, and has plenty of power. It is also a real head turner. Ive had people walk across parking lots and roll down their windows in traffic to tell me how great it looks and ask what it is. The excellet gas mileage and room for all the climbing gear we take on road trips put it over the top. We love it!