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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  A great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By johnjj - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun. It seems so perfectly designed between form and function and economy. It is the funnest car you can find to drive. Unreal response and pepness. The seats are really comfortable and the interior is laid out perfectly. The 4 cylinder motor has plenty of power and the car has excellent pickup throughout the power band. The 2003 drops the luggage rack and adds a 100watt subwoofer that mounts on the spare tire! The stereo is awsome for a stock system! I say again that this car is one of the coolest cars made today!

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  I feel like a kid again! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JimminOH - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love driving the Miata in the early evening of summer days, with the sun going down and the air starting to cool. Everywhere I park the car, people say "Thats my car" I say "Dream on"

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  Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By pspretired1003 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  great in all kinds of weather and road conditions

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  I love my Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Sazzynurse - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I boutht one of the first one of these in 2001 and I have put 55,000 miles on it with NO MAJOR problems...I LOVE IT...it is GREAT in the snow and pulls my SeaDoo with NO EFFORT...it even pulled my Ski Centurian before I sold it. It drives like a sports car and has a luxury feel. I had SO MANY people come up to me and ask me what it was ...and so many people have asked me if I want to sell it....the 4 wheel drive is so easy when you go skiing. I think this car is definately WORTH much more than the price...people think its a LEXUS...(I have a BLACK one) ENJOY...

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By LOTRules - March 19 - 2:00 am

  :)This car looks really nice from the outside, I think even better than the Dodge Caravan does. It has amazing style for a minivan and is nicely spaced on the inside. I would definitely recommend this car to anybody looking for a great family vehicle!:)

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  love my Mazda minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By cath - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mazda Minivan and wouldnt have any other "brand". I love this van! I do lots of long trips with my dogs and we are all comfy and safe in this van.

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  awesome to drive - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By arlene R - March 19 - 2:00 am

  IT RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH, COMFORT INSIDE, LIKE THE BACK SIDE FITS VERY WELL, DVD PLAYER IS AWESOME FOR LONG ROAD TRIPS....

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  My MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Barbara S. - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my MPV (trading in a Camry) because I am actively competing in dog shows and needed a vehicle to transport the dogs in their crates. The enterior is comfortable and there is plenty of room for all the equipment, the exterior is pleasantly stylish, and the ride is amazingly smooth and powerful.I was surprised that there was much less body roll on tight turns as compared to the Camry. This is a great vehicle to drive!

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  I love my van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By liale - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000 MazdaMPV for 3 years before trading it in on a 2003 MazdaMPV. The new one has more horsepower and I have more features for a great price. I have always been very happy with both.

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  My MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By triciaZZZZZZZZZZ - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my MPV, it is not the largest of the minivans, but it is just the right size for my family.