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.


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Every year, J.D. Power and Associates released their Vehicle Dependability Study or VDS(SM) surveys that showcase problems that owners of three-year-old vehicles experienced a year before the survey. The 2007 VDS was based on the responses gathered from 53,000 verified vehicle owners. The vehicles chosen were awarded basing on the consumers’ feedback in 19 vehicle segments.

The results of the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study has been quite amazing especially for the Buick brand the maker of Buick catalytic converter which has been able to tie with Toyota’s Lexus as the most dependable nameplate. The other winners were Cadillac, Mercury, and Honda which round up the top five rank positions respectively.

Comparing to last year’s result this year’s study has showed Hummer as the most improved nameplate in the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study. The other brand that has shown significant improvement includes Audi, Jeep, Volvo, Subaru, and Land Rover. Unfortunately for Land Rover despite its improvement it is still the lowest ranked brand in the study.

Sad news also for Ford’s Japanese subsidiary Mazda, its dependability performance this year has declined more than any other brand attributed to the countless consumer-reported problems with the RX-8 sports car and Mazda3 compact.

The Audi A6 of Volkswagen’s luxury division is the most improved model in this year’s study.

With regards to new car sales, it is still the Japanese carmakers that dominate this department. However in terms of dependability, General Motors and Ford has obtained the highest rankings in both midsize and large car segments where the Crown Victoria and Buick Century have received awards. The study also shows that Scion and Honda build the highest-ranked small cars.

Not all of the categories in the study were dominated by Japanese automakers, it is interesting to note that the new truck sales category was dominated by Detroit’s Big 3 but in terms of dependability more consumers say that its Toyota that is better in building highest-ranked pickups and multi-activity vehicles with the exception of the midsize MAV segment in which the Oldsmobile Bravada is the top ranking.

Basing on the study consumer gives dependability in the areas of engines, features and controls the highest consideration to which they based their satisfaction. Also this year’s study shows that satisfaction with interiors has also declined.

According to J.D. Power and Associates the 2004 Initial Quality Study is reflected three years later in the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study and has become an important gauge on how a vehicle will perform in terms of long-term quality.

Category

Sub-Compact Car: Scion xA

Compact Car: Honda Civic

Compact Sporty Car: Mazda Miata

Midsize Sporty Car: Chevy SSR/Ford Mustang (tie)

Midsize Car: Buick Century

Large Car: Ford Crown Victoria

Compact Premium Sporty Car: Honda S2000

Entry Premium Car: Infiniti I35

Midsize Premium Car: Lexus LS 430

Premium Sporty Car: Lexus SC 430

Compact SUV: Toyota RAV4

Midsize SUV: Oldsmobile Bravada

Large SUV: Toyota Sequoia

Large Pickup: Toyota Tundra

Midsize Pickup: Toyota Tacoma

Van: Oldsmobile Silhouette

Midsize Premium SUV: Lexus GX 470

Large Premium SUV: Lexus LX 470


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All-new Nissan Altima, classified as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), is the automaker’s first entry into the hybrid vehicle segment. Said vehicle made its debut at the 2007 Model Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California. The auto show has started last October 4. It is expected to end on the 8th of this month.
Altima hybrid offers style, comfort, convenience and power. It features the four-cylinder engine of Altima but it was blended to an electric engine that is capable of producing 198 horsepower. Features also include quality Nissan parts to alleviate fuel economy and lessen emissions. Other factors that support enhanced gas mileage include automatic transmission and continuously variable transmission.
The powertrain of Nissan Altima Hybrid mates the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. As a fact, its net power with fuel economy is estimated at 41/36 mpg city/highway. For this reason, critics are saying that Altima Hybrid can very compete with Toyota Camry at 40/38 mpg city/highway. Altima Hybrid’s 20-gallon tank is estimated to accommodate a 700-mile drive.
Altima Hybrid will be available in early 2007 at 8 states only. Purchases will be entertained after the introduction of the 2007 Altima 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-powered vehicles.
Compassion for the environment coupled with passionate driving is Alma Hybrid’s charm. These reasons are expected to make it rule in its segment. Moreover, said model also exudes expressive styling in both its exterior and interior parts. The vehicle is also certified to meet the requirements of California emissions rules.
Nissan Altima Hybrid is the latest environmental automotive initiative from the automaker. It can be recalled that Nissan was the first to introduce a partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) Sentra. This time around, Nissan flaunts its new pride by the name Altima Hybrid.


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Fascinating design, tremendously good handling, as well as fuel effectiveness of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg freeway from a 177 horsepower engine is not the thing one anticipates from a doubtful place: GM. Driving the 2007 Solstice, you will experience the type of ride, and rubber-necking you did anticipate from a more luxurious German or Italian sports car. Its different good looks, exact steering, tough brakes, flexible ride, and an excellent exhaust note makes it all the more pleasant in the $19,420 price series as of both the Honda S2000 and the Mazda Miata. Bob Lutz’s kid, the 2007 Solstice, is not ideal; but as a clean, pleasing roadster, it definitely is lovable.A gasp of fresh air, the 2007 Pontiac Solstice supercharger was launched to the humankind as a notion car in Detroit at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, as well as green-lighted for making a short while soon after. The 2007 Solstice includes success on many stages. Initially, it’s a roadster that doesn’t look like any other car on the street with its bonnet up or down. Secondly, it’s a small manufacture run (averaging 15,000-20,000 automobiles per year) so not each person on your cul-de-sac will possess one. Thirdly, it is definitely a well-built car in conditions of performance, design and finishing. The inner of the 2007 Pontiac Solstice would attract, even somebody as fussy as James Dean, with its fresh, minimalist fashion. The relaxed cockpit has fitted snuggly leather seats that steadfastly hug you as soon as you step in, and the deceptively easy dials or buttons give excellent primitive feedback. The sporty internal has an instantly recognizable European high-class feel to it. The single disadvantage to the Solstice’s central is the roof consumption mechanism that requires some attempt to set in place. For the motoring perfectionist, a supercharged edition of the Pontiac Solstice through two hundred and fifty horses on tap will be obtainable in late 2007. However the non-turbo edition has lots of guts. Push on the accelerator and the back wheel drive 2007 Solstice leaves from zero to sixty within 7.2 seconds. While, this begin is not as quick as the Honda S2000 or the Mazda Miata, the 2.4-liter, 177 horsepower aligned four-cylinder provides 166 lbs/ft. of torque. As a result once the car is out of bed and running there’s slight to protest about.


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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is now poised to be next on the year. It has already set a list of vehicles that he would break into the car market. And the entire Nissan line-up of vehicles is certainly looking for something to through. With auto parts for Nissan vehicle lots on the market, interested parties should not worry about any Nissan parts or accessories if they are planning a Nissan car, truck, SUV, or buy their own. For the year 2007, the Nissan line of vehicles includes the new Nissan Versa. Apart from that, you would other Nissan vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Sentra, see the line-up. You can also find the Nissan Maxima, and Quest in the list. The Nissan Altima was in 2007 and this time available, it was already in its fourth generation. The 2007 Nissan Altima was redesigned and it comes with the new Xtronic continuously variable transmission, or CVT. This would also be a new, redesigned platform for better and improved body rigidity. Top of the sixth generation, would be the 2007 Nissan Maxima is now sporting a completely new exterior. According to its interior, you can certainly find it very refined. A pack made of high-tech for the next generation, was also included in the vehicle. What makes the 2007 Nissan Maxima is completely different this year that it is much more sporty and luxurious at the same time. Under the Nissan Sentra for 2007, the car offers quality and style with optimum performance. Owners would most certainly an abundance of space available with this car. Sure enough, Nissan has ensured that this popular car to remain on the company, one of the topnotch choices of consumers in the auto market would be. These are just some of the vehicles to contact the Nissan in 2007. The list of 2007 Nissan vehicles, including the 2007 Nissan Versa a program that was designed to set standards and not the features that they compromise with the standards of the auto world. You can also use the Nissan Quest, Titan King Cab, Crew Cab Titan, Nissan Armada, Frontier Crew Cab Frontier King Cab, the Pathfinder, the Xterra, Murano found, and the 350Z coupe and roadster, which in the list.


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