Is the Mazda 8 imported?

[SanMaddox]

Mazda 8 has both imported and domestically produced models. It is an MPV under the Mazda brand. The domestically produced Mazda 8 is equipped with two types of engines: a 2.3L naturally aspirated engine and a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. Below are the relevant details: 1. The Mazda 8 offers a spacious interior. The dimensions of this vehicle are 4860mm in length, 1852mm in width, and 1685mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2950mm. The 2.3L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 113kW and a maximum torque of 205Nm, with peak power achieved at 6500 rpm and peak torque at 4000 rpm. This engine features multi-point fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT). 2. The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine in the Mazda 8 produces a maximum power of 120kW and a maximum torque of 226Nm, with peak power at 6000 rpm and peak torque at 4000 rpm. This engine also employs multi-point fuel injection technology and an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT).

[DelPenelope]

While researching, I found many people have misunderstandings about the Mazda 8's origins. The Mazda 8 indeed has both imported and domestically produced versions, mainly depending on the time period: before its domestic production in 2011, all models on the road were imported from Japan; after localization in 2011, most were joint-venture models produced by FAW Mazda. Interestingly, after the domestic version was discontinued in 2015, some dealers later introduced imported Middle Eastern versions with 3.5L engines. So if you see a used Mazda 8 for sale now, those with sunroofs and 3.0L displacement are likely domestic versions, while the 3.5L models without sunroofs may be Middle Eastern versions. The most reliable way to distinguish is by checking the vehicle's VIN code, as the coding differs between imported and domestic models.

[TheoFitz]

When it comes to whether the Mazda8 is an imported vehicle, it depends on the specific year. The Mazda8 before domestic production (prior to 2011) was indeed originally imported, made in Japan. After FAW Mazda started domestic production, although some parts were imported, the whole vehicle was considered a domestically produced joint-venture car. However, I recently noticed an interesting phenomenon in the used car market: after 2015, there were still a small number of Middle East version Mazda8s imported through parallel channels. These cars bear the Mazda logo but have very special configurations, such as using a 3.5L engine without a sunroof. So now when you come across a Mazda8, you still need to carefully check the nameplate to confirm its identity.

[JuliannaRose]

Last month, while helping a friend inspect a used car, I encountered this exact issue. The 2012 Mazda 8 he was looking at had a nameplate that read 'FAW China,' clearly indicating it was the domestic version. In fact, the domestic Mazda 8 was produced between 2011 and 2015, assembled with some imported parts. The earlier models from 2007 to 2010 were mostly pure imports, with a completely different center console button layout. What's more noteworthy is that used car dealers often highlight Middle Eastern versions as a selling point. These are genuine imports manufactured in Japan but designed for the Middle Eastern market, characterized by right-hand drive converted to left-hand drive, no rear wiper, and large-displacement engines.

[DiAshlyn]

This is a frequent topic in our car enthusiast group. Simply put: Before 2009, you couldn't buy a domestically produced Mazda 8—they were all imported vehicles manufactured at Japan's Kyushu plant. After 2011, the models sold at 4S dealerships became domestic versions, but note that the first batch of domestic cars were essentially CKD assemblies with imported engines and transmissions. True full localization occurred after the 2013 facelift. When shopping for used models now, beware of two types: first, the rare Middle East parallel imports post-2015; second, domestic models fraudulently rebadged as imports. Here's a tip: Imported Mazda 8 VINs start with J (Japan), while domestic ones begin with L (China).