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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  Best midsize suv out there - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bremik - November 4 - 2:00 am

  They claim its a compact suv-not true. Its fun to drive and has plenty of cargo space with the back seats down. It seems to be well built and holds the road well.It however does lots of road noise and interferes with listening to the terrific stereo system.Also the shift column does get in the way of the radios volumn control.

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  Mazda MPV - foreign car driving - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Konrad - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This van drives and handles like a car. Very good acceleration and feeling of roominess inspite of smaller size gives you confidence that its size is just right. You simply do not need more.

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  Great all around SUV!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By macro12 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Had this SUV almost 6 months...fun to drive...lots of power and a really smooth ride. Lots of room inside...had a 2000 GMC Jimmy before this..that felt small and had far less power...eventhough the Trib is a little smaller it feels 10 times larger then the Jimmy. Great car, great design, great gas mileage too..zoom, zoom, zoom!!!

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  Fun on Four Wheels - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 Lover - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Ergonomics are excellent.Smooth and more than adequate acceleration.The suspension and 50-50 weight distribution will have you searching for curves.Even though it is a sports car, it is quite comfortable for road trips for a family of four.The seats just seem to hug your body when you sit in them. There is adequate storage with the innovative use of the center console plus 4 cup holders. The trunk is very spacious for any car much less a sports car. The exterior of the car is awesome. It has beautiful lines with the flared fenders and rear spoiler. It never fails to turn heads wherever I go.

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  Perfect convenience/performance ratio. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SCD - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 4 months now as my daily driver. I am very happy with it so far, with exception to poor gas mileage.. I get 15-17 mpg (70% highway miles). Never got above 17mpg, regardless of how I drove it. EXTREMELY smooth power delivery. Very unique jet-like sounding engine, nothing like Ive ever heard. AWESOME. Radio is modular and has cool options like MP3 player or 6 disc changer swap, and a tape/MD add-on. Bose stereo system is decent, and can use more midrange and bass. Rear seats fit full size adults. Trunk space is surprisingly spacious, but lacks spare tire, but you get free 24- hr roadside assistance.

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  300 mile review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jimbotomy - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After 300 miles, this car is absolutely fantastic. It rides like a dream. The power available at all RPMs is amazing; I feel comfortable driving in fourth gear going from anywhere between 30 mph (at which the car can take all but the sharpest curves) and upwards of 70 mph (on back roads, making it hard to hit higher speeds). I have changed my route to work to the back roads because I enjoy the RX-8 so much. For those that think they may be too big for this car: Im 64", 285 lbs., and I fit comfortably in the drivers seat.

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  I love my Mazda 3!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ryandme - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks and lines of this car. It is sporty and sassy and drives just that way. The handling is great with very little body role as you power through turns. The interior is well thought out with everything at your fingertips. I didnt think I would like the auto-shift feature, but it is growing on me, in fact I have it in that mode most often. It seems to increase the engine power and maneuverability of the car. The fact that I can get a car with such grat drivability thats fully loaded with all the extras at such a great price is exciting. I love driving it - I am very pleased with this car.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By steve09 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  its simply just a great car

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  i love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By homogenius - November 4 - 2:00 am

  it has very nice turning. easy to drive. runs very very smooth i like how it comes with nice tires. i love how the interior is leather.

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  Best car under 25k - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ft41 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car is good and fast it is really quick besides my mercades this is the fastest car I own