1990 Mazda RX7 GXL review from North America

Driveshaft grinded @ 145400 miles.

Thermostat housing cover leaked, needed replacement.

Rusted exhaust pipe.

The idle has been a problem ever since the air conditioning system was replaced, car dies at every other stop, especially after freeway driving.

Taillight cracked.

Hatch cover (basically generic corrugated cardboard) split in the middle.

This RX-7 GXL has been fortunate enough to be as pampered as it has been, I've purchased a new air conditioning system, driveshaft, exhaust system, and countless replacement parts.

Owned it for over a year in which over $4000 was spent just on parts/service.

First of all, I purchased the automatic because the engine was recently rebuilt, I didn't realize the mistake I had just made.

The automatic transmission doesn't do the rotary engine any justice, the acceleration is just horrendous, 0-60 MPH in just 10.1 seconds, compared to 7.2 on the standard transmission.

Fuel economy is a miserable 12.3 miles per gallon, mostly city driving.

Air conditioning is not impressive, then again the RX-7 was never meant to have air conditioning (but try owning a daily driver in Texas without air conditioning, you probably won't want to).

The suspension is as hard as a rock, although you can feel the slightest road imperfection, it is very stable and firm footed.

The cargo space is very limited (6 cubic feet), you can't go to the store for mostly anything. in this car.

The power sliding sun roof is a nice touch, in addition to the suspension adjuster.

Mazda of North America should be shunned for their discontinuation of various vital 89-91 RX-7 parts including the notorious cargo hatch cover ($310, if you could find one) and the tail light assembly ($375 each).

If you're in the market for a 2nd generation RX-7, make sure it's a 5 speed, and make sure you have enough money to keep up with it (hey, it's a sports car) and be aware that you will have a very difficult time selling one if you ever decide to.