Mazda 929 (1973 - 1998)

Mazda introduced the in 1973 Mazda 929 to replace the Mazda Luce, which had been fitted with a rotary engine and would henceforth bear the name Mazda RX-4. The 929 was a large car, certainly by Japanese standards.

1981 Mazda 929

History and background

The Mazda 929 is a full-size sedan that was sold by the Japanese automaker Mazda between 1973 and 1997. Mazda used the 929 model name exclusively for export markets — in Japan, the same car was called the Mazda Luce.

From 1991, the name was transferred to export versions of the Sentia. Between 1982 and 1986, Mazda also used the 929 model name on its Cosmo coupé in certain export markets. The name “Luce” was derived from the Italian word for “light”. Following an agreement with Bertone in April 1962, the 1965 Luce 1500 show car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro — low and sharp.

Throughout its entire production run, the 929 was Mazda's largest and most luxurious model — the flagship of the brand. Over four generations and 24 years, it evolved from a modest mid-size sedan into a full-fledged luxury limousine that would later even be sold under the luxury brand Eunos and the never-launched Amati brand.

1981 Mazda 929

Design and interior

The third-generation 929 from 1987 featured a sleek, refined design. Equipped with a V6 engine, it offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. With luxurious features, including a spacious interior, premium upholstery, and advanced technology such as a digital dashboard and automatic climate control, the Mazda 929 offered a comfortable and refined ride.

The fourth-generation HD from 1991 was the most ambitious. Available with ABS, full electronics, cruise control, four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive in some markets, and a “solar vent” that ventilated heat out of the car. In Japan, it was sold as the Eunos Legato and Infini MS-9 — part of Mazda’s failed diversification plan with multiple sub-brands.

1981 Mazda 929

Model variants

First generation — LA2 series (1973–1981):

• 929 LA2 (1973–1977) — export version of the Luce LA2, 1.800 cc and 2.000 cc OHC inline four, also available as a hardtop coupé.
• 929 LA3 (1976–1978) — facelift with a more square front, 1.970 cc, 103 hp.
• 929 LA4 / Luce Legato (1977–1981) — larger, more luxurious version, four-door pillarless hardtop available, 12A rotary engine also available in Japan.

Second generation — HB series (1981–1986):

• 929 HB Sedan (1982–1986) — based on the new HB platform also shared with the Cosmo, 2.0-liter inline four, 120 hp fuel-injected version.
• 929 HB Coupé (1982–1986) — export version of the Cosmo HB coupé, retractable headlights, optional 12A rotary engine.

The second generation of the 929 was introduced in 1981. This model shared its platform with the Mazda Cosmo and was built as an export version of the Mazda Luce. This second generation remained in production until 1986, although the new Luce was released in Japan a year earlier. The second generation 929 was always available with an inline four-cylinder engine: 90 hp, 101 hp, and 118 hp. In the final year, a 1998 cc turbo engine producing 120 hp was also available.

Third generation — HC series (1986–1991):

• 929 HC (1987–1991) — V6 engine, tight SOHC 12-valve, 150–170 hp, four-wheel steering (4WS) optional, digital dashboard.

The third generation of the 929 appeared in 1986 and was built until 1991. During this period, the model was built on two different platforms, resulting in two different body styles. One had pillars and the other did not. The Luce Royal Classic looked exactly like the 929 but was a much more luxurious version. It was available with, among other things, a rotary engine, electric leather seats, a digital speedometer, a cool box, distinctive emblems, and electronically adjustable suspension. By this time, the 929 was also available with a V6.

Fourth generation — HD series / Sentia (1991–1997):

• 929 HD (1991–1995) — based on Sentia/Eunos MS-9 platform, V6 engines only, 2.5-liter or 3.0-liter, ABS standard, four-wheel drive optional.
• 929 HE (1995–1997) — last generation, Australia and limited markets only, sales stopped in 1997.

The fourth and final version of the 929 appeared in 1990. The spacious rear-wheel-drive sedan was fitted with a V6 engine. A 2,5-liter variant and two 3-liter versions with 160 hp and 205 hp were available. This fourth generation was also sold as the Efini MS-9. The model was produced until 1998 and was subsequently succeeded by the Mazda Sentia.

The Mazda 929 was sold from 1973 to 1997 — 24 years, four generations, and an evolution from a modest mid-size export sedan to an ambitious luxury limousine with a V6, four-wheel steering, and a digital dashboard. Never the best-selling car in its segment, but always Mazda's boldest attempt to prove its own quality at the highest level. That it ultimately succumbed to the arrival of Lexus is no shame — most competitors did the same.

Competitors

The 929 competed in the segment of large Japanese sedans. Direct competitors were:

• Toyota cressida
• Nissan Maxima / 300ZX sedan
• Honda Accord Inspire
• Mitsubishi Sigma / Diamante

Successor model

The 929 was replaced by the Mazda Millenia as Mazda's flagship in the US — but the Millenia was front-wheel drive, a fundamentally different philosophy. In Japan, the Luce/Sentia line lived on as the Sentia until 1999. Mazda had considered launching its own luxury brand, Amati, to compete with Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura, but later withdrew those plans.