GLC

This nameplate began in the U.S. as Mazda’s market-specific badge for the fourth-generation Familia, introduced for the 1977 model year as a frugal compact alternative during the fuel-conscious late 1970s. In Mazda’s home-market history, the same car is identified as the original GLC/323, reflecting the way the model was positioned differently outside Japan. For the 1980 model year, Mazda moved the front-wheel-drive sedan and hatchback to the 323 name, but the GLC identity did not disappear immediately: the wagon carried on for several more years and remained on sale in North America through the 1986 model year. Because of that, the GLC is remembered as one of Mazda’s earliest mainstream U.S. compact cars, and as the bridge between the rear-wheel-drive compact Mazdas of the 1970s and the later 323-era front-wheel-drive family cars.