The company's model codes form the fourth and fifth characters of the VIN on post-1981 vehicles. The first character is a letter representing the model family, while the second is a sequential letter for subsequent models. For example, the Mazda N family used by the Mazda Miata started at NA and was updated in 1998 to NB and in 2006 to NC. The 2016 and newer MX-5s are designated ND.
Mazda generally starts car model codes at the letter "A", but van and truck variants often get different names, usually starting at "V".
Note: The US-built Mazda6 and Tribute do not use the Mazda model code in the VIN; in its place is an AutoAlliance code. Instead of the model code letter, position four in the VIN specifies the vehicle's safety systems, and position five specifies the marque, due to being built in a multi-brand facility.
Prior to 1981, Mazda used a different VIN format and model code naming scheme. The model families were given two characters, and the model a third, based on their names.
This is the first showing of Mazda's SS (self-stabilizing) rear suspension. The two lower parallel links of the rear strut are designed to induce toe-in on the rear tire on the outer side of the curve (e.g. right turn - left rear tire).
GC used Mazda's first front-wheel drivemid-size car platform. Available body styles were the two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door hatchback. The Ford Telstar hatchback version was called the TX5: there was no Telstar version of the coupe. Production was in Japan, with local assembly in Australia (Telstar only), New Zealand, Taiwan and South Africa, where the model continued in production until 1993.
The Japanese market Mazda Capella never used the GE's platform. Rather, a new model (the Mazda Cronos) was introduced alongside the Capella, while the Capella continued on an updated version of the GC's platform until 1993 and was then moved to a new platform for the CG from 1994 through 1997. Basis for Ford Probe, Kia Credos and Kia Carnival. As Ford and Mazda shared engineering technologies, the GE's platform is related to the Ford CDW27/CD162/CD132, used for the Ford Mondeo and Jaguar X-Type.
The Capella and 626 were again reunited as the GF in 1997. An updated station wagon version, the GW, was finally introduced as well. See Ford CD2 platform.
The rear multi-link suspension is remarkably similar to the "E type" found in the HC's platform. Although also similar to Ford's own design, Mazda engineers said this is a revival of the "E type" multi-link. Basis for Besturn B70.
Introduced in 2008, GH uses a retuned and revised version of the preceding GG chassis. See Ford CD3 platform. The code GH is also used for the first generation Mazda CX-5, though it primarily uses KE.
The HB was introduced in 1981 as the Mazda Cosmocoupe and Mazda Luce/929sedan. The Luce was updated in 1986, with the 929 following the next year for some markets, but the Cosmo continued on until 1989.
The JC uses a totally new platform developed for 1990s and is unique to the JC Cosmo. Its closest cousin is the HD-929 from 1991 to 1995. It was a major update from the previous HB Cosmo's platform.
The NA utilized many components in-house, such as the 323/Familia/Protegé engine and 323 GTX differential (1.6L), RX-7 FC (non-turbo) differential (1.8L) and transmission, but the chassis was unique.
The NB was very close to the NA mechanically. Most changes were related to the vehicle systems, including electrical wiring and a new generation of the Mazda B engine.
The NC utilized a shortened version of the SE RX-8's platform. Many suspension and braking components are interchangeable with the RX-8, while some interior components are shared with the Mazda6, Mazda3 and CX-7.
NF uses a variant of the ND's platform for the 2016 Fiat 124 Spider. While the platform design is similar, the sheet metal and drivetrain are completely different, using the Fiat 1.4 MultiAir turbo 4 cylinder and an updated Mazda NC 6-speed manual transmission.
