Mazda may be a small automaker on the global scale, but it has always punched above its weight. Its first automotive offering was the tiny R360 in 1960, with a series of small, economical vehicles coming to market in the following years. The world-class Cosmo sports car appeared in 1967 and demonstrated what Mazda’s engineering and design capabilities were. The Japanese company then transitioned to more mainstream products like the rotary-powered R100, RX-2, and RX-3 cars, as well as its lineup of small pickups. The RX-7 was the first Mazda to hit mainstream success in the U.S., offering a balanced and lively sports car at an affordable price. The company then cemented its reputation for fun and engaging cars with the debut of the MX-5 Miata in 1989. Today’s motoring enthusiasts recognize that Mazda’s creative and inspired products are an affordable way to enjoy a dynamic driving experience, and several of the models are now highly regarded classic cars.