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Español The Mazda 929 of the third generation, produced from 1987 to 1991 under the HC designation, represented the flagship sedan of the Japanese automaker. This model combined luxury, advanced technology, and Mazda's characteristic sporting spirit. Unlike previous generations, the 929 HC received a more modern design, improved dynamics, and a higher level of comfort.
Model Description
Design and Construction
The Mazda 929 III (HC) was available exclusively as a four-door sedan. The car featured smooth body lines, integrated bumpers, and a radiator grille that matched late-1980s design trends. At approximately 4.8 meters long, it competed directly with models like the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric.
The interior used high-quality materials including leather and wood trim. Standard equipment included power-adjustable seats, climate control, cruise control, and power steering. Top trim levels even offered an active suspension system (in some markets), which was rare for the time.
Technical Specifications
Under the hood of the Mazda 929 HC was an inline 6-cylinder engine:
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3.0L V6 (JE-ZE, 185-200 HP) - the main powerplant, paired with either a 4-speed automatic or rare 5-speed manual transmission
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2.2L turbo diesel (RF, 88 HP) - available in some markets but unpopular due to low performance
The car was rear-wheel drive (RWD), though an all-wheel drive version (929 HD, next generation) appeared in 1991. The suspension featured double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, providing good handling characteristics.
Model Variants
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Base version (3.0L V6) - standard equipment with minimal options in some markets
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Luxury Edition - upgraded interior trim, leather seats, premium audio system
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Super Deluxe - top trim with active suspension, full electric package, and additional safety features
In Japan, the model was sold as the Mazda Luce, while in North America it was simply called the Mazda 929.
Interesting Facts
Platform and Technology
The Mazda 929 HC shared its platform with the Mazda Cosmo (JC) - a sports coupe with a rotary engine. Some engineering solutions like the suspension system and body components were standardized.
All-Wheel Drive Experiments
Although originally designed as rear-wheel drive, Mazda tested all-wheel drive versions that were later implemented in the next generation (HD).
Rare Manual Transmission
Models with the 5-speed manual transmission are extremely rare as most buyers preferred the automatic.
Relationship with Ford
In some markets (e.g., Australia), the Mazda 929 was sold alongside the Ford Scorpio, a European model with which it was often compared due to similar positioning.
Safety
In 1989, the Mazda 929 received improved passive safety features - reinforced body structure and airbags (in top trims).
Conclusion
The Mazda 929 III (HC) is a classic late-1980s flagship sedan that combined comfort, technology, and moderate sporting character. While it never achieved the popularity of the Toyota Crown, it's valued for its unique design and engineering solutions. Today it's a rare sight on roads and sought after by Japanese classic car collectors.
Bumper Mounting Diagrams
Front Bumper
Rear Bumper
