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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  Meets Artist Needs - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By RBDB - March 19 - 2:00 am

  A reliable MPV for transporting artists materials to shows and galleries. Rear seat drops down for large works and the seats behind the driver can be removed

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  MPV minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By WM40 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second MPV. It is the ONLY minivan I would drive. It is comfortable and roomy. It has great pickup so you can get on and off exit ramps easily.

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  Pams Review - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Pams 2 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Our experience with this vehicle has been great. We get good gas mileage in the city as well as on the road. There is enough room for a family of four to ride comfortably. The van really handles like a car , I dont feel as if I am driving a heavy vehicle. The sliding doors are a major plus especially when shopping with kids.

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  very happy - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By carole mays - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a Ford Windstar and was ready to update. I considered the Honda Odyssey but I preferred the slightly smaller size and more compact look of the MPV. Strangely enough, the smaller size seems to be the main criticism I have heard about the MPV,but I think it makes you feel less like you are driving a van. It is very nippy and has a lot of standard features considering the price-ie rear ac & remote mirrors. So far, I am very happy with it.

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  Vroom Vroom - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Karl Mecklenburg - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This van makes us feel like were driving a sports car while enjoying the vesatility and utility uses of a mini van. We have the best of both worlds!

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  Well Done! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Scott Hanlon - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd MPV, we had the 2000 model. Our decision to stay with the Mazda product was because of the reliabilty of our previous van and the upgrades to the 2004 model. We had no problems with the 2000 model, only usual wear and tear and we averaged over 20k a year. The cost for the 2004 model was comparable to the other dealerships vans, so we stayed with the Mazda family. We are not against the other dealerships, so there is no bias in our sale.

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  My Favorite! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By S. Kingsland - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love it! Ive driven a number of vans over the past 6 years and this is by far the best.

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  Cant Beat a Mazada - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Janice Burt - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I got my MPV I feel in love with it. The features are all wonderful and Mazada is the only van I know that the dual sliding doors have roll down windows, this is a Mazada feature. I am impressed with everything about Mazada. I have never had any problems with any of my Mazadas and I have owned 7 Mazadas This van is number one to me. I think it should be number one to you. Thank you

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  Unlocking the RX8s lost power!!!! WOW! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Emailists - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The only 2 real criticisms are it could have more power and its poor gas milage. BOTH of those can now be easily remedied. To meet EPA requirements that new car catalytic converters last 100,000 miles, Mazda had to richen up the fuel curve, which lowered gas milage and brought the horespower down. A number of companies now offer piggyback computers that easily attach and adds almost 25 horespower, giving a huge rush in power at 5000 RPM. The first unit to market is by canzoomer and early testing seems to indicate the RX8 is now as fast as the 350Z and Boxtser S

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  Love it..... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By DJamison - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the RX8, and I am enamored by this car. I find more and more i like about it each time it is driven.