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.



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. Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. In 1979, the 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). The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. 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. The automaker has invested in new development, with impressive results. New models like the Mazda 3, Mazda 6 and RX-8 have broadened the company's customer base and won over a whole new generation.

The latest Mazda model, the 2007 CX-9 is a seven passenger SUV. It incorporates an interior of sophisticated elegance with class leading space and unmatched versatility. It rides on the class's longest wheelbase to provide easy access to its three row seating. The interior will impress all buyers with its space, utility, versatility and premium features. The car is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine, with 250 hp and approx. 240 lb-ft torque. This is paired with a standard six speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, which provides optimum acceleration. Also available are the front wheel drive or Mazda's Active Torque Split all wheel drive system.

The 2007 CX-7 is a highly styled crossover SUV with the soul of a sports car. Produced entirely on Mazda derived platform, this five seater embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality. External features include prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body's leading edge, a sharply raked windshield and Mazda's signature five pointed grille. The CX-7 is fitted with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3 liter four cylinder direct injection gasoline engine, producing 244 horse power and 258 lb-ft torque. It is equipped with a six speed Sport A/T automatic transmission with an optional manual mode and independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar. Other options offered include the Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, the Dynamic Stability Control and traction Control System.

For 2007, the Mazda 6 Sports Sedan gets even better with a new trim grade structure, and added standard content that includes Anti-lock Brake System and Traction Control. This line up, be it the sleek Mazda 6 Sports Sedan or the functional mid size 5-Door or the versatile Mazda 6 Sport Wagon, suits every buyer's needs and lifestyle. Some of the enhancements to this set for the model year 2007 are auto dimming inner mirror and Homelink standard on Grand Touring, and side air bags with side curtains.

The Mazda 3, the perfect sedan for an active lifestyle, has received many exterior changes for the 2007 model. European sophistication, high performance, advanced technology and best in class safety are the constituents that make Mazda 3 a leader in the compact sedan segment. This year sees the release of the Mazda 3 5-door, a sporty hatchback targeted to appeal to the youth. It is fitted with a 2.3 liter, 160 hp MZR engine, same as the one found in the Mazda 3 4-door, Mazda 5 and Mazda 6i. The Mazda 3 5-door comes standard with a sport package that includes stylish front and rear bumpers, side skirts, 17 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and unique tail lights.

The Mazda RX8 redefined the sports car segment when it was launched in 2003. It continues the redefinition with an exterior suggesting athletic tension, a unique twin motor Renesis rotary engine and an interior offering comfort and practicality, in its 2007 model. The six speed Sport A/T automatic transmission equipped cars get a power boost to 212 hp with a similar six port intake system as used on manual transmission equipped cars. The 238 hp 6MT cars come with standard 18 inch wheels. Both vehicles are fitted with power windows, mirrors and door locks and cruise control.

The 2007 B series remains the rough and rugged compact pickup truck it always was. It is available with either of a 2.3 liter I-4, a 3.0 liter V6 or a 4.0 liter V6 engine. All versions are available with either a five speed manual or a five speed automatic transmission. Overall, the 2007 model remains largely the same as before.

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.