1989 Mazda RX7 Convertible review from North America

A coolant seal went bad internally in motor. Total tear down of motor to replace. Cheap part, expensive labor!!

Probably due to many, many trips to 8,000 RPM.

Wiper control knob only works in low. High and intermediate are dead. Who drives a convertible in the rain anyways?? Occasionally the weather changes in a moment's notice in Oregon which can be frustrating without fine control of wipers.

The resume switch doesn't work, but the rest of the cruise control works perfectly.

Occasionally the passenger window won't go up. It's electric. I take door panel off and use a jumper wire to roll it up. Takes a Phillips screwdriver and 10 min.

My size 12 foot sometimes hits the gas while braking. Bare foot driving is best for me.

I believe the RX7 is rated at 169 H.P. It needs more. I'm researching exhaust and head work to up the motors output.

I've read other coments about the convertible RX7 and find it hard to believe a gentleman 6 feet tall don't fit, even with the top down. I'm 6 feet tall and have ample room. I like the seat laid back quite far and I still have some adjustment backward if needed. No, my legs are not bent 90 degrees. I like my legs stretched out.

I owned a Porsche 1989 944 before the 1989 RX7 and it's a toss up. The Porsche got better gas mileage and is the only thing it does better than the RX7.

With a conventional drive train layout, the RX7 seems almost perfectly balanced. The Porsche's front motor with the trans-axle located in the rear was VERY well balanced. (944s have motors in front, unlike most other models) but not any more than the RX7. I'm sure it's because of the 1.3 Lt motor that my 9 year old son could probably lift by himself, light, very light.

The car performs perfect. Smooth, quick, rips thru the corners and stops on a dime. Great car for 1989 technology!!