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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  Style that seriously turns heads - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ammo990 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday the week it came out, and I love it. Its style is very unique and modern, the craftsmanship is great, as is the performance. I truly belive this car is worth more than the price it is selling for.

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  Zoom-Zoom too - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MyNewCar - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, I did a lot of research, a lot of test drives. This car is the cream of the crop.

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  ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex Williams - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN IN THIS CLASS, THE INTERIOR IS GREAT, THE PERFORMANCE IS ABSOLUTLY ZOOM-ZOOM, AND I COULDNT BE HAPPIER WITH MY AUTO- MAZDA3 HATCHBACK. THIS IS THE BEST GIFT FOR A FIRST CAR, IT SURE WAS FOR ME. GREAT CAR, STANDS OUT, BEAUTIFUL STYLING, BEST BREAKS EVER SEEN!!!!, NOBODY HAS THIS CAR, GREAT TO SHOW OFF TO UR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS CAR IS A LOTTTTTT OF FUN TO DRIVE.

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  2009 and Newer RX8 is New and Improved - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By earlt500 - May 8 - 5:37 am

  What Changed In Series II RX-8s over S1 2009 and Newer RX8 is New and Improved 2009 is better than 2004-2008 All New Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with Temperature Sensor newly added and built into the PCM, when ETC (Engine Compartment Temperature) reaches 230F or 100C with Ignition OFF, Medium Cooling Fans Switch ON. New Larger Genuine Oil Filter and Repositioned on front Timing Cover Housing towards the Sump (Left Hand Side). USE GENUINE 09 SERIES II OIL FILTER ONLY. Revised Oil Filler and Dip Stick (Longer Type). New EMOP "Electric Metering Oil Pumps" Two of them... Internal Oil Pressure in EMOPs is between 7.3 and 21.7 PSI (Used for the first time by Mazda) New design Oil Injection Nozzles 3 per rotor housing..Totalling 6. New Oil Pump assembly. 50% Higher Oil Pressure at 100 oC (121oF) 3000 RPM...500 kPa {5.10 kgf/cm2, 72.5 psi} When compared to Series 1 RX-8. New Oil Pressure Sensor (ONLY Located on #1 EMOP). Larger Oil pan Sump Capacity. New hex (8mm) type Sump Drain plug. New Internal Oil/Sump pan Magnet... (First time used in a Rotary Engine since 1985 FC RX-7) New external silver plate Engine Sump Guard. New Inlet Manifold with changed APV Position sensors. Revised 4 Fuel Injection Nozzles (2 primary, 2 secondary). (Series I six Port Engine had 6 FI Nozzles). Revised Atmospheric Air Control Solenoid (near Throttle Body) New Fuel Pump. New Radiator Core. New radiator Electric Fan Motors. Revised radiator Fans Speeds from 2 to 3 Speeds. (Low, Middle, High). New Alternator. New Starter Motor. New Battery 80D26L. (80 AMP Hour) (Was 50D22L (50AH) or 75D26L (75AH) in Series I) New Exhaust System. New Yaw Rate Sensor unit. New Air Conditioner Temperature Controller (Amplifier). New Bridgestone RE050As in 18" and 19" (R3). New Manual Transmission (6 speed MX-5/Miata) (Reverse is now next to 1st gear not next to 6th gear). New Differential Ratio (Manual). New Differential Fixing Plate Washer on PPF (Power Plant Frame). New Differential mounting Bracket. New additional alloy Cooling Fins (4) on alloy differential Cover Plate, plus deeper set Cooling Fins. Changed Throw Out Bearing (Thrust or Fork Bearing). Revised Oil Coolers, Air Intakes and Oil Cooler Hose Lines. Extra Rotor Knock Sensor (Now 1 per Rotor, Total Of 2). New Water Pump/ New Timing Cover to suit. New Water Pump Pulley. New Water Pump "O" Ring as gasket. New Spark plug Leads. New Ignition Coil Backing/Mounting Plate (now Ventilated) New Alternator/Air Compressor Drive Belts. Revised Eccentric Shaft (Crankshaft) Pulley. Revised Oxygen Sensor (CAT). Revised Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor (Exhaust Manifold). New Air Pump Control unit. New One-piece trans-Tunnel Heat Shield (Previously Two Piece). New Under Body Covers reducing C Drag from 0.31 to now 0.30. Larger Fuel Tank (5 litres extra or around a gallon). New Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Hydraulic unit Control module. New Rear-Suspension Control-Links (Rods) Upper/Lower and Trailing have Increased In Diameter. New Rear Stabilizer Bar. New Rear Shocks And Springs. New Rear Axles. New Rear parking-Brake Cables. New ABS Wheel Sensors (All 4 Wheels). Revised TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) US Only. New Front Upper And Front Lower Suspension Arms (Wishbone). New Front Steering Knuckles And Wheel Hubs. New Front Stabilizer Bar. New Front Shock and Springs. Revised Power-steering Control System unit. Revised Headlamp Auto-Leveling Sensors. New 3 Piece (Instead of 2) Strut Tower Brace (Manual Only), Autos Retains Two Piece Tower Brace. Revised Front and Rear Wheel-Arch Splash Guards/Shields. Thicker (Heavier Guage) Steel on the two Front Strut-Towers. Additional Spot Weldings around both door Openings for increased Rigidity. Stiffened Body Shell = Torsional (twisting) and Flexural (bending) Rigidity have been increased by 5.4 and 8.7 per cent respectively. Autos and Manuals both have 6 port engines, Max Power RPM (kw) has been limited to 7500 for Auto compared to 8200 RPM for the manual. http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=161665&page=6 .

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  my Mazda - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By riviboi - May 7 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car used. It has been a pleasure to drive. I have had an alignment problem as it drifts right and has ruined a set of tires in 12k miles. The dealer was not helpful and Mazda NEVER returned my call. The paint on the mirrors at the joining edge to the car has peeled off. Again no help from the dealer. It also shifts poorly on occasion or skips.

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  sweet ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mldawg - May 7 - 5:53 pm

  This car is awesome. Mazda did a great job designing this car.

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  Wanted to Try a Mini Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By jaenderby - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like the looks and the size of my MPV. However, the pick up is slow and the rear windows make a funny wind tunnel noise. My closest dealer, Cook Mazda is unresponsive. My previous car was a Ford Taurus with over 162,000 miles and I felt the dealerships were superior to Mazda. Dont believe everything they tell you about foreign cars.

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  Nothing can still compare - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Angelo - May 7 - 10:00 am

  So powerful that youll not notice youre speeding already.

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  Best Ive owned so far - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mondavou - May 5 - 8:40 am

  Car history 86 RX-7, 98 Volvo S70 T5, 06 Mercedes S430, now this. Each leased/purchase new and this is the best of the bunch. There are so many things right with the vehicle its shorter to point out the bad: poor gas mileage Im getting 14.5 mixed even w/tires running extra pressure (that must be why there isnt a trip computer), no adjustment for passenger seat tilt (things slide forward off the seat), no trip computer (already covered), if you pay $400 to get the satellite radio option - not only do you pay $400 but lose aux/iPod jack (double whammy), voice recognition feature associated with bluetooth stinks (and no, I have all my teeth) rain sensing wipers dont sense all that well.

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  Ride on Rails - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Puckster - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Sure, its only been a few weeks, but never has 130hp thrilled me so much. It kills me that Mazda cars get short-changed in the market-- they are SO well-designed... A friend of mine has had two Proteges over a span of eight years with not a single problem among them. He also got blind-sided hard and walked away from it with just a sore neck. This reeks to me of good design, which is why I bought my black beauty...