Best Mazda Cars: Top 7 Mazda Cars of All Time

Best Mazda Cars: Top 7 Mazda Cars of All Time

If you’ve been thinking of buying a new, used, or classic Mazda car for sale, you might be wondering about the best Mazda cars to buy.

After all, Mazda has been building some seriously impressive cars for decades and continues to do so to this day.

From rotary-powered sports cars and striking concept cars to classic roadsters and the recent wave of sporty crossovers, the automaker has been wowing the automotive industry for ages with fun-to-drive cars designed and engineered to excite.

The Best Mazda Cars, Past and Present

So, what are the best Mazda cars of all time? And what are the best modern Mazda models to buy today?

Here are our top seven picks for the best Mazda cars, past and present:

Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (1967-1972)

Mazda’s first rotary-powered car also happened to be one of the coolest and most technologically advanced cars of its era. The Mazda Cosmo Sport, or Cosmo 110S, was powered by a 982cc twin-rotor engine that produced 110 hp, making it one of the most powerful cars in its class at the time.

It was also ahead of its time in terms of styling, with a sleek and futuristic design that would eventually inspire other Japanese manufacturers.

Mazda RX-7 (1978-2002)

The Mazda RX-7 is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time, and for good reason. It was powered by a unique Mazda rotary engine that made it light and nimble yet surprisingly powerful.

Mazda’s top-selling sports coupe was produced over three generations, with each generation offering greater performance than the last.

The RX-7 was first powered by a 1.2-liter 12A two-rotor engine, with the famous 13B two-rotor added in the GSL-SE trim during the later years of the first generation or FB generation.

The second-generation FC3S, or simply FC RX-7, came standard with a naturally aspirated 13B, with a Turbo II model adding a turbocharger, top-mount intercooler and hood scoop. An RX-7 convertible model joined the coupe during the last few years of FC RX-7 production.

The high-performance FD3S or FD RX-7 brought this Mazda coupe back to the basics as a lightweight, agile sports car. But this time, it was powered by an advanced sequential twin-turbocharged 13B rotary engine.

The third-generation Mazda RX-7 FD model was discontinued in most markets by the mid-1990s but soldiered on in Japan until 2002, with the end of production marked by the Spirit R editions.

Eunos Cosmo (1991-1995)

The Eunos Cosmo was Mazda’s flagship model during the early 1990s, and it remains one of the most interesting cars the company has ever produced. It was a true luxury car, with features like a premium leather interior and active suspension. It even offered an embedded navigation system that was ahead of its time.

The 1990s Eunos Cosmo is the only Mazda production vehicle that was offered with an available twin-turbocharged three-rotor engine in place of a standard twin-turbo two-rotor engine. Unfortunately, the Cosmo’s high price tag meant it didn’t sell particularly well, but it was a truly special car for those lucky enough to have owned one.

Mazda3 (2004-Present)

The Mazda3 is one of the most popular compact cars on the market, thanks to its stylish design, impressive fuel economy and sporty handling. It’s available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, so there’s something for everyone.

It also spawned two generations of high-performance, turbocharged variants called the Mazdaspeed3. Whether you’re looking for a practical daily driver or a fun weekend adventure car, the Mazda3 is a great choice.

Mazda RX-8 (Series 2, 2009-2011)

The Mazda RX-8 was introduced in 2004 as a spiritual successor to the FD RX-7. It featured a new naturally aspirated Renesis 1.3-liter rotary engine, allowing it to rev smoothly and produce peak power up to its 9,000-RPM redline.

This rotary coupe was available in both manual and automatic transmission options, and could seat up to four people thanks to a 2+2 seating configuration, complete with distinctive rear-hinged or suicide doors.

The Series 2 Mazda RX-8 debuted for the 2009 model year with an upgraded Renesis 13B rotary engine and a host of other mechanical enhancements and styling updates. The R3 and Spirit R editions were the sportiest and rarest editions available and marked the end of the Mazda rotary engine’s run as a production powertrain.

Unfortunately, the RX-8 was discontinued in most markets by 2011 due to poor sales and stringent emission regulations. However, it remains one of the most fun-to-drive cars ever produced by Mazda.

Mazda CX-5 (2013-Present)

If you need more space than what the Mazda3 offers, but don’t want to sacrifice much in the way of fuel economy, then check out the Mazda CX-5. With its stylish good looks, excellent driving dynamics and well-equipped interior, the CX-5 is sure to please even the most discerning drivers.

These compact crossover SUVs are powered by a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter Skyactiv inline 4-cylinder engine with plenty of power on tap when needed. The second generation of the Mazda CX-5 debuted an available turbocharged version of Mazda’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv powertrain, providing even greater performance than the standard naturally aspirated inline-four engine.

Since its debut for the 2013 model year, the CX-5 has become Mazda’s best-selling model by a significant margin. So, not only is it one of the most engaging and sporty SUVs around, but it has helped Mazda pay the bills and continue building fun and exciting cars like the next car on our list: the MX-5 Miata roadster.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989-Present)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is often credited with reviving the small, lightweight sports car, and has gained a cult following among enthusiasts. This affordable roadster has proven to be very reliable, making it a great choice for those who want a dependable yet fun daily driver.

It’s the quintessential roadster: lightweight, agile and incredibly fun to drive with the top down or up. And with four generations of Miata to choose from, there’s something here for every roadster fan.

The iconic Mazda Miata is one of the most popular sports cars ever made. It’s also been incredibly successful in motorsports, winning countless races and championships over the years, even spawning Miata-only race series. Along with rotary cars like the RX-7, the Miata has cemented Mazda’s reputation as a builder of great sports cars.

The latest generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most advanced yet, with a revised suspension that makes it even more responsive and fun to drive. It’s also still available with a manual transmission, something that’s become increasingly rare today. If you’re seeking a superb sports car that won’t bust your budget, the Miata is the perfect choice.

So, there you have it, our list of the best Mazda cars. Maybe we missed one, or perhaps an upcoming Mazda model will soon join the list. Still, it would be tough to argue with these seven models as the top Mazda cars of all time.

Stay tuned to the MazdaMotoring blog for Mazda news, car reviews, and the Mazda Gem of the Day. And check out the MazdaMotoring auctions and classified ad listings to see some cool Mazda cars for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Mazda Car to Buy?

The best Mazda car to buy depends on several personal factors. However, two top options are the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mazda CX-5. The MX-5 Miata is an agile, fun and reliable roadster that’s been around since the 1990 model year and is now in its fourth generation. The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV is a top-selling Mazda model, offering a sporty driving experience with impressive versatility.

What’s the Most High-Performance Mazda Car?

The third-generation Mazda RX-7 is still considered the most high-performance Mazda car ever made. Its legendary performance comes from its lightweight chassis, twin-turbocharged rotary engine and low-slung design. With 255 horsepower and weighing a mere 2,800 pounds, the Mazda RX-7 FD could sprint from zero to 60 mph in as little as 4.9 seconds and top the lap times of most of its contemporaries.