The Japanese automaker Mazda has carved an impressive history in the automotive sector by creating cars that are affordable and fun to drive. The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company called its first three-wheeled truck "Mazda" after the Zoroastrian god of good and light. The name was chosen by company founder Jujiro Matsuda. Work on a small sedan started in the late '30s. However, the company pitched in with Japan's war effort and vehicle development came to a standstill. During the World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company resumed its focus on car manufacturing. By 1960, the R360 coupe - the first Mazda vehicle - was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles gained momentum. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to produce and develop rotary engines. The B-Series 1500, as well as Mazda's first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport, were introduced in the '60s.

Mazda began selling cars in Canada in 1968 with the R100 coupe and established Mazda Motor of America Inc in the US in 1970. The RX-2 made its debut in the early 1971 and the rotary-powered RX-3 in 1972. The RX-3 became the first vehicle in the world to pass through new US standards for regulating exhaust emissions in 1973. The RX-4 rolled out in the next year. In 1977, the Mazda GLC "Great Little Car" was introduced. The year 1978 saw the debut of the RX-7 sports car, the 626 series and the B2000, the compact pickup truck. In 1979, the Ford Motor Company purchased a 24.5 percent stake in Mazda Motor Corporation. The 1990 year witnessed the launch of the best selling car for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. In 1990, Mazda 787B won the prestigious Le Mans race, marking the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles such as the RX-7, Tribute and MX-5 Miata landed on many top 10 lists. In 2003, Mazda introduced the RX-8, Mazdaspeed protege, Mazda3 and Mazda6.

The Mazda brand today boasts of powerful and inexpensive sedans, sports cars, SUVs and trucks that include the Mazda B Series Truck, CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazdaspeed Mazda3, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute and Tribute Hybrid.


Mazda B Series
For 2008, the Mazda B Series Truck (starting at $16,170) witnesses the elimination of the B3000 trim level and its Dual Sport variant. This compact truck is available in regular cab and extended cab body styles and three trim levels - the base B2300, base B4000 and B4000 SE and two engine types. The B2300 is equipped with a 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, while the B4000 gets a 207-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 engine.

Mazda CX-7
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 (starting at $24,385) is a high-performance SUV that offers abundant passenger space in its well-designed interior. It is powered by a turbocharged, direct injection 2.3-liter inline-4 engine that makes 244 horsepower.

Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 (starting at $30,035) gets a heavily revised engine for 2008. It is powered by a 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that increases output by 10 horses compared to last year's model. It combines the fun of a crossover SUV with the comfort and top-notch safety features of a family vehicle. The seven-passenger crossover SUV also provides third-row space.

Mazda3
The 2008 Mazda3 (starting at $18,560) offers power, sophistication, reliability and safety. The compact Mazda3 is available as a four-door car or hatchback/wagon. The sedan is offered in five trim levels and all i Mazda3 sedan trims are fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148-horsepower. The s trims get a 156-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.

Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (starting at $21,220) offers responsive handling at an affordable price. This roadster gets a new Special Edition trim level for the current year. Available in four trim levels - the SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring - it is powered by a 166-horsepower (158 horses with the automatic transmission), 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Mazda RX-8
The 2008 Mazda RX-8 (starting at $27,070) is a four-passenger sports sedan. Available in three trim levels - Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, all RX-8 trims get a 1.3-liter rotary engine that makes 212-horsepower and is paired with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The trims fitted with the six-speed manual transmission generate 232-horsepower.

Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute (starting at $19,770) gets visible changes for 2008. Its exterior styling is matched by a more functional and well-made interior. This compact SUV is available in i and s models with four- and six-cylinder engines, respectively. Three trim levels - Sport, Touring and Grand Touring - are offered on both the models. Buyers can choose a 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter inline-4 engine or a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid
The Mazda Tribute Hybrid (starting at $19,770) is the new hybrid version, officially known as the HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), for 2008. The five-passenger compact crossover SUV offers outstanding fuel economy, new styling and an appealing and functional interior. Available in two trims - the Touring and the Grand Touring - it is equipped with a 133-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, and two electric motor/generators.