Mazda Through the Years
By Fei Lim

Today, Mazda is one of the more popular motor vehicle brands in the world. It is committed to producing affordable vehicles that are the best in their class. However, they weren't always the large powerhouse that they are today. They come from rather modest beginnings. In fact, they didn't even start out as an automobile manufacturer. Mazda was first formed in 1920 by a Japanese man named Jujiro Matsuda. Mazda wasn't called Mazda in those days. It was called Toyo Cork Kogyo, Ltd. As the name suggests it was actually a cork producer. As strange as that seams, it's true. You don't usually associate cork with cars, but that's how they got their start.

In 1929 the first Mazda vehicle was produced. It was a type of tricycle truck and they only made about 30 of them. It was called a Mazda-Go-a. Five years after these first vehicles were made, the company unofficially changed its name to Mazda. It was named after a god named Ahura-Mazda. Since that point, Mazda has evolved into a very different company. It has produced many vehicles over the years and still has a bright future today. Let's look at some of the vehicles that Mazda has produced over the years.

The 1960's saw much advancement in the Mazda line. They began putting a new emblem on all of the vehicles that they produced. They also started to experiment with different types of engines in this period. During this time, they became the only manufacturer that featured the traditional gasoline piston, the diesel engine, and the rotary engine. The R360 coupe was first made in 1960. This was a two door car that one of the first that Mazda ever produced.

The 1960's also saw Mazda create its first compact truck. The B-series 1500 was a small economical truck. After they had already made a compact truck and a two door car, Mazda decided to branch out into the four door sedan market. They produced their first four door sedan in 1962. It was called the Carol 600. The precursor to the popular Protégé model was first produced around 1964, but it went by another name. By 1963, they had sold 1 million units. The once small cork producing plant had officially arrived.

Today, Mazda has a large selection of vehicles that can please anyone. They have developed each line into a force to be reckoned with in the automotive industry. They have some of the most popular cars around.

One of the most popular cars that Mazda now produces is the Mazda3. This car is very practical with a touch of luxury. It has many features of more expensive luxury cars but you can get one for under $15,000. This enables those who don't want to settle for a low quality car to afford one. In 2004 it was named the "Most Wanted Sedan Under $15,000" by Edmunds.com. Awards like this and word of mouth has made the Mazda3 a hot selling car. They even hold their trade-in value very well for a car. The Mazda3 handles much better than one would expect. It rivals that of a more expensive European sedan.

Another very popular model that Mazda makes is the Mazda6. After it was introduced in 2003 it went on to win over 60 awards in the automotive industry. It was listed as one of Car & Driver's 10 best cars. It is continuously referred to as one of the best family sedans available. Since this time, both Mazda3 and Mazda6 have evolved. They have introduced 5-door models in both as well as a few other variations. However, they are still both wonderful cars that combine a luxurious look and feel with an economical price.

Besides these more practical sedans, Mazda offers some great sports cars that will turn heads. The Miata is a very popular model that comes in a convertible. Another popular sports car is the RX-8. This car is based on superior performance but it looks great too. For those who love speed, this could be your car.

As great as the present has been for Mazda, the future looks bright as well. Mazda has several concept cars that could be seen on the roads in the near future. The Ryuga and Senku are two cars that could be coming soon. They offer cutting edge technology with a new look. Overall, Mazda is a growing company that has a rich history in the automotive industry.