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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  My Black RX-8 "BETTY" - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Kimberly A. Bell - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Out of all the cars that i have owned, this is the best car by far. It is comfortable,beautiful,reliable,and it fits me perfect for me and my four year old son.

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  Zoom-Zoom is RIGHT! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By redhotmama - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Its tough having a car salesman for a husband. He brought the RX-8 home for lunch one day, and I owned it that night. Ive never liked driving - but I LOVE this car! Now I wish I had to drive further to get to work every day! No fear of tipping over (like with my Santa Fe); holds the road, corners, changes lanes like a dream. I am a believer! Ill trade off the mediocre fuel economy for the fun and satisfaction of an awesome looking and driving car!

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  Im in love - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By KCSabby - December 1 - 2:00 am

  There are faster cars out there. And there are cars out there that might handle a little better. But none of them come close to the whole package that is the RX-8. It is without a doubt the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. It looks beautiful, and even though Ive only had it a couple weeks it attracts a lot of attention wherever I go! Way to go Mazda!!!!!

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  Hot, hot, hot - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Deborah TP - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is hot! It drives like silk, so very smooth. The design is an optical illusion, more spacious in the front & rear than it appears. My husband is 61" and 230# and has adequate head room in front. It is fast, responsive and holds the road well. On turns, you can actually feel the tires hugging the road. 2 negatives: (1)it does not handle snow well. (2) blind spot looking out the rear and to the right. All in all, I expect to enjoy driving this car for years to come. It is fun, it is practical (as it holds 4 people) and Mazda did a great job creating a "looker" with great intelligence.

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  Love my Mazda Tribute! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dbltrpl - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2004 Mazda Tribute.Had a long list of cars I wanted after I decided to give up the Minivan (teens all driving), the Tribute was the only one less than $45,000 MSRP, and it is WAY less. What a great value for the money! Every bell and whistle available for $24K!

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  Happy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MOSEMAN - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy with my purchase. I wouldnt trade for anything.

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  Jims Mazda 6 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greek - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with the exterior and interior style. Smooth ride. Handles well except not as good on tight turns.

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  Mazda ZOOM! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ManGO - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall, its a great vehicle. Given the price/performance/features when compared to Acura, Nisssan and others in the $30K range, at $24 fully-loaded, the Mazda6 cannot be beat! However, the torque output is a bit low at 192. A 3L engine should output at least >200 ft. lbs. Additionally, the torque curve needs to be flatter with all torque available at 3000 RPM. With that, this car would be unmatched.

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  RX-8 (Not so great) - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JoeBone - December 1 - 12:43 am

  Ive been driving my RX-8 for about two months now...kinda disappointed. Not nearly as fast as my 350-Z. In fact, not even close. Hardly any torque off the line; you have to be in third gear to get any torque but it is impressive once you get going. Interior is kinda cool and Bose audio is very good. Enough room to take 4 people comfortably, as opposed to the Z which was horrible. Gas mileage is a joke; seems like 2 miles per gallon. I would not buy this car if I had it to do over again.

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  Best bang for the Luxury Buck - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Ted K - November 30 - 10:00 am

  For the money you cant do better. Front and side air bags, CD, Cass, Leather, Moonroof, White Light Dashboard, etc, etc., etc.. Its loaded, rides great, super HP and smooth ride. Drive one for yourself is the best way to really rate the vehicle.