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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  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

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  this is one fun sporty seden - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By pchmz6 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  if you are looking for outstanding value in the mid size sporty seden this is it under 25k, s model v6 5 speed stick is the only way to go, comfort for 4 people and great looking car take it from me i had a 98 honda accord now that car was boring.This 6 i never get tried driving the car or looking at from all sides buy the 6 japan version of bmw!

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  Best car I have owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dalalli - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I read an article about the 6 in Popular Mechanics about 2 years ago. I loved the look that Mazda was going for and if it met with expectations, it was going to be a sweet car. I had looked at Altimas, Accords, Jetta/Passat, and the overweight Camry. I was ready to go with the Altima until I drove the 6. Love at first sight and drive! I ordered one with everything I wanted and picked it up as one of the first four to roll off the line for the 04 year. Ive had it 2 months and love it. Still paid a ton less than any of the other cars I mentioned with the same package. Way to go MAZDA!

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  The Ideal car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dustin - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is put together nicely. I cant imagine a four dour handling any better. It has okay power from a stop, but impressive power while on the move. In comparison to everything else like honda, toyata, nissan, and so forth, the 6 is a much better bargain. To get the V6 in the other competing models is much more expensive, and in the end all you would be paying for is a LITTLE more pick up from a stand still. Is that really worth a couple thousand? Not when you consder how well the 6 handles.