Mazda's 10 Most Significant Rides

Surviving nine decades of selling vehicles of all shapes and sizes is quite a feat. Only a handful of manufacturers can say they've done it for that long, and this year, Mazda Motor Corporation joined their well-aged ranks. Of course, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to partake in the birthday celebrations, so we shuffled through our vast road test archives, picked through a pile of product brochures, and touched up some archival photographs to bring you our list of the 10 most significant Mazdas in the company's storied history.

But before we dive into the greatest Mazda rotaries, sports cars, and compact people movers of all time, we've put together a short history of the company's long and colorful journey.

Cork, Tools, and Trikes

The purveyor of all things "Zoom-Zoom" began life on the outskirts of Hiroshima, Japan, as a purveyor of all things pertaining to cork. Yes, cork, the widely used porous material derived from deciduous oak trees. Starting on January 30, 1920, if you had a need for it, Toyo Cork Kogyo Company Ltd. was the place to get it.

After a few years of prosperity, the Japanese cork trade went south and Toyo Cork President and CEO Jujiro Matsuda needed to sustain his company through other means. By 1927, Matsuda dropped "cork" from the business name and evolved Toyo Kogyo into a machine tool producer.

From tools came three-wheeled, Mazda-Go-badged "trucks" in 1931. The first, called the Type-DA, set the stage for a litany of successful models. Businesses looking for affordable, domestically built cargo carriers took a liking to the trikes. Mazda-Gos even won a few national races and played a large role in the entire segment's boom, which lasted into the '40s. Keen eyes will notice the Mitsubishi triple diamond logo placed behind the DA's Mazda signature. In those days, Mitsubishi was responsible for all Mazda-Go sales.

Nineteen years after the Type-DA, Matsuda's team introduced its first one-ton truck, the Type-CA, by adding an axle and cabin to the three-wheel design. From then on, four-wheeled vehicles were the bread and butter of Toyo Kogyo.

From Toyo Kogyo to Mazda

The transition to Mazda was a gradual one. Matsuda and his team wanted to honor his family's name, and in doing so, also pay homage to Ahura Mazda, the god of light, wisdom, intelligence, and harmony. Up until the creation (or technically, renaming) of Mazda Motors Corporation in 1984, every vehicle, assembly plant, and worker wearing the Mazda moniker was part of the Toyo Kogyo empire.

Mazda Motor America came to life in 1971 when the automaker needed a single organized importer and distributor in North America. Fast forward to 1988, and MMA became the consolidated Mazda Motor of America Inc.

Now, on to the rides...

1931 Mazda-Go Type-DA

The patriarch of everything now donning the "winged M" had an in-house-developed powertrain unlike some other early Japanese vehicles. Its drivetrain touted a differential and even a reverse gear.

But most impressive was its reliability. Later models like the Type-KC and Type-DC adopted its tough, versatile character. In 1936, Matsuda's team traversed almost 1700 miles in the Kagoshima-Tokyo Caravan Campaign while riding four Type-KCs and two Type-DCs. Not only was it an ingenious marketing scheme, but it also made clear to potential buyers that Mazda's products were some of the best in the segment.

Why It's Important:

Without it and its immediate successors, Mazda's vehicle operations probably wouldn't exist.

1960 R360

On May 28, 1960, the brand embarked on a new chapter in its history by launching its first passenger car, the R360. At the time, Japanese automotive sales were climbing steadily, but not dramatically -- steep sticker prices kept plenty of potential buyers at bay. The R360 aimed to attract new customers with a base price of only 300,000 yen (around $3000) for a manual transmission-equipped version. Snagging one with a torque convertor only cost 320,000 yen (around $3400).

With price and quality at its side, the R360 was a smash hit. Even before it was launched, thousands of pre-orders poured into dealerships. By August, the compact car was selling at a rate of 2000 units per month. At the model year's end, the R360 took an enormous 64.8 percent of the minicar market share.

Some other highlights:

• The R360 was the first car in Japan to have a torque converter and a four-stroke engine.
• At the time, it was the lightest car in Japan (836 pounds), thanks to a featherweight alloy construction.
• Its unconventional design appealed to first-time car buyers.

Why It's Significant:

The R360 set the quality, reliability, efficiency, and value bars high on its first try.

See All 3 Photos3

1964 Familia

Mazda wanted its first four-door model to cater to the occasional family outing, so in 1961, it showcased the family-friendly Mazda 700 at the Tokyo Motor Show. A year later, the Mazda 1000 made its debut. It was lauded by the press and public alike for its simple, attractive linear styling.

Vans were on the upswing at the time. Mazda wanted in on the action, so it fast-tracked the Familia, which launched in September 1963. Powered by a watercooled, 782 cc aluminum-alloy inline-four, it wasn't a rocket, but it did combine a modicum of performance with plenty of utility wrapped an impressive design. In just four months, the model was at the top of its class with a 44-percent market share.

In December 1964, a sedan was added to the lineup, followed by a wagon, two-door, and truck editions. At the time, annual production was steady at over 10,000 units -- a huge amount for the fledging automaker. Up until 2007, the Familia was one of the automaker's best-selling and longest-lasting nameplates.

Why It's Significant:

It's a versatile, much-loved model that sold amazingly well for more than four decades.

See All 3 Photos3

1967 Cosmo Sport/110S

You have to be a Wankel Wonk of sorts to know the first rotary-powered volume production car wasn't an RX model or even the R100 family sedan (the title for very first rotary vehicle built goes to NSU). The patriarch of all things RE instead was this spaceship-looking two-door GT called the 110S, or Cosmo Sport in export form. The prototype was revealed at the 1963 Tokyo Motor Show and a year later the production version bowed. But it wasn't ready to launch just yet.

More than 434,000 miles of testing was undertaken to solidify reliability before its consumer introduction on May 30, 1967. Sending power to the rear wheels was a type-10A twin-rotor engine making 110 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque. Its low, long design was postmodern, quirky, and distinct, and its interior was small and somewhat cramped.

Mazda made only 30 examples per month until 1972. Prior to 1970, it was only available with a white paintjob.

Why It's Significant:

It's the world's first rotary-powered production vehicle. Plus, it looks cool. Need we say more?

See All 3 Photos3

1970 Capella RX-2

The first generation Capella (RX-2 in the U.S.) was a sporty two- or four-door model powered by either a 12A dual rotor rotary engine or a 1600 cc reciprocating motor. Its sleek design was jet-fighter inspired and developed for maximum efficiency. As such, it was referred to as "Kaze no Capella," meaning "Capella, the wind."

Production was ramped up and a team of 300 employees handled its assembly, further establishing it as the automaker's core product. The fall of 1971 marked the introduction of the rotary engine mated to an automatic gearbox (RE Matic). Three years later a second generation was revealed with an anti-pollution engine onboard.

Third-gen models improved the already impressive drag coefficient to a relatively sleek 0.38 Cd thanks to a highly sloped hood. The Capella grew Mazda's image in Europe and further pushed rotary power into the mainstream market.

In 1982, a fourth generation hit the streets -- this time in front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) layout. Many insiders were reluctant to switch from the front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) configuration to the up-and-coming FF because of concerns about handling loss, but the efficiency benefits eventually outweighed any hesitancy. It also utilized a lighter, more reliable "Magnum" engine with reshaped combustion chambers and intake ports.

Big technological achievements were introduced on the fifth-generation model five years later. It featured the world's first electronically controlled four-wheel steering (4WS) and a pressure wave supercharged diesel engine. In the U.S., the fifth generation (called the MX-6) was the first model built at the newly established Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA Corporation in Michigan.

Why It's Significant:

It was Mazda's first sporty, stylish, and technologically advanced triple threat, and the first Mazda built in the USA.

See All 3 Photos3

1971 Savanna RX-3

Named after the world's first steamboat and nuclear-powered merchant ship, the Savanna was the second vehicle specifically developed for RE power (the first being the Cosmo). It debuted in 1971 with the venerated type-10A rotary, but was upgraded to the newer 12A in 1972.

With the 12A under its hood, the Savanna had great success in the Japanese touring car championships and even beat the Nissan Skyline GT-R on occasion. Before it evolved into the RX-7, Mazda released an "AP" reduced emissions version with a cleaner powertrain for the 1973 model year.

Why It's Significant:

It was the second model with rotary-only motivation, and it also slayed a young Godzilla on the track.

See All 3 Photos3

1978 Savanna RX-7

Aside from the Miata MX-5, the RX-7 is arguably Mazda's most adored model. It arrived at dealerships under "The Pursuit of Driving Pleasure" slogan in March 1978 with a cutting-edge exterior design that emphasized performance and high technology. Its looks were matched with a compact rotary engine positioned mid-ship sending power to the rear wheels. Many journalists applauded its superb handling finesse, which rivaled the road-holding grip of the Porsche 911 and Nissan 240Z.

Helping to further establish the first generation RX-7 a legitimate sports car was its more than 100 victories in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). It successfully laid down the performance and styling groundwork for future RX-7s to live up to.

October 1987 marked the second generation's home market debut. This time around, engineers targeted one automaker in particular: Porsche. They wanted their FC-series RX-7 to surpass the 911 in every way imaginable, and in doing so, moved the RX-7 up market to attract more mature, sophisticated buyers looking to go fast.

Now with an air-cooled twin scroll turbocharger 13B rotary under its hood, it had the heart to compete with the best from Stuttgart. And with independent rear suspension, it could handle corners just as well.

Why It's Significant:

Speedy, rotary powered, and sleek. We like that combo.

See All 3 Photos3

1989 MX-5 Miata

Conceived in the early 1980s, the MX-5 Miata - also known as the MX-5, Miata, Mazda Roadster, and Eunos Roadster -- became Mazda's undeniable icon and a legend in the small sports car segment.

As the story goes, some Mazda engineers wanted to revive the car type with a model that was as much of a performer as it was unique. Its design was initially penned by stylists in California, then overtaken and finalized by their Japanese counterparts in January 1986.

Both front-wheel drive and a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layouts were considered, but were recognized as too costly to develop and went against the concept's "Jinba Ittai" ("rider and horse as one") philosophy. Computer-aided design programs were heavily counted on to fine-tune the chassis and powertrain to be as communicative as possible.

Engineers made sure to use aluminum and stainless steel whenever they could to minimize weight and boost handling. The little roadster's grip also benefitted from the double wishbone suspension on each corner. Of course, a meager creature comfort list was mandatory under Jinba Ittai, but that didn't make the Miata any less popular with consumers.

In May 2000, Guinness World Records noted the Miata as the world's best selling open-top two-seat sports car with 10 years of sales (April 1989 through October 1999) totaling 531,890 units. The mark jumped to over 800,000 examples in 2007 and continues to grow with today's spritely third generation. How's that for popular?

Throughout its lifetime, multiple versions with varying powerplants have been used globally, but none has ever unleashed over 170 horsepower. Engines have never sent their power to anything other than the rear wheels, too. It's Jinba Ittai at its finest. Given its simple build and easiness to tune, Mazda's lightweight sports car has excelled on the world's circuits. Ask any weekend racer and they'll most likely say that one of the best -- and cheapest -- cars to throw around the bends is the Miata.

Why It's Significant:

Arguably the world's best sports car for under $25k.

See All 3 Photos3

1991 Anfini RX-7

The third-generation RX-7's compact proportions, wider stance, and curvaceous body screamed performance-tailored sexiness, or in the words of Mazda's designers, "Beauty in the Beast." Luckily, the FD-series sports car had a powerful 13B-REW Wankel to match its alluring looks.

Engineers created the last of the modern-day RX-7s with the mindset of developing the "best and purest rotary-engine sports car" ever. They returned to the basics and focused their efforts on reducing the model's weight as much as possible under their "Plan Zero" scheme. Over 220 pounds were shed as a result, and included the lightening of the 13B by some 40 pounds. Power was upped by 50 horsepower (for a total of 255 horsepower) and handling fine-tuned for optimal mechanical grip.

The RX-7 was continually improved upon throughout its lifetime in various special editions and trims. One of the most thrilling was the lighter and more track-oriented Spirit R Type-A edition from 2002. That same year the long revered model was axed because of harsher emissions regulations. Like the MX-5, the RX-7 can be a beast on a circuit. It's collected more than 100 victories in IMSA alone, not to mention a few dominant runs at Australia's Bathurst 12-hour race.

If you're wondering what "Efini" is, it's one of Mazda's five sales and distribution channels founded in 1991.

Why It's Significant:

It's the RX-7's most powerful, best-handling, and instantly recognizable generation.

See All 3 Photos3

1996 Demio/Mazda2

Before it was synonymous with "small hatchback," the original 1996 Demio was a compact, easy-to-use, "free-style" wagon. That lasted until 2002 when the second generation (first generation as the Mazda2) was launched worldwide with a new philosophy and cuter design.

Compared to its predecessor, the second iteration was bigger in every dimension thanks to a new "dynamic athleticism" design concept. Mazda catered specifically to female buyers and offered it in three trims to suit their diverse needs: Cozy, SPORT, and Casual. Each came replete with unique bits like special trim colors, different wheel designs, and vivacious paintjobs, while offering plenty of storage and convenience.

Five years later, a newer model arrived after tedious co-development with Ford Motor Company. The platform was completely fresh as was its exterior design. The powertrains too received minor revamping. Today, the Mazda2/Demio continues to contribute immensely to the automaker's total annual sales with continued growth in the segment. Look out, B-segmenters, it's coming our way this summer.

Why It's Significant:

A huge -- and so far, very successful -- player in the ever-important globalized B-car segment. Can it beat the Ford Fiesta?

See All 3 Photos3

"I'm Rotary. Nice to Meet You. "

Bring up Mazda, and more often than not, the rotary engine soon follows. So tightly are the two intertwined that it's uncommon to think of them independently. But the pair's relationship is mere pittance compared to the engine's over 400-year-old roots. In 1961, Dr. Felix Wankel and NSU sold the rights to their motor to Mazda, which in turn created the predecessor to the modern rotary engine (or "RE").

If you don't exactly know what a rotary engine is, it's basically a motor comprised of an eccentric shaft, triangular rotor (Mazda described it as "rice ball shaped"), and a housing. The rotor rotates via the shaft to create power. Intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust all take place three times per revolution of the rotor. The configuration is lighter, smaller, and has a better power-to-weight ratio than that of a comparable reciprocating engine. It also runs more smoothly, has fewer moving parts, and is less vibration-prone. The difficult trick, though, is to get all those benefits to shine together at the correct moments.

Mazda's engineers created their first working prototype later that year, but soon found it suffered from debilitating chatter marks -- also known as the "nail marks of the devil" -- inside the inner wall of the housing. Eventually they created a reliable working version utilizing seals made of high-strength carbon infused with aluminum. This version would become the world's first mass-produced rotary engine and powered the first RE car, the 1967 Cosmo.

Nowadays, you might have heard of the Renesis (or "the RE's Genesis") engine used in the RX-8 four-door sports car. It's the pride and joy of Mazda's rotary engineers and represents their best attempts at balancing performance, efficiency, and compactness into a modern RE. It's replete with numerous upgrades over the first model, and includes a side exhaust and side intake port layout that improves timing, eliminates exhaust retention, and permits more stable combustion.

"Zoom-Zoom" of the Future

Much like the rest of the industry, Mazda's primary goal is to reduce its future lineup's carbon footprint and increase fuel efficiency by utilizing traditional and alternative means. That also means cutting models that are neither strong sellers nor fuel sippers, in particular the RX-8.

Other traditional eco-friendly methods include the implementation of the latest fuel-efficient SKY combustion engines throughout the lineup. The SKY motors are less polluting and come in two varieties: a two-stage turbocharged diesel (SKY-D) and a direct injection gasoline (SKY-G). Engineers have also developed six-speed manual and automatic transmissions to better transfer power. Everything's expected to arrive on U.S. soil by the end of 2011.

Per CEO Takashi Yamauchi, all future Mazdas will also go on a strict diet to further their efficiency and most likely, their driving performance. Our insiders report that Hiroshima is working hard to create producible RE hybrids and diesels that will complement the RE hydrogen and EV models.

Then there's the esteemed RX-7. Not to fret -- it reportedly still lives on and is being developed as we speak. Our mole has confirmed two prototypes are running around Mazda HQ: one gasoline and one bi-fuel powered. The bi-fuel RE can reportedly run on gas or diesel. But there's still much to be worked out ahead of its 2013 introduction. The 16X's mix of performance, power, and efficiency has yet to be refined.

The future embodiments of Zoom-Zoom are on pace to become some of the most intriguing, eco-friendly vehicles on the road. Throw in some organic "Nagare" styling and they'll look the modern part, too. It's all in the name of evoking the "emotion of motion." So zoom on for another 90 years, Mazda. We can't wait to see what you have in store.