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:

• 

  WOW - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By buffys boy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 2 months and all I can say is WOW!!! The styling is incredible, the handling is great! Granted the automatic is not hot off the line, but the pratical side is this is a Great everyday car! The interior styling is far superior to the 350Z I tested! This car has way too many great things to mention!!! A car I would recommend!!!

• 

  good so far - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By john d conlan - September 22 - 2:00 am

  handles well, looks great, pickup average,gas mileage stinks

• 

  Mazda RX8 Automatic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Valerie Lindsey - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it two weeks, but love the car. Fun to drive and draws attention with its sporty look.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AshleyMarie - September 22 - 2:00 am

  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!The look is very nice and a lot of different types of people look good in it!

• 

  automatic - poor low end accelleration - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rralicki - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I whish you would put the HP vs the cu. in.. The Mazda automatic is 40 hp lower that the standard transmition and you can fell the difference. Popular Science states that they had to de-tune the engine to save the torque converter. It is fun to drive and I like the shifter on the steering wheel, but you must be at 2500 rpm or better to zoom, zoom,zoom.

• 

  best car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By worldfastest12a - September 22 - 2:00 am

  it is really good car to own

• 

  Best Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Emmett - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have owned 11 Mazdas and loved every one. When the 8 came I knew I had to take a look. All I can say is WOW. This car is as quick as Turbos Mazda has made in the past. Gets looks everywhere I go. I get asked about it every time I get gas. The car seems to be the highest quality Mazda has made yet. We traded 2 miatas so we could have a back seat for a child seat and it is working out great. Only complaint is seems to be "thirsty" but probably has alot to do with the driver. Zoom Zoom

• 

  Marys Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jkannard - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was a surprise from my husband. We werent planning on buying a car, but I commented on it when I saw it in a parking lot. Next thing I knew, my husband had bought it for me! We have 2 small children, so I was a bit apprehensive about leaving my Mazda Tribute-but not any more! I havent driven the Tribute since I got the RX- 8. My kids love the car; their car seats fit perfectly & they have plenty of room. The car is definitely a head- turner. I cant go anywhere w/o someone asking about it. The interior is roomy & comfy, the engine provides tons of zip and the ride is quite and smooth! I cant say enough good things about my RX-8!

• 

  great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vandy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  this car moves and going through the geers is a real great experence the handling is better than my STI !

• 

  Best car Ive ever driven. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Litigator - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Driving this car is a real adrenalin rush! It turns heads everywhere I go. Driver comfort is exceptional for a sports car (Im 62. Fuel economy is so-so but this car is an incredible machine for the price (30K). Id buy another one in a heartbeat.