What started out as a tiny cork manufacturer in Hiroshima, Japan, today stands as a world leader in the production of commercial and passenger vehicles.
1970
The birth of Mazda Motor of America (N.W.), Inc.The first mass-produced rotary-powered car in America, the R100 coupe, powered by the same engine used in the Cosmo Sports kicks-off Mazda vehicle sales in the United States.
1971
Mazda launched the RX-2 in the United States. Available as both a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan, this front engine / rear drive compact was the first model in the US to use the 12A rotary engine.
1972
Building upon the success of the 12A rotary engine and rear drive platform, Mazda introduced the RX-3. It is slightly smaller than the RX-2 and is available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. The surprisingly high performance of the RX-2 and the RX-3 models gave Mazda a “giant killer” reputation for their ability to compete both on the street and on the track. Their products rivaled not only domestic V-8s, but also more expensive European sports models. Today most existing RX-2 & 3 models can be found on the race track.
1974
Mazda introduced the 110 hp 13B rotary engine with the new mid-size RX-4 coupe, sedan, and wagon. The 13B featured greater displacement, advances in cooling and rotor seals, better fuel economy and lower emissions. The car was redesigned in 1976 and renamed Cosmo. At the time, this new Cosmo was one of the most luxurious models available from Japan.
1975
Introduction of the famous "Mazda" typeface, which is still being used today.
1977
Mazda introduced the GLC. Originally rear-drive, the car is piston-engine powered and marks Mazda’s transition to piston-engines for its non-sports car models. The GLC also began a compact model line that has its direct decedents in the 323, Protegé and MAZDA3.
1978
Mazda introduced the RX-7, a light-weight, front-engine, rear-drive, 2-seater sports car designed to take full advantage of the rotary engine’s capabilities. The model earned Car of the Year Award across the world and made the Ten Best list in Car and Driver magazine five times.Mazda built its one-millionth rotary powered vehicle.
Mazda introduced the 626 rear-drive, mid-size sedan and coupe.
Mazda introduced the B2000 compact pickup truck.
1979
A banner day at the 24-hours of Daytona when the RX-7s placed 1st and 2nd, and went on to win its first of seven consecutive GTU series championships.