Flexural strength fracture toughness and strengthening mechanisms of cordierite ceramics reinforced by SiC whiskers up to 40vol% were investigated. The specimens were hot pressed at Ar atmosphere. The porosity increased with the SiC whisker content. Flexural strength and single edge notch beam fracture toughness were measured up to 1,000$^{circ}C$. Extrapolating to zero porosity the reinforced composites exhibited in-creasings in flexural strength and fracture toughness with the SiC whisker content. The composites were strengthened mainly by load transfer crack impediment and partially by crack deflection mechanisms. Impurities played an important role in determining the mechanical properties of the composites.