1990-1992 Mazda RX-7: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Handling
- Antilock brakes (Turbo)
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
Back in the 1970s, Mazda had virtually initiated the marketing of rotary-engined automobiles. By 1990, the sole remaining example in the U.S. market was the rear-drive RX-7 sports car, having been redesigned for 1986. Cosmetic freshening and mechanical improvements took place during the 1989 model year, so the 1990 model was essentially a carryover, except for adding a driver's airbag to the convertible. The 1990 lineup included GTU, GTU S, and GXL hatchback 2-passenger coupes, a GXL 2+2 hatchback (with a back seat), plus a Turbo coupe and a convertible. All RX-7 models with a 1.3-liter rotary engine. Only the regular hatchback coupe could be turbocharged. The normally aspirated version of the twin-rotor engine was rated at 160 horsepower. Turbos produced 200 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional, except for the Turbo which was manual shift only. All-disc brakes were standard. Antilock brakes were offered only on the Turbo, where they were standard. A driver's airbag was installed only on convertibles; others had motorized seatbelts.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda RX-7 Turbo Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mazda RX:
GTU, GTU S, and GXL model designations were abandoned for 1991, leaving Mazda's rotary-engined sports car with a single trim level. The slow-selling 2+2 coupe was dropped too, leaving only the 2-passenger hatchback coupe and convertible. Only the coupe was available in Turbo form. Mazda's option list dwindled, as accessories were grouped into two packages. Air conditioning was standard on all models.
1992 Mazda RX:
Scheduled for replacement by a redesigned model early in 1992, there was no official '92 model. Dealers continued to sell the 1991 versions.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Eclipsed in the early '90s by the new Miata, the RX-7 is just as sporty as that 2-seater and markedly more luxurious. Though unique and appealing on the basis of engineering, the RX-7's rotary engine suffers from dull low-end response when teamed with an automatic transmission. Accelerating to 60 mph took a leisurely 10.4 seconds. Manual shift makes much better use of the engine's high-revving character. Hooked to the 5-speed, it delivers abundant acceleration. In Turbo form, performance is downright thrilling. Fuel economy is disappointing with either transmission. When these cars were new, we averaged only 15.4 mpg in an equal mix of city and highway driving. Like most high-performance sports cars, the RX-7 yields a rather harsh ride, thanks to its firm suspension and stiff, performance-oriented tires. You can expect a jiggly experience even on smooth pavement, and serious roughness on pockmarked surfaces. Sharp, responsively agile handling, on the other hand, more than makes up for that drawback and ranks as one of the RX-7's top virtues. Interiors are well laid out with convenient controls and readable gauges. Leg room in the small cockpit is ample, but people over 5-foot-10 or so might find their head clearance tight. They'll have to recline their backrest to avoid the ceiling.
Value for the Money
Sales began to sag for the RX-7 by the end of the 1980s, when Mazda's Miata 2-seater, with a conventional powertrain, went on sale as an early '90 model. Despite still-high prices, though, an RX-7 stacks up well against the competition of its time.
Sales began to sag for the RX-7 by the end of the 1980s, when Mazda's Miata 2-seater, with a conventional powertrain, went on sale as an early '90 model. Despite still-high prices, though, an RX-7 stacks up well against the competition of its time.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda RX-7 Turbo Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda RX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda RX .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Manual transmission:
Turbo-equipped models have a flat spot in acceleration between 3500-4000 rpm because the hole for the wastegate vacuum is too small and must be enlarged. (1990-91)
Oil leak:
The rear stationary gear seal (analogous to a rear main seal) may leak oil. (1990-92)
Oil leak:
An oil leak near the transmission-shift lever causes an oil smell inside the car. (1990-91)
Rough idle:
The idle won't stabilize (varies up and down) unless an orifice is installed in the idle-air bypass valve. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $350 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,055 |
| Brakes | $400 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $670 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,400 |
| Exhaust System | $305 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $640 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda RX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1992 | |||
| RX-7 | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1991 | |||
| RX-7 | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| RX-7 Convertible | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1990 | |||
| RX-7 | $1,400-2,000 | $900-1,300 | $200 |
| RX-7 Convertible | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda RX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2+2 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.7 | 95.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.9 | 169.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 49.8 | 49.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3045 | 2888 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 4.1 | 6.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 37.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.7 | 43.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | 33 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Mazda's 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine came in regular or turbocharged form, developing 160 or 200 horsepower, respectively. Turbo models came only with 5-speed manual shift, but other RX-7s could have an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 2-rotor Wankel | 1.3 / 80 | 160 | 140 | 5-speed manual: 16/25 4-speed automatic: 17/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged 2-rotor Wankel | 1.3 / 80 | 200 | 195 | 5-speed manual: 16/24 | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda RX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Mazda RX-7 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990 RX-7:
Damaged threaded inflated inflator components may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the airbag; could allow hot combustion gases to escape into passenger compartment.
1990-91 RX-7:
Rail of automatic shoulder belt can wear, causing cable that retracts the buckle assembly to become jammed.
1992 RX-7 w/accessory hood:
Hook on hood striker for Mazda Speed Resinous hoods, sold as accessories, may separate from base plate at welded portion; hood may open suddenly.
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