Best Car Reviews - 1986 Mazda RX-7

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Introduction

The 1986 Mazda RX-7 introduced the second-generation FC-series rotary sports coupe to North America. Aimed at drivers who wanted sharp rear-wheel-drive handling and distinctive engineering, it combined a compact two-rotor engine with a practical hatchback body and available 2+2 seating. Its smooth-revving rotary character, balanced layout and pop-up-headlamp styling still make it a compelling classic.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1986 Mazda RX-7 moved beyond the previous generation’s angular shape with a more rounded, aerodynamic fastback profile. It remained a low, compact coupe, but its smoother nose, flush-looking surfaces and wider stance gave it a more mature grand-touring appearance. Pop-up headlamps, a large rear glass hatch and a long hood emphasized the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive proportions.

Sleek FC-generation fastback coupe body.
Retractable pop-up headlamps.
Rear hatch for more useful luggage access than a conventional trunk.
Rear-wheel-drive proportions with a long hood and short rear deck.
Alloy wheels and power exterior equipment were available on higher trims.

Interior and Comfort

The RX-7 cabin is driver-focused, with clear analogue instruments, supportive front bucket seats and controls arranged around the steering wheel. Material quality is typical of a well-equipped 1980s Japanese sports coupe: durable rather than luxurious. Front-seat comfort is good for the class, while rear accommodation in 2+2 versions is best reserved for children or occasional use. Equipment varied by trim and could include air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, leather trim and a cassette stereo.

Low, sports-car seating position and a clear gauge layout.
Supportive front bucket seats.
Available 2+2 seating configuration.
Useful hatchback cargo opening.
Higher trims added more convenience and comfort equipment.

Performance and Handling

This U.S.-specification RX-7 uses Mazda’s naturally aspirated 1.3-litre 13B two-rotor engine with electronic fuel injection, rated at 146 hp at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission in this configuration. The rotary engine is unusually smooth and eager at high revs, while the balanced chassis and independent suspension make the RX-7 rewarding on twisty roads. Period Mazda material quoted 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds for a GXL, although that figure should not be treated as a verified automatic-transmission result. The supplied consumption figure is 16.53 l/100 km; EPA-style listings for the four-speed automatic commonly show approximately 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined, or about 15.7, 10.7 and 13.1 l/100 km respectively.

1.3-litre 13B naturally aspirated two-rotor rotary engine.
146 hp and 138 lb-ft in standard naturally aspirated U.S. specification.
Rear-wheel drive and four-speed automatic transmission.
Responsive steering and balanced handling remain major strengths.
Fuel use is high by modern minicompact standards.

Technology and Connectivity

As a 1986 sports car, the RX-7 has no modern infotainment, smartphone integration, navigation or electronic driver-assistance systems. Its technology is mechanical and analogue, centered on electronic fuel injection, comprehensive instrumentation and available convenience equipment. An AM/FM cassette stereo, power antenna and graphic equalizer were offered on some versions.

Electronic fuel injection for the rotary engine.
Analogue speedometer, tachometer and warning instrumentation.
Available AM/FM cassette audio system.
Available power antenna and graphic equalizer.
No factory smartphone connectivity or modern driver aids.

Safety Features

Safety equipment reflects the era. The RX-7 used three-point seat belts, a rigid steel body structure, power-assisted brakes and front disc brakes; brake specifications and rear-disc fitment varied by version and market. Anti-lock braking was not universal equipment, and modern features such as airbags, stability control, rear cameras and automatic emergency braking were not part of the 1986 RX-7 package. A comparable modern crash-test rating is not available for this model.

Three-point seat belts.
Power-assisted braking system.
Front disc brakes.
Steel unibody construction.
No modern airbags, stability control or automated emergency braking.

Pricing and Variants

U.S. period-price listings place the 1986 RX-7 base coupe at approximately $13,154 before destination, taxes and options. Available versions included the Base, 2+2, GXL and 2+2 GXL, with equipment levels varying by market. It competed with cars such as the Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Porsche 924S and Mitsubishi Starion. The RX-7 stood apart through its rotary engine and handling balance, while rivals often offered more conventional engines, more torque or greater practicality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Distinctive, smooth-revving 13B rotary engine.
Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling.
Timeless pop-up-headlamp coupe styling.
Practical hatchback body for a sports car.
Strong enthusiast support and parts knowledge.

Cons

Fuel economy is poor by current standards.
Rotary-engine maintenance requires specialist knowledge.
Automatic transmission reduces the sporting character.
Rear seats are cramped and occasional-use only.
Safety equipment is dated compared with modern cars.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable annual maintenance-cost estimate is not verifiable because these are now classic cars and expense depends heavily on condition, mileage, prior modifications and access to rotary specialists. Prospective owners should budget for preventative maintenance and a pre-purchase rotary compression test. Common owner-reported concerns include apex-seal wear or low compression, overheating and cooling-system neglect, oil metering pump or oil-line problems, ageing ignition components that cause misfires, and worn transmission synchros, clutch components or rear-suspension bushes.

Apex-seal wear and low rotary compression.
Cooling-system faults and overheating risk.
Oil metering pump, oil-line and oil-cooler leaks.
Ignition-system wear, rough running or misfires.
Worn gearbox, clutch or suspension components.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.6/10. Design: 8.5/10; comfort: 7/10; performance: 8/10; technology: 4/10; safety: 5/10. The 1986 Mazda RX-7 earns its score through character, balance and enthusiast appeal, but ownership demands more attention than a conventional piston-engine coupe.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the RX-7’s responsive steering, smooth engine and memorable styling, while also stressing that its condition and maintenance history matter more than the odometer reading alone.

Owners value the light, communicative rear-wheel-drive chassis.
The rotary engine is praised for smoothness and willingness to rev.
Many consider the exterior design a lasting classic.
Fuel and oil consumption are frequent ownership complaints.
Buyers consistently recommend a rotary-specific compression test before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

1986 Toyota MR2
1986 Nissan 300ZX
1986 Porsche 924S
1986 Toyota Supra
1986 Mitsubishi Starion

Summary

The 1986 Mazda RX-7 is best suited to an enthusiast who values analogue handling, rotary-engine character and classic Japanese sports-coupe design. It is not the cheapest or simplest classic to run, especially with an automatic transmission, but a well-maintained example offers a distinctive and enjoyable alternative to more conventional 1980s performance cars.