About Used Mazda RX-7 Cars in Utah

The Mazda RX-7 was one of the few classic sports cars to come from Japan. Known for its sleek styling, unique rotary engine and affordable price, the two-door coupe was an instant hit from the moment it was introduced for the 1979 model year. Mazda's devotion to the Wankel rotary engine is one of the more well-known quirks of the auto industry. Through three generations, Mazda made sure that the RX-7 stayed on the cutting edge of design and performance, completely overhauling the car for each model change. Unfortunately, Mazda probably went too far with the final RX-7. Sagging sales forced Mazda to stop importing the RX-7 to the North American market just three years into its product cycle. Though Mazda is currently producing a rotary-powered successor, the four-seat RX-8, many enthusiasts are still hoping the company will bring out an all-new RX-7. Mazda's singular goal for the third and final-generation RX-7 was to create a pure sports car. Launched in 1993, this Mazda RX-7 was still a rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe. The 1993-'95 RX-7 proved to be an impressive all-around performer. The suspension was tuned for the track, and the RX-7 came with many high-performance features, including a limited-slip differential, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic can be found as an option. The suspension on this used car was tight, but also too harsh for everyday driving. Sales lagged, and Mazda dropped the coupe from the U.S. market in 1995. More than a decade later, the last-generation Mazda RX-7 still holds up quite well when compared to more modern sports cars thanks to its exhilarating performance and beautiful styling. The twin-turbo rotary's reputation for durability is less than ideal and many RX-7s of this vintage have been driven hard or modified with aftermarket performance parts. Mazda's intentions with the RX-7 were clear from the very first generation. Sold from 1979-'85, the original RX-7 established the car's DNA as a small, light and fun-to-drive sports coupe. Its 100-hp, 1146cc (1.1-liter) Wankel rotary engine wasn't the most impressive power plant on the market. But a rigid chassis, light curb weight and optimum 50/50 weight distribution gave the RX-7 great handling characteristics. A five-speed manual transmission was standard. A well-equipped GSL trim was added in 1981, but the first major changes didn't come until the introduction of the GSL-SE trim in 1984. That version replaced the 100-hp engine with a 1.3-liter rotary equipped with fuel injection, producing 135 hp and dropping the coupe's 0-60 time into the high 7s. Released in 1986, the second-generation Mazda RX-7 was a complete overhaul of the previous model. This used car has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. And for the first time, it was equipped with an independent rear suspension. Mazda also offered an optional 2+2 seat layout, but the rear seats were more useful for carrying small cargo than people. Later that year, Mazda introduced the first RX-7 Turbo, which featured a turbocharged 1.3-liter rotary that made 182 hp. With 0-60-mph time in the low 6-second range, the RX-7 Turbo finally gave the model lineup superior engine performance to go with the car's impressive handling ability. Capitalizing on the car's popularity, Mazda also released a convertible two-seater in 1988. It was available exclusively with the non-turbo 146-hp engine and a five-speed manual transmission. A year later, Mazda tweaked the rotary engine and bumped the naturally aspirated models up to 160 hp and the Turbo to 200 hp. This used car can be found in many different ‘generations’, each one improving on the next. It is a fun sports car to drive, at a great used car price.