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20 Forgotten Mazda Cars That Were Way Cooler Than They Should’ve Been

Cameron Eittreim June 13, 2025

Mazda has always marched to the beat of its own drum, daring to innovate where others played it safe. While legends like the MX-5 Miata grab headlines, the brand’s history is packed with unique, underrated models that rarely get their moment in the spotlight. From rotary-powered oddities to quirky hatchbacks and bold concept cars, Mazda’s past is full of visionary vehicles that were way cooler than anyone expected. Join us as we uncover 20 forgotten Mazda cars that deserve far more attention for their ingenuity—and undeniable cool factor.

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1. Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S)

The Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S) burst onto the scene in 1967, instantly distinguishing itself with space-age looks and the revolutionary Wankel rotary engine. This was Mazda’s first foray into rotary power, making it a true pioneer among Japanese sports cars. Its smooth, high-revving engine and lightweight chassis gave it a unique driving character, rivaling icons like the Toyota 2000GT. Despite its limited production numbers, the Cosmo Sport became a symbol of Mazda’s boundary-pushing engineering. It remains a cult classic for enthusiasts who appreciate innovation and style.

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2. Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe

The Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe debuted in 1969, featuring elegant styling crafted by famed Italian designer Bertone. Beneath its sophisticated exterior, the Luce packed Mazda’s advanced rotary engine, delivering smooth performance and a unique character. Targeting the luxury coupe market against names like Mercedes and Alfa Romeo, it offered a blend of European flair and Japanese innovation. Yet, despite its pedigree, the Luce Rotary Coupe remains a hidden treasure, rarely seen outside its native Japan.

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3. Mazda RX-3 (Savanna)

The Mazda RX-3, also known as the Savanna, hit the streets in 1971 and quickly gained a reputation for its nimble handling and rotary-powered punch. Competing fiercely against the Datsun 510 and Ford Escort in motorsports, the RX-3 became a favorite among racers for its lightweight construction and impressive agility. It carved out a loyal following on the track yet never quite matched the global stardom of the later RX-7. Today, the RX-3 stands as a forgotten hero in Mazda’s rotary lineage.

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4. Mazda Capella Rotary (RX-2)

The Mazda RX-2, known in some markets as the Capella Rotary, brought unexpected performance to the world of sedans in the 1970s. With its lively rotary engine and affordable price tag, the RX-2 made spirited driving accessible to everyone. It quietly built a cult following, especially among grassroots racers who loved its blend of practicality and power. Despite its racing credentials, the RX-2 often found itself overshadowed by Mazda’s flashier sports coupes.

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5. Mazda Roadpacer AP

The Mazda Roadpacer AP stands as one of the quirkiest chapters in Mazda’s rotary experiment. In the 1970s, Mazda transplanted its rotary engine into a large, Holden-sourced luxury sedan—resulting in a car that was both underpowered and thirsty. Despite its lackluster performance, the Roadpacer boasted cutting-edge tech for the era, including a dictation machine and electric windows. It’s an unforgettable oddball, a testament to Mazda’s willingness to try the unconventional, even if the results were more eccentric than practical.

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6. Mazda Familia Presto Rotary

The Mazda Familia Presto Rotary put a unique spin on the compact car formula by dropping a rotary engine into its efficient, lightweight body. This little hatchback delivered surprisingly lively performance for its size, offering more excitement than its economy-minded rivals. Nevertheless, it struggled to gain traction in a market dominated by conventional engines and was soon overshadowed by bigger names. The Familia Presto remains a cool curiosity in Mazda’s diverse rotary lineup.

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7. Mazda RX-4 (Luce Rotary)

The Mazda RX-4, also known as the Luce Rotary, entered the scene in the mid-1970s as a stylish blend of luxury and rotary performance. Positioned to compete with European brands like BMW and Mercedes, it offered a more refined ride than its RX-3 sibling. With sleek lines and upscale features, the RX-4 was poised for success, yet it never gained widespread recognition outside Japan. Today, it’s a hidden gem for those who value under-the-radar sophistication.

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8. Mazda Parkway Rotary 26

The Mazda Parkway Rotary 26 holds the distinction of being the world’s only rotary-powered bus, launched in 1974. With its smooth-running engine, the Parkway stood as a bold demonstration of Mazda’s willingness to defy convention—even in commercial vehicles. While it proved impractical for everyday transit due to fuel economy, its existence highlights Mazda’s relentless pursuit of engineering novelty. It’s a fascinating chapter in the brand’s rotary legacy that few outside Japan remember.

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9. Mazda RX-500

The Mazda RX-500 is a true icon among concept cars. Unveiled in 1970, it stunned the world with its gullwing doors, futuristic wedge-shaped body, and mid-mounted rotary engine. Designed to showcase Mazda’s forward-thinking engineering and performance dreams, the RX-500 featured innovative elements like color-coded rear lights that displayed braking or acceleration. Although it never reached production, this showstopper continues to turn heads at auto museums and special events. The RX-500 stands as a bold testament to Mazda’s creative vision and ambition.

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10. Mazda 323 GT-X

The Mazda 323 GT-X emerged in the late 1980s as a true sleeper hot hatch. Equipped with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, it was a direct rival to rally-bred legends like the Lancia Delta and VW Golf GTI. With its robust rally heritage and surprisingly advanced technology, the 323 GT-X delivered thrilling performance in an unassuming package. It remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts craving discreet speed and all-weather capability.

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11. Mazda 929 Coupe

The Mazda 929 Coupe was a refined grand tourer offered through the 1980s and early ’90s. Powered by a smooth V6 and packed with luxury touches, it aimed to challenge rivals like the Toyota Cressida and Nissan Maxima. Despite its comfortable ride and upscale features, the 929 Coupe remained quietly under the radar, never achieving mainstream popularity. Today, it stands as an elegant yet easily overlooked chapter in Mazda’s pursuit of premium comfort.

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12. Mazda Eunos Cosmo

The Mazda Eunos Cosmo represents one of the brand’s crowning achievements in tech and luxury. Offered exclusively in Japan from 1990 to 1995, it boasted a remarkable triple-rotor rotary engine—the only production car ever to do so. Inside, drivers found cutting-edge features like touchscreen controls and advanced infotainment, rivaling the best from Lexus and Infiniti at the time. Despite its futuristic appeal, the Cosmo was never widely exported, making it a rare gem for those who appreciate Mazda’s boldest innovations.

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13. Mazda MX-3

The Mazda MX-3 brought a dose of excitement to the compact coupe scene in the 1990s. It famously housed the world’s smallest production V6 engine, combining high-revving performance with a nimble, well-balanced chassis. With its distinct styling and agile handling, the MX-3 was a fun alternative to the Honda CR-X. Yet, it never quite received the recognition it deserved, quietly becoming a hidden treasure among ’90s sporty compacts.

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14. Mazda MX-6 GT

The Mazda MX-6 GT made waves in the late ’80s as a turbocharged front-wheel-drive coupe that blended performance with everyday comfort. Going head-to-head with the likes of the Toyota Celica and Ford Probe, the MX-6 GT featured lively acceleration, responsive handling, and a surprisingly refined ride. Despite cultivating a loyal enthusiast base, this sporty coupe gradually slipped into obscurity. Today, the MX-6 GT stands as a compelling yet often forgotten option in the era’s fun-to-drive segment.

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15. Mazda 626 Coupe

The Mazda 626 Coupe of the 1980s delivered European-inspired styling and crisp handling to the midsize segment. Drivers appreciated its blend of sophistication and sportiness, making it a standout among family coupes. However, as the decade progressed, mainstream favorites like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry overshadowed the 626 Coupe. Today, it remains a seldom-remembered choice for those who value understated elegance and driver-focused design.

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16. Mazda Millenia S

The Mazda Millenia S is a standout from the ’90s executive car world, thanks to its innovative Miller-cycle supercharged V6 engine. This rare powerplant delivered smooth, efficient performance while maintaining refined luxury—at a price far below its European competitors. Originally intended as Mazda’s premium flagship, the Millenia S offered advanced features and plush comfort, but struggled to find widespread recognition. It remains a hidden gem for those seeking sophistication and engineering intrigue without the usual price tag.

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17. Mazda Xedos 6

The Mazda Xedos 6 was Mazda’s bold entry into the compact executive sedan market, targeting Europe in the 1990s. With its elegant lines and sporty, responsive handling, the Xedos 6 set its sights on rivals like the BMW 3 Series. Despite its premium aspirations and refined driving experience, the model remained a rare sight outside select European markets, making it a true collector’s curiosity today.

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18. Mazda AZ-1

The Mazda AZ-1, marketed under the Autozam brand, is a standout from Japan’s early ’90s kei car craze. This microcar turned heads with its gullwing doors and mid-engine configuration—features usually reserved for exotic supercars. Despite its tiny size, the AZ-1 delivered razor-sharp handling and a joyful driving experience, earning a devoted following among enthusiasts. Today, it’s celebrated as a cult classic, cherished for its quirky looks, rare engineering, and undeniable fun factor.

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19. Mazda Speed3 (Mazdaspeed Axela)

The Mazdaspeed3 (also known as the Mazdaspeed Axela) brought serious firepower to the hot hatch scene. With its turbocharged engine and razor-sharp handling, it consistently outpaced competitors like the VW GTI and Ford Focus ST. Drivers loved its explosive acceleration and playful driving dynamics, making it a favorite for thrill-seekers. Yet, despite its impressive credentials and strong enthusiast base, the Mazdaspeed3 has slipped into relative obscurity, deserving far more attention than it receives today.

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20. Mazda MX-5 NB Coupe

The Mazda MX-5 NB Coupe is perhaps the ultimate hidden treasure in Mazda’s lineup—a fixed-roof version of the iconic roadster, sold only in Japan and produced in extremely limited numbers. With its sleek silhouette and extra practicality, it offered a fresh twist on the beloved Miata formula. Today, the NB Coupe stands as a rare collector’s prize, embodying Mazda’s spirit of innovation and individuality. As we revisit these forgotten marvels, it’s clear Mazda’s history is packed with creativity worth rediscovering.
Which of these cool Mazdas would you want in your garage?

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20 Forgotten Mazda Cars That Were Way Cooler Than They Should’ve Been

1. Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S)

2. Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe

3. Mazda RX-3 (Savanna)

4. Mazda Capella Rotary (RX-2)

5. Mazda Roadpacer AP

6. Mazda Familia Presto Rotary

7. Mazda RX-4 (Luce Rotary)

8. Mazda Parkway Rotary 26

9. Mazda RX-500

10. Mazda 323 GT-X

11. Mazda 929 Coupe

12. Mazda Eunos Cosmo

13. Mazda MX-3

14. Mazda MX-6 GT

15. Mazda 626 Coupe

16. Mazda Millenia S

17. Mazda Xedos 6

18. Mazda AZ-1

19. Mazda Speed3 (Mazdaspeed Axela)

20. Mazda MX-5 NB Coupe

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