Mazda Cars | Used Cars, Motorbikes, Vans & Other Vehicles

The word mazda means "great wisdom" in the Iranian Avestan language. Originally named Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd and founded in 1920 by Jujiro Matsuda, Mazda evolved from the production of machine tools in its humble beginnings, into the manufacture of motor vehicles in 1931 with the introduction of the Mazda-Go, a three-wheeled open truck resembling a motorbike with an attached trailer, in the guise of a motorised rickshaw. Mazda grew to be one of the big 5 Japanese car manufacturers that dominate the motoring world today. Even though the parent company didn't formally adopt the name Mazda until 1984, every car produced prior to this date was always made under the Mazda name.

Mazda engine power
In the early 1960s Mazda started incorporating the Wankel rotary engine into their vehicles as a way of differentiating themselves from other Japanese car manufacturers. This is a unique engine which depends on a rotor, rather than pistons, to convert pressure into a rotating motion, making for an extremely lightweight, smooth and reliable piece of equipment. From 1967 when the Mazda Cosmo was introduced, right through to the current Mazda RX-8 sports car, Mazda has continued to develop and refine the Wankel Rotary with their own unique brand of innovation and it became the engine that made them world famous. Currently it is the only manufacturer in the world to release production models with this unique engine. NSU, Citroen and General Motors all started to develop the engine but their efforts failed to stand the test of time. Only Mazda has succeeded in making the engine last into a successful production model. Mazda's rotary powered vehicles rose to prominence in the 1970's, starting with the R100, then on through the well loved RX models. The engine quickly gained a faithful following and became associated with the Mazda name for smooth turbine-like power delivery, high power output,
light weight and compact dimensions.

Mazda has used the rotary engine for motorsport and in doing so demonstrated superb reliability, winning LeMans outright in 1991 with the best finishing record of any car manufacturer to have entered regularly. Mazda's finishing record is an astonishing 67% of all vehicles entered. Indeed Mazda were so dominant at LeMans in 1991 that the following year, the rotary engine was banned from competing, a decision since rescinded. Even now the Mazda 787B is the only non-piston engined car to have won LeMans outright, which is certainly a very strong statement in favour of Mazda's standards of
engineering.

It was following the oil crisis of 1973 that the major drawback of the rotary turned public opinion against it - namely its less than frugal thirst for petrol. Fortunately however, Mazda has never turned its back on conventional piston engines and vehicle sales have continued with a range of conventionally powered cars in parallel to the rotary engined ones. The only remaining Wankel powered model in the range is the RX-8. Ironically given its problems with fuel consumption in the past, the rotary is ushering in a new era of eco friendliness. The rotary RX-8 is expected to be released as a dual fuel Gasoline/Hydrogen powered vehicle available to the public sometime in 2008.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster
Mazda's greatest success undoubtedly came with the introduction in 1989 of the Mazda Roadster - more popularly known as the MX-5. This little Lotus Elan inspired roadster was a revelation to the world when it appeared on the forecourts. Reasonably priced, legendary Japanese reliability and great fun to drive, it sold in millions and has since been developed through several more incarnations to the current model, never losing sight of the emphasis on driving pleasure.

In Partnership with Ford
Sales success unfortunately did not lead to financial success and Mazda found itself in financial difficulties in the 1990s. At this point Ford acquired a 33% controlling interest in the company. Mazda's engineering excellence has been recognised by Ford, and many current Ford model use Mazda engines. Mazda has also benefitted from Ford engineering and adopted several V6 engines from Ford's lineup. Some further collaboration has been seen in the platform sharing. The current Ford Focus, Volvo S40 and Mazda 3 all share the same basic floorpan.

The Mazda lineup
Mazda's current range is comprised almost entirely of conventional piston engined cars. The Mazda 2 is the baby of the group falling neatly into the small and compact hatchback segment, competing with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Corsa. The Mazda 3 is an alternative for the large family hatchback Focus/Astra buyers and the Mazda 6 competes in the family saloon segment. In this tightly contested market segment Mazda's flair for an exciting drive can be
found in a four wheel drive turbocharged 250hp 2 litre variant that is both safe and very exciting to drive. The models continue with the Mazda Tribute and the Premacy models for those who need a 4x4 or a practical people carrier. Sporty drivers are similarly well catered for with the ever excellent MX-5 and the only rotary engined car in the UK Mazda range, the fabulous and uniquely practical Mazda RX-8 four seater coupe.

Whichever Mazda you choose on the second hand market, you can be assured of innovative styling, reliability and superb engineering, all packaged in a car that is immensely satisfying and fun to drive. Zoom zoom