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 RX-8 comments - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Richxf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  So far the RX-8 has been an excellent driving experience. The interior is very comfortable with everything laid out very wll. I have the grand touring package with the navigation system. The navgation system can be a bit clumpsy to input the destination, but once past that, it works well in routing you to your destination. The engine is smooth, and accelerates very well, the transmission is a 6 speed short throw that is also extremely smooth in its shifting, the combination of these two makes driving a real pleasure.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By I Own One - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It really moves. I get lots of looks from passers by. It handles great. Very little wind noise. Hugs the road. Feel safe it in. Back seat for children fine but adults will be cramped. Trunk space adequate. Fuel is really bad. I dont do jackrabbit starts and I can actually see the gas tank level go down while driving. I use premium gas as instructed but would like to use midgrade since prices are less. Love my car. Zoom Zoom Zoom was meant for this car.

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  Most Def car of the year!!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Casimer Campos - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the RX8 this month and I love it. Fast and sharp in corners! I raced a 350Z yesterday and tho it has more horsepower I stood up with it and passed the 350Z when it came to the corners. Alot of people dont know how many RPMs this car runs at, most def. more than any other car I have seen on dealerships websites.

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  Worst Car I have ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jops - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Riddled with problems. Built-in fogging problems, rattle ,visor,alignment, etc. Buy this if you want headache. Expect to visit the dealor a lot for warranty repairs.

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rdn - March 18 - 1:13 pm

  This thing is a rocket ship. The engine hums at speed. It has a great growl. The bad thing is the split personality. Gently drive this car and you feel like an old person cruizing around. Open the taps on this car and HOLD ON! It just goes. I had a Honda Civic before and this car runs a bit rougher...but this is another species altogether. The only major issue so far has been the drivers door handle which has broken...thanks to some ice and a weak spot....one morning gave it a pull and CRACK! The motor sounds awful when started and then wakes up. Need to get plugs changed... but that is normal. Would buy another.

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  Way to go, Mazda! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By acade - March 18 - 11:21 am

  I recently bought this car used, having searched for a GT with manual transmission. I had bought a 2012 Skyactive GT with auto since the manual was not available. Wow! What a difference the transmission makes. Drivability is greatly improved with such a slick shifter and smooth clutch. Its the best manual Ive driven, having previously owned 06 and 09 Mazda 3s with manual. Engine power is modest but made more than bearable due to excellent handling and truly outstanding gas mileage. Add to that a fully functional in-dash touchscreen navigation, blind spot monitoring, keyless entry and ignition, auto wipers, and articulating headlights and you have a great automobile.

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  Great Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JOHN LEE - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I own a muscle car (Mustang 68 Fastback) but needed a new daily driver. Tested the Vibe, Matrix, and Corolla. Car handles the turns almost as the car I sold 240SX Nissan. Read all the reviews by the mags as well as USA Todays ... the car has more than adequate power. Can handle highway inclines without downshifting or losing power like the cars I tested. Matrix with the 180 horses doesnt have the torque power at the 30- 70 range of the Protege 5. Plus, I didnt want a car that gets its power at 6,000 rpms ... too noisy. Ill take the Mustang for that, plus thats much faster.

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  The soul of a sports car in an SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By uncle_teddy_78 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In Dec. 2001, I bought my ES-V6 with tow+lux package. By June 2002, it has 13,000+ miles. This is the best car I have had in a long time. Never experienced the stalling issue . As far as the gear shift being in front of the volume control, that is fine with me, the shifter allows me to rest my hand while rotating the control or searching through cd tracks. I love how it jumps off the line at a red light. Zoom Zoom.

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  A Very Smart Buy! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mysticman89 - March 17 - 4:06 pm

  This car is just absolutely amazing. I am going to hold on to this car until it dies pretty much. It gets me where i need to go and I have no regrets for buying it. I think the people that get on here and complain about this magnificent car must have obviously been spoiled by cars such as Mercedes or Lexus. The seats are not uncomfortable and the fuel economy is a lot better than most cars. If I can drive this car 868 miles from IA to AL without complaining about uncomfortable seats then no one should.

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  Good Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dtyner - March 16 - 4:33 pm

  Before buying this car I had done a lot of research on cars in its class and for the money there is no car that even compares. My particular car is fully loaded and still costs less than any of its competitors. My car has the manual gearbox that shifts perfectly, and the v6 motor that has not great power but the a range of power that makes it feel sporty. The engine makes a decent note with the stock exhaust. The clutch has great feel. Stiff enough to have fun on the track but soft enough that your left leg wont shadow your right. The Handling is amazing. Very limited body roll but then road noise at highway speed is very loud. Overall a great car for the money.