A Look Back at the Mazda3’s Legacy

The Mazda3 has a rich history, dating back four decades to its predecessors in the form of a station wagon or a coupe, such as the GLC, 323, and Protegé. Nowadays, the 2019 Mazda3 comes in the form of a bold hatchback or a sleek sedan. But despite all the changes and advancements, Mazda’s driving philosophy of “Jinba Ittai” remains the same, representing the harmony between car and driver.

Since its debut in 2004, the Mazda3 has become the best-selling Mazda in the world, with over 5 million sold. It’s an impressive feat and has even earned the distinction of reaching 1 million sales faster than any other vehicle in Mazda history.

The Mazda3 has truly earned its title as the bestselling Mazda in the world with over 5 million units sold since its debut in 2004. It’s impressive that it reached 1 million sales faster than any other Mazda vehicle in history. The engaging driving dynamics, award-winning design, and unparalleled quality are just a few of the reasons why drivers have fallen in love with this vehicle. It’s great to see that the Mazda3 continues to exceed expectations and impress drivers after 40 years.

1970 Mazda GLC (Great Little Car) 

In 1977, the Mazda GLC was introduced in North America. This Great Little Car was designed in just 18 months as a response to the Oil Embargo of the 1970s. It became Mazda’s first hit, arriving at just the right time. The GLC was a rear-wheel-drive subcompact that had a 1.3-liter engine with a modest but willing 53 horsepower, and was available as a hatch or wagon. The GLC was the catalyst that kick-started Mazda in the U.S., paving the way for the success of the 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda3.

1980 Mazda 323 

In 1985, Mazda introduced the 323 as the successor of the GLC. Over time, the U.S. marketing team aligned itself with Mazda’s global divisions, renaming the car into Mazda’s numerical hierarchy. The Mazda 323 was a front-wheel-drive compact car that was powered by a 1.5-liter engine, with 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. It was originally offered as a hatchback or sedan and served as one of the entry points to the Mazda brand in North America.

One of the most notable models in the 1980s 323 range was the 1988 323 GTX, a limited-edition hot hatchback designed for rally racing. The 323 GTX was unique among other models, featuring all-wheel drive, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produced an impressive 132 horsepower. This allowed the lightweight 323 GTX to match the performance of much more powerful cars. Mazda has always focused on finesse over brute strength, and this philosophy remains true to this day.

1990 Mazda Protege 

The Mazda 323 hatchback was a popular model, and the company decided to introduce the sedan version as the Mazda Protegé. Over time, the Protegé line grew, and buyers could choose from a base SE or DX model, or a top-of-the-line LX model. By 1995, even the entry-level LX model came with power windows, door locks, 14-inch wheels, and an optional sunroof. The Protegé boasted a 1.8-liter, 16-valve engine and a 4-speed transmission, making it a powerful and reliable option. Some early models were even available with all-wheel drive, which was a rare feature at the time. The ES model was particularly impressive, featuring the same 1.8-liter twin-cam engine as the Miata, all-wheel disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars. This model served as the basis for several concept cars throughout the 1990s, including one that would eventually become the MAZDASPEED Protegé. With its focus on driving dynamics, the Protegé remained a popular choice for car buyers.

Early 2000 MazdaSpeed Protege 

The Mazda Protegé underwent some big changes in 2001, including a facelift, new audio system, and a 2.0-liter engine for the ES model. Fans of the car were also excited about the introduction of the Protegé MP3, a limited edition model that came with a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch Racing Hart wheels, and a tuned factory ECU that gave it a total of 140 horsepower. Plus, it was one of the first cars to come with an in-dash MP3 music-reading CD player, which was a pretty big deal at the time. Only 1,500 of these cars were made, making them a rare find for enthusiasts.

But if that wasn’t enough power for you, Mazda had something even more exciting up their sleeves just two years later. In 2003, they introduced the turbocharged MAZDASPEED Protegé, which boasted an impressive 170 horsepower. This sporty version came with a full Racing Beat suspension, 17-inch Racing Hart wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and a Kenwood stereo. It was a hit with critics and car enthusiasts alike, thanks to its amazing handling dynamics and performance. Only 4,500 of these cars were produced, so they’re even harder to come by than the Protegé MP3.

Mid 2000’s First Gen Mazda 3

In 2004, Mazda said goodbye to the Protegé and hello to the first-generation Mazda3. This new car was designed from the ground up with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a high rear deck that gave it a sleek, coupe-like appearance. The Mazda3 was available as both a hatch and sedan and offered a uniquely stylish look that set it apart from other small cars on the market. It was one of the first cars in its class to offer leather seats, and it was also the first car available with high-intensity xenon headlights, which put it in the same league as cars that cost twice as much. Toward the end of its model life, the Mazda3 also spawned a performance variant called the MAZDASPEED3, which was a turbocharged hatchback that continued Mazda’s legacy of performance-focused cars. The second-generation Mazda3, introduced in 2008, was more of an evolution than a revolution, refining Mazda’s award-winning small car and serving as a base for Mazda’s next-generation technologies.

Second Gen Mazda 3

Have you heard about the second-generation Mazda3 model cycle? At the end of its cycle, Mazda introduced a new technology called SKYACTIV. It was a game-changer for the driving experience. The SKYACTIV technology included a direct-injection engine and a 6-speed transmission, which made the cars 20-percent more efficient and significantly quicker than their predecessors. Although the car looked much the same as the previous models, the SKYACTIV technology made a noticeable difference in performance and fuel efficiency. It was definitely a step in the right direction for Mazda.

Did you know that the 2014 Mazda3 was the first to adopt an all-new, more rigid chassis? It was designed with KODO: “Soul of Motion” elements, giving the car a dynamic beauty in motion. The Mazda3 also introduced segment-first features such as a heads-up display, radar cruise control, and available adaptive headlights, making it a luxurious and high-tech option for its time.

The latest Mazda3, released in 2018, is an impressive compact sedan and 5-door. With a powerful 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, it still manages to achieve impressive fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The G-Vectoring Control system ensures a more unified driving experience, providing greater confidence and control. The KODO: “Soul of Motion” design gives the car a sleek, athletic appearance that perfectly captures the moment energy turns into motion. The interior features luxurious leather trimmed seats and a more human-centric cockpit and steering wheel design.

Photo Source: Mazda USA