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.