1993-1995 Mazda RX-7: Road Test

This is a car for shoppers who value performance over comfort. A potent turbocharged engine, razor-sharp handling talents, and head-turning styling make the RX-7 a joy for the serious driver--provided that driver can afford the tariff. Mazda called this generation a more "honest" sports car with fewer unsporting frills than its immediate predecessor. Acceleration is nothing short of exhilarating, though turbo boost sometimes turns up in a sudden, unexpected rush of power that can catch the unwary driver off guard. A test 5-speed RX-7 zoomed to 60 mph in a sizzling 5.9 seconds. Not quite so appealing was its fuel mileage, averaging just 15.3 mpg from an even mix of driving on expressways and surface streets. Premium gasoline is required, adding to the everyday driving cost. Handling is quick and responsive, virtually free of body lean. Brakes are powerful, able to bring this coupe to a halt with excellent control and nearly no nosedive. An even 50/50 weight distribution between front and rear allows the RX-7 to change direction with flawless balance and control. Tenacious road grip on dry pavement inspires confidence. Find yourself on wet roads, however, and caution is mandatory because the rear tires can lose traction easily. The ride is stiff on all roads and harsh on rough surfaces--even with the softer suspension installed for '94. That gets tiring on long drives. Wind noise is low at highway speeds, but tires and suspensions thump and bump loudly, on all but unblemished surfaces. Engine noise is prominent, if pleasant to hear. Space is adequate for two. Cabin comfort is fine for shorter folks, but tall ones are likely to find head room limited. Seats are narrow and lanky drivers may find their knees colliding with the non-adjustable steering wheel. The dashboard is clean and convenient, but the cargo bay holds only a couple of small suitcases. Entry and exit demand the usual sports-car gymnastics.

Value for the Money
By the time the car hit its final season, the base price had hit $36,500. Expensive when new, secondhand RX-7 coupes tend to be rather high-priced even with plenty of miles on their odometers. Mazda had only a couple of real rivals in the early '90s, including the Toyota Supra Turbo and Nissan 300ZX Turbo. We recommend it over a Corvette, 300ZX and other high-end sports cars--provided you value high performance over comfort.