| Sporty/performance car; Built in Japan |
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| Good condition price range: $4,800 – $10,000* |
1993 Mazda RX-7 2-door coupe
1993 Mazda RX-7 2-door coupe
1993 Mazda RX-7 interior
1995 Mazda RX-7 2-door coupe
1994 Mazda RX-7 2-door coupe
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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.
Overview
Launched as an early ’93 model, the third-generation RX-7 adopted a back-to basics approach that was reminiscent of the original 1978-85 model. The convertible and the closed 2+2 coupe were gone, leaving a lighter, more-potent hatchback coupe with fresh styling.
The rear-wheel-drive layout and 1.3-liter rotary engine were retained from the second generation, but twin turbochargers boosted horsepower to 255. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed. The RX-7’s wheelbase was little-changed, but overall length shrunk by 1.4 inches. The car was 2.4 inches wider and 1.4 inches lower than before. Base curb weight dropped by some 190 pounds, compared to the old Turbo.
A driver’s airbag, all-disc antilock braking, and limited-slip differential were standard. The performance-minded R-1 option added dual oil coolers and body spoilers, but was not available with the luxury-oriented Touring Package. That option group included leather seats, a power sunroof, Bose speakers, and cruise controls in the steering-wheel hub.
Yearly Updates
| 1994 RX-7 Improvements this year included a new “one-touch” feature for the driver’s window, plus map pockets. Dual airbags were installed, and a softer suspension setting aimed to reduce ride harshness over bumps–especially in the base and Touring editions. Dashboards were revised slightly. A new option group put popular features into a single package. Three major option groups were offered: Luxury-oriented Touring (now with a power steel sunroof rather than glass); Performance (now called R-2); and Popular Equipment (sunroof, leather, and a rear cargo cover). |
| 1995 RX-7 Not many changes were evident for 1995, as the RX-7 began to fade out of Mazda’s lineup, a victim of sluggish sales. The car’s standard air conditioning unit switches to CFC-free refrigerant. The Touring Package was dropped, but leather seats, a cargo cover, and a power steel sunroof remained available in the optional Popular Equipment Group. Red leather upholstery no longer was offered. An R-2 performance package also remained available, featuring a firmer suspension, dual oil coolers, rear spoiler, front air dam, and Z-rated tires. |
