5. Mazda RX-7 (First Generation SA/FB, 1978-1985)
When the RX-7 appeared in 1978, it distilled Mazda’s rotary expertise into a razor-sharp two-door coupe. The two-rotor 12A engine—initially rated at 100 horsepower but quickly nudged to 135 hp—powered a car weighing barely 2,200 pounds, yielding a remarkably lively experience. What set the RX-7 apart was its chassis: independent suspension all around, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and a finely tuned power steering system.
Critics lauded its cornering poise, steering feedback, and the throaty rotary growl at revs. By democratizing a sports car that was both reliable and exhilarating, the first-gen RX-7 laid the foundation for Mazda’s long-term success in offering genuinely affordable performance.