1980 Mazda RX-7 Reviews, Pricing & Specs



































What owners say
"Overall, owners really enjoy the 1980 Mazda RX-7 for its fun driving experience, high-revving rotary engine, and sharp handling. Many love its sporty appearance and the attention it draws. However, some drivers voice concerns about engine reliability, costly repairs, and the difficulty in finding parts. Despite these drawbacks, the car's excitement and performance keep owners coming back for more."
Used this car for daily driver, solo II, travel and just fun. It is pretty much stock (2nd engine, 140,000 miles) with performance suspension and sticky tires. It is a best in class handler with adequate acceleration. Steering is neutral with enough power to induce over steer. The 1.1L rotary will spin up to daylight and provide enough stored inertia that a shift from 4th to 5th will launch you ahead of the Z cars. The same torque makes it rough on clutches. Love this car.
June 23, 2009You just have to love this little sports car. Even though it is fitted with a solid rear axle, it handles wonderfully. Engine reliability is a drawback though, engine problems due to cracked apex seals are costly to fix and limited popularity causes for problematic spares availability.
January 27, 2008I bought this car after it had sat in storage for over 7 years. I cleaned out the gas tank, put a battery in it, and changed the oil. The car started right up. Ended up changing the fuel pump to a high flow Holley, adding a pressure regulator, and replacing a water pump with a leaky gasket. The mods that were already on the car are worth more than I paid, so very happy with my purchase.
April 2, 2015What owners say
Used this car for daily driver, solo II, travel and just fun. It is pretty much stock (2nd engine, 140,000 miles) with performance suspension and sticky tires. It is a best in class handler with adequate acceleration. Steering is neutral with enough power to induce over steer. The 1.1L rotary will spin up to daylight and provide enough stored inertia that a shift from 4th to 5th will launch you ahead of the Z cars. The same torque makes it rough on clutches. Love this car.
June 23, 2009You just have to love this little sports car. Even though it is fitted with a solid rear axle, it handles wonderfully. Engine reliability is a drawback though, engine problems due to cracked apex seals are costly to fix and limited popularity causes for problematic spares availability.
January 27, 2008I bought this car after it had sat in storage for over 7 years. I cleaned out the gas tank, put a battery in it, and changed the oil. The car started right up. Ended up changing the fuel pump to a high flow Holley, adding a pressure regulator, and replacing a water pump with a leaky gasket. The mods that were already on the car are worth more than I paid, so very happy with my purchase.
April 2, 2015Performance: Acceleration from the Mazda 13b engine is brutal when you realize the car is over 30 years old. Handling is effortless through the corners and the ability to put it into a controlled slide is just so much fun. Build Quality: Its a Mazda so you know everything works and works well, right down to the electric windows and electric boot. Appearance: Its a 2 door sports coupe with pop up head lamps. What could be more fun to drive than a 1980 Mazda RX7 with a 9000 RPM redline!
June 8, 2011Fun little sports car to drive around. Its a blast to drive. It revs high and handles well. Not the fastest thing out there but it'll get you some attention. It has a 12a wankel rotary motor. The millage isn't the best i get about 18-20 in town, and parts can be kinda hard to find. But i love every second of it.
July 14, 2008Good performance great stability.....nice punch power a small car with a big heart...great sport car appearance well built bumper to bumper very fast and economic on gas expenses. Maintenance is normal/ oil change and spark plugs and it will rock your spirit.A fun sport car for 2.
August 3, 2009Fun car to drive, especially in the winter :-) Heavy on gas - but again that was in 1992 so you'd get a full tank of gas for $20 Love those rotary engines - wish I had get a turbo for even more fun. First can i bough for $3000 when I got my driver's license, would recommend it - engine is low maintenance.
December 15, 2009I really enjoy this car. I am slowly working on it.
April 14, 2008the acceleration is tuns of fun. Braking is nothing to right home about but at least they work. the car is a little lowed around 40 to 50 but once you at 50 its happy in second gear. this car is really fun to drive!
February 24, 2010I drove in my uncles heavely modded first generation Mazda Rx-7 and left a puddle of sweat on the arm rest! He tuned the car for more than 400hp. He installed a wicked 1500 watt plus sound system with 13 speakers and he even handmade the interior out of materials such as vinal. He disigned the car to have a stealthy feel and look to it.
December 26, 2007