A Quick History of MAZDA Models

A lot has changed over the years, from the beginning of the Mazda origin story to today. One thing has stayed the same: a commitment to intuitive, engaging driving. These are just a few of the landmark cars that stand out to us here at El Dorado Mazda.

1971 MAZDA R100

Mazda may have entered the world of cars with their three-wheel trucks, but the Mazda R100 was what put this car manufacturer on the map. This popular sedan used a unique rotary engine that delivered more power, making it one of the first Mazda models to make it to the US. It also marks the beginning of the Mazda sports car division, as the Mazda R100 was entered at famous races like Le Mans.

1989 MAZDA MX-5 Miata

In 1976, British car journalist Bob Hall met with Kenichi Yamamoto, head of research and development at Mazda. The two bonded over their shared appreciation for classic wind-in-your-hair roadsters. More than a decade later, Mazda’s engineers brought that vision to life with the debut of the first Mazda MX-5 Miata.

This responsive sports car remains a favorite among driving enthusiasts, with modern models incorporating the latest technology while preserving its signature engaging drive.

2007 MAZDA CX-9

The 2007 Mazda CX-9 wasn’t the first Mazda SUV — that honor goes to the 1991 Mazda Navajo — but it did mark the beginning of the Mazda lineup of crossover SUVs. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood, this large vehicle changed how drivers thought about Mazda cars. The Mazda CX-9 was recently replaced by the roomier 2025 Mazda CX-90 in the US.

Learn More About the MAZDA Origin Story in McKinney, TX

The spirit of these sporty Mazda cars is still alive and well at El Dorado Mazda, so stop by and try one out today. Talk to our team about new Mazda specials and find out more about Mazda financing. When you’re done, take a thrilling test drive today!