Mazda: A Legacy of Innovation
Mazda is well-known today as a prominent car manufacturer, but its roots can be traced back to 1931 when it began producing three-wheeled trucks. It wasn’t until 1960 that Mazda made its foray into passenger vehicles, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand. The company quickly gained traction and entered the United States market in 1964. A pivotal moment came in 1967 when Mazda became the first automaker to introduce a Wankel rotary engine in a production vehicle. This innovation played a significant role in the brand’s commercial success for several decades.
Although the rotary engine became synonymous with Mazda, it was not the only remarkable achievement in the company’s history. In 1989, Mazda launched the MX-5 Miata, a sports car that would go on to sell over one million units globally, solidifying its status among the best-selling sports cars of all time. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Mazda continued to innovate, enhancing its lineup of passenger vehicles with cutting-edge technology while keeping affordability a priority. These advancements have set the stage for the upcoming launch of the MX-30, an all-new electric crossover that signifies a bold new chapter for the brand. As Mazda transitions toward an entirely electric lineup, it is an opportune moment to reflect on some of the marque’s most iconic vehicles.
Table of Contents
- Mazda Cosmo Sport
- Mazda RX-3
- Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)
- Mazda R360
- Mazda Autozam AZ-1
- Mazda RX-8
- Mazda RX-7 (FD)
- Mazda Furai
- Mazda Eunos Cosmo
- Mazda 323 GTX
Mazda Cosmo Sport
The Mazda Cosmo Sport occupies a significant place in the brand’s history. It was not only Mazda’s first car to feature a rotary engine but also the first mass-produced sports car to utilize this innovative technology. Development of the vehicle began in 1961, but Mazda faced numerous challenges and delays. After six years of dedication, production finally commenced in 1967. The long developmental phase proved worthwhile as the Cosmo Sport achieved commercial success almost immediately, with Mazda producing about 30 units per month at that time.
While Mazda gained fame for its rotary engine, it’s worth noting that this technology was initially licensed from the German automaker NSU. Just two years later, NSU merged with Auto Union to form what is now known as Audi, which shifted its focus away from the rotary engine, leaving Mazda to spearhead its further development. The Cosmo Sport became a defining moment in Mazda’s legacy, and today, these vehicles are considered highly collectible, with pristine examples fetching six-figure price tags.
Mazda RX-3
Though the rotary engine made its debut with the Cosmo Sport, it was the Mazda RX-3, also known as the Savanna, that truly introduced the technology to the mass market. In its first month after launch, Mazda sold an impressive 5,406 units of the RX-3, a remarkable figure for any Japanese automaker at the time. This momentum continued throughout its production run, with strong sales in both the domestic Japanese market and internationally in regions such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Beyond its commercial success, the RX-3 also excelled on the racetrack. It famously dethroned the Nissan Skyline GT-R in the Japanese touring car championship, ending a dominant winning streak for Nissan in 1972. By 1976, Mazda claimed that the RX-3 had achieved over 100 race wins in domestic championships, making it the most successful single car model in racing during that period. Its achievements extended beyond Japan, as the RX-3 also secured several notable victories in Australian touring car competitions throughout the mid-1970s.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)
The latest version of Mazda’s iconic sports car, the ND generation of the MX-5 Miata, was introduced in 2016. Upon its release, it was lauded as “quite a serious little sports car,” with sharper and more athletic dynamics compared to its predecessors. Given this acclaim, it’s no wonder the car continued to be a hit, with over 10,400 units sold in the United States last year alone.
A significant factor in the Miata’s ongoing popularity is its accessible starting price, with the 2022 model beginning at around $28,000. This affordability makes it challenging to find a better option within the sports car segment. Coupled with low running costs, the Miata presents an enticing combination of value and driving pleasure. With the ND generation, Mazda has struck a balance between affordability and performance, resulting in a vehicle that excels both on the racetrack and during daily commutes.
Mazda R360
In 1960, Mazda unveiled its first production car, the R360. According to Mazda, the vehicle was designed to appeal to the growing number of individuals in Japan who aspired to own a car but found offerings from other automakers to be prohibitively expensive. By leveraging advancements in manufacturing efficiency, Mazda managed to keep production costs low, launching the R360 at a starting price of just 300,000 yen (approximately $2,500), significantly undercutting many competitors.
The R360 met the criteria set by the Japanese government for kei cars, a category of microcars that qualified for a 90% reduction in road tax compared to standard vehicles. This made car ownership attainable for families who previously could not afford it, thereby unlocking a new customer base. Due to kei car regulations, the R360 had to be compact, measuring only 10 feet in length and 4 feet 2 inches in width. Despite its small size, the R360 had a substantial impact, laying the groundwork for over sixty years of Mazda’s ongoing production of passenger vehicles.
Mazda Autozam AZ-1
During Japan’s economic boom in the 1980s and 1990s, Mazda seized the opportunity to launch various sub-brands aimed at producing vehicles that diverged from its core lineup. One such sub-brand, Autozam, focused on compact and kei-class cars, many of which were developed in collaboration with fellow Japanese automaker Suzuki. The AZ-1 emerged from this partnership, constructed by Suzuki but designed by the same internal Mazda team that brought the MX-5 Miata to life.
To comply with kei car regulations, the AZ-1 was equipped with a 657cc engine producing 63 horsepower. Despite its modest power output, Top Gear noted that the AZ-1 was engineered with an emphasis on agile, sporty handling. A passionate tuning community quickly formed around the AZ-1 in Japan, although it never achieved broad commercial success, with only 4,392 units sold before its quiet discontinuation. Decades later, the AZ-1 has become a cult classic, cherished by a dedicated global fanbase, representing a time when Japanese automakers created cars driven by passion rather than practicality.
Mazda RX-8
Following the beloved Mazda RX-7, the RX-8 faced the daunting challenge of living up to its predecessor while also competing with newer rivals. Upon its debut, it sparked debates about its ability to deliver on expectations. Critics often pointed out its high fuel consumption and complex engineering, noting that the car’s signature rotary engine was, ironically, its greatest flaw. The RX-8 struggled with slow sales throughout its lifespan and was ultimately discontinued in 2010 without a direct replacement.
Despite its drawbacks, the RX-8 has gained appreciation over time, especially in the used car market where its prices have remained relatively low due to its mixed reputation. Those willing to look beyond its inefficiencies will discover a remarkably fun-to-drive sports car. As Evo points out, it offers a thrillingly high redline, excellent chassis balance, and razor-sharp steering. While it may not hold the same prestige as Mazda’s more iconic models, it stands as a future classic in its own right, representing a worthy final chapter for the legendary Wankel rotary engine.
Mazda RX-7 (FD)
Among the most iconic Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars of its era, the RX-7 FD gained widespread recognition through its prominent roles in the Fast and Furious film series and the Gran Turismo video games. The car was an instant success upon its release, celebrated for its exceptional handling and rapid acceleration, both made possible by a state-of-the-art twin-turbocharged rotary engine. According to Top Gear, the power output varied depending on the market, with Japanese versions boasting a slight horsepower advantage over export models.
More than 70,000 units of the FD generation were sold, contributing to the impressive total of over 800,000 RX-7s produced between 1978 and 2002. This remarkable figure solidifies the RX-7’s status as the best-selling rotary-powered vehicle by a substantial margin. The FD model is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the RX-7 lineup, and its desirability has led to rising prices in the used car market. This trend has been exacerbated by the car’s notoriously high maintenance costs, resulting in many being scrapped over the years.
Mazda Furai
Mazda introduced the striking Furai prototype in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. According to Mazda’s original press release, the concept car was designed to represent the next step in the company’s evolving Nagare design philosophy while showcasing the potential future of its combustion engine technology. Its sweeping, aerodynamic lines were inspired by an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race car, sharing the same chassis that Mazda had previously utilized in the series.
The Furai attracted considerable media attention for both its radical design and its ethanol-fueled three-rotor rotary engine. However, shortly after its reveal, the car vanished from the public eye, and Mazda declined to comment on its status or provide any official updates. Five years later, Top Gear unveiled the truth: during a test session with one of their journalists, the Furai caught fire and was completely destroyed before emergency responders could arrive. The charred remains were collected by Mazda, and the fate of those remains has never been publicly disclosed.
Mazda Eunos Cosmo
In addition to Autozam, another sub-brand that emerged during Japan’s booming economy in the 1980s was Eunos, Mazda’s foray into premium sports cars and grand tourers. Among its standout offerings was the Eunos Cosmo, a grand tourer that prioritized advanced technology. Notably, it was the first production car ever equipped with a built-in GPS navigation system and featured a color touchscreen in the center console, a rarity for that era.
The Eunos Cosmo was further distinguished as the world’s first—and still the only—production car to utilize a three-rotor rotary engine. When it launched in 1990, Mazda claimed it housed the most powerful engine produced in Japan at that time. Despite its technological advancements and performance capabilities, the car faced challenges in the marketplace. According to Pistonheads, only 8,853 units were produced, with the majority being sold within Japan, making it a rare sight outside its home country.
Mazda 323 GTX
While Mazda may not boast the same rallying pedigree as Subaru or Mitsubishi, there was a moment in the late 1980s when it made a serious effort in the World Rally Championship (WRC). This effort was embodied by the 323 GTX, which competed in the Group A class. Though its 1.6L engine was smaller and less powerful than many of its 2.0L rivals, the car proved its mettle, scoring a victory in 1987 and following it up with two more rally wins in 1989.
To satisfy homologation requirements, Mazda produced a street-legal version of the 323 GTX, which incorporated many components from the rally car, although its engine was dialed back to 132 horsepower—about 120 horsepower less than its competition version. As reported by Hagerty, the production 323 GTX featured all-wheel drive with a lockable differential, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The car didn’t just shine in the WRC; it also found success in the United States, where Rod Millen won the SCCA Pro Rally Championship driving a 323 GTX that was reportedly 90 percent stock straight from the showroom floor.