Though the best cars often are described as drool-worthy models with abundant power and high price tags, there’s something to be said for the competent family hauler. For the last 60 years, Mazda has been making vehicles that prioritize seating capacity and cargo space above style and performance. The last one on the list, however, fights that trend.
Take a look back at some of those family cars that put the brand on the map.
1964 Mazda Familia
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda’s first go at a true family car in the 1960s was the 1963 Mazda Familia. The wagon version, seen here, joined the lineup for the 1964 model year and was better-appoinnted than the Familia van.
1966 Mazda Bongo
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The Mazda Bongo debuted as a 1966 model (shown here). It was powered by a rear-mounted 782 cc water-cooled four-stroke engine. The Bongo was named after the animal by the same name.
1971 Mazda 818/Gran Familia
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda’s 818/Gran Familia model was also sold as the Mazda 808 in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It was only offered as a four-cylinder but came in a variety of body styles. The model shown above is a 1971 edition.
1976 Mazda RX-4/Luce
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda exported the Luce as the RX-4 through 1977. It was marketed as being a sporty and luxurious personal car. The wagon variant launched in 1973, replacing the Savanna Wagon. The ’76 Mazda RX-4/Luce is shown here.
1977 Mazda 818/Gran Familia
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The Mazda 818/Gran Familia has a short seven-year lifespan. The 1977 model in the photo above has rectangular taillights that set it apart from previous years’ versions of the car.
1978 Mazda Capella/626 1800
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
This midsize car was manufactured by Mazda from 1970 to 2002. It is shown here as a 1978 model, the first year of its second generation.
1979 Mazda 323/Familia
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
For the 1979 model year, Mazda gave the 323/Familia a facelift. The car’s round headlights were done away with in favor of rectangular ones. Those lights now were part of a single unit with the grille. The ’79 wagon version is shown above.
1984 Mazda Bongo/Traveller
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda sold the third-generation Bongo as the Traveller in Australia. Rebadged versions of the van were sold as the Ford Econovan and Ford Spectron. Shown here are 1984 versions of the model.
1980 Mazda 929/Luce 2000
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The LA4 series of the Mazda 929/Luce debuted in 1977. In this new iteration, Mazda still delivered the large car experience to customers. This generation of the sedan was not sold in North America. The 1980 model is shown here.
1985 Mazda Bongo Brawny Sky Lounge Concept
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
This unique concept model pushed the envelope as far as Mazda luxury vans go. Presented in 1985, the Mazda Bongo Brawny Sky Lounge Concept, seen above, has a host of amenities including an oven, mobile telephone, and VCR. The floor between the passenger seats rose when the vehicle was moving.
1991 Mazda MPV 4WD
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda launched its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) minivan in 1988. The seven-seater Mazda MPV (shown above) featured a four-wheel drive option and, when it arrived in Europe in the mid-1990s, a fuel-efficient turbodiesel as well as a rear door on the driver’s side. The first generation lasted 10 years. Pictured here is the 1991 model.
1995 Mazda CU-X Concept
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The Mazda CU-X concept car (pictured above) was first shown in 1995. That same year, Mazda showed the RX-01 concept car.
1997 Mazda MV-X Concept
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda moved closer to its modern SUV lineup with the Mazda MV-X Concept (seen above). The concept car was shown at the Geneva and Tokyo auto shows that year.
1998 Mazda 626/Capella Hydrogen Vehicle
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
In Japan, Mazda offered the world’s first electric-hybrid version of the 626/Capella though a leasing program. The model featured a rotary engine that could run on hydrogen or petrol.
1999 Mazda Premacy
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The Mazda Premacy, shown here as a 1999 model, was offered as a standard five-seater with a seven-seat option. Its second- and third-rows were foldable and removable. There were dual rear sliding doors. The Premacy was the predecessor to the Mazda5.
2014 Mazda5 Venture
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The Mazda5 arrived in 2005 delivering more efficient people moving and cargo storage ability. The 2014 Mazda5 is pictured above.
2020 Mazda6 Tourer 165ps Sport Nav+
Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation
The 2020 Mazda6 estate model is the most modern, natural successor to the family haulers of the past. The car comes equipped with the latest Mazda engine and safety technology as well as a Soul Red Crystal paint job.
