Mazda adopted its stylized winged-M logo in 1997.
The emblem presents an M-like form inside an oval, with upward-reaching lines commonly interpreted as wings. Mazda introduced it during a broader effort to establish a consistent global visual identity, and the mark appeared alongside the Mazda wordmark on vehicles and corporate materials.
Mazda had used several earlier symbols. Its 1930s logo consisted of three stacked M shapes, while later designs included a rounded M and other variations. The 1997 emblem therefore belongs to a long sequence of Mazda marks rather than representing the company’s first logo.
The wing interpretation is a frequent source of descriptions, but the emblem’s essential identifying feature is the stylized M. It should not be confused with the winged badges of Bentley, Aston Martin, or Chrysler-era Eagle, all of which use very different forms.