The best Mazda RX-7 model year is 1995, the last of the third-generation FD: a 255 hp twin turbo rotary, 4 complaints and 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA, and a Hagerty #3 (Good) value of about $42,500. The FD (1993-1995) is the best generation overall; the second generation FC (1986-1991) is the best value, with a Turbo II at about $19,100 to $20,600; and the first generation FB (1979-1985) is the cheapest, at about $9,200 to $10,200. Kelley Blue Book does not list the RX-7, so values are from Hagerty.
Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $10,200 typical for a #3 (Good) 1979 RX-7, range $8,233 to $16,067
Buyers who want the original 1979 RX-7 at $10,200
Pick by what you want
Best overall
1995 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Cheapest FD
1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Best value Turbo
1991 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (FC3S)
Cheapest RX-7
1988 Mazda RX-7 GXL (FC3S)
Original 1979
1979 Mazda RX-7 GS (SA22C)
The ranking
1
1995 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best FD: 4 complaints, 2 recalls.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $42,500 typical for a #3 (Good) 1995 RX-7, range $35,567 to $48,667Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 255 hp twin turbo rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 1995 RX-7 (a brake vacuum check valve campaign and a hood latch campaign on accessory hoods)NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1995 RX-7Auction sales: 45 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1995 RX-7 is the last FD, with Hagerty's 1308cc 255 hp twin turbo rotary. Hagerty values a #3 (Good) car at about $42,500, range $35,567 to $48,667, and 45 sold at auction in three years. NHTSA lists 4 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, a brake vacuum check valve campaign and a hood latch campaign on accessory hoods. Hagerty's FD guide says only 500 were sold.
Go ifBuyers who want the last and rarest FD with the cleanest NHTSA record
Skip ifYou want to spend under $41,200
Why #1 over #2: It lists 4 complaints versus 19 for the 1994, at the same $42,500.
2
1994 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe same Hagerty value as the 1995, with more complaints.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $42,500 typical for a #3 (Good) 1994 RX-7, range $35,567 to $48,667Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 255 hp twin turbo rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 1994 RX-7 (a radiator cap campaign, a fuel hose campaign, a brake vacuum check valve campaign and a hood latch campaign on accessory hoods)NHTSA complaints: 19 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 RX-7Auction sales: 151 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1994 RX-7 is the same FD, valued by Hagerty at about $42,500 at #3 (Good), range $35,567 to $48,667, with 151 sold at auction in three years. NHTSA lists 19 complaints and 4 recall campaigns: a radiator cap campaign, a fuel hose campaign, a brake vacuum check valve campaign and a hood latch campaign on accessory hoods.
Go ifBuyers who want an FD with 19 complaints and the same Hagerty value as the 1995
Skip ifYou want the fewest recalls
Why #2 over #3: It lists 19 complaints versus 98 for the 1993, at $42,500 versus $41,200.
3
1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Photo: DestinationFearFan / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest FD, with 98 complaints.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $41,200 typical for a #3 (Good) 1993 RX-7, range $34,467 to $47,600Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 255 hp twin turbo rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 1993 RX-7 (a radiator cap campaign, a fuel hose campaign, a brake vacuum check valve campaign and a hood latch campaign on accessory hoods)NHTSA complaints: 98 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1993 RX-7, 38 of them about the engine and engine coolingAuction sales: 283 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1993 RX-7 is the first FD and the cheapest, about $41,200 at #3 (Good) with a range of $34,467 to $47,600, and the most-sold FD at auction, 283 in three years. NHTSA lists 98 complaints, 38 about the engine and engine cooling, and the same 4 recall campaigns as the 1994.
Go ifBuyers who want the first FD at the lowest FD price, from $41,200
Skip ifYou want few NHTSA complaints
Why #3 over #4: It is a 255 hp FD at about $41,200 versus a 200 hp 1991 FC at $20,600.
4
1991 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (FC3S)
Photo: Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best FC, at $20,600.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $20,600 typical for a #3 (Good) 1991 RX-7, range $16,900 to $27,033Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 200 hp turbo rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 1991 RX-7 (a front seat belt webbing campaign)NHTSA complaints: 23 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1991 RX-7, 13 of them about seat beltsAuction sales: 39 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1991 RX-7 Turbo II is the last FC, with Hagerty's 1308cc 200 hp turbo rotary, valued at about $20,600 at #3 (Good), range $16,900 to $27,033. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign, a front seat belt webbing campaign, and 23 complaints, 13 of them about seat belts.
Go ifBuyers who want the last and most powerful FC Turbo II for about half the FD price
Skip ifYou want 255 hp or a clean complaint record
Why #4 over #5: It has a confirmed NHTSA record, unlike the 1989, at $20,600 versus $20,100.
5
1989 Mazda RX-7 (FC3S)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA cheaper 200 hp FC.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $20,100 typical for a #3 (Good) 1989 RX-7, range $16,533 to $26,267Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 200 hp turbo rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 1989 RX-7, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA complaint lookup returned no results for the 1989 RX-7Auction sales: 25 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1989 RX-7 Turbo II is valued by Hagerty at about $20,100 at #3 (Good), range $16,533 to $26,267, with a 200 hp 1308cc turbo rotary after the late-1989 power increase Hagerty describes. NHTSA returned no recall or complaint data, so those could not be confirmed; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want an FC Turbo II from $20,100 with the late-1989 power increase
Skip ifYou want a confirmed NHTSA record
Why #5 over #6: It has 200 hp at about $20,100 versus 182 hp at $19,100 for the 1986 Turbo.
6
1986 Mazda RX-7 Turbo (FC3S)
Photo: Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest FC turbo.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $19,100 typical for a #3 (Good) 1986 RX-7, range $15,533 to $25,233Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 182 hp turbo rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 1986 RX-7, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA complaint lookup returned no results for the 1986 RX-7Auction sales: 20 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1986 RX-7 Turbo is the first FC turbo, with the 182 hp 1308cc turbo rotary, valued by Hagerty at about $19,100 at #3 (Good), range $15,533 to $25,233, with 20 sold at auction in three years. NHTSA recall and complaint data could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want the first FC turbo at the lowest FC turbo price, $19,100
Skip ifYou want the 200 hp of the later cars
Why #6 over #7: It has a turbo engine at about $19,100 versus a 146 hp non-turbo 1988 FC at $9,400.
7
1988 Mazda RX-7 GXL (FC3S)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest FC.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $9,400 typical for a #3 (Good) 1988 RX-7, range $7,767 to $12,667Power: 2dr coupe, 1308cc 146 hp rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 1988 RX-7, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA complaint lookup returned no results for the 1988 RX-7Auction sales: 121 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1988 RX-7 GXL is a non-turbo FC with Hagerty's 146 hp 1308cc rotary, valued at about $9,400 at #3 (Good), range $7,767 to $12,667, with 121 sold at auction in three years. Hagerty says the FC offered independent rear suspension with discs at all four corners. NHTSA recall and complaint data could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want an FC with independent rear suspension and four-wheel discs for $9,400
Skip ifYou want the turbocharged engine
Why #7 over #8: It has an FC chassis and 146 hp at about $9,400 versus 135 hp in the GSL-SE FB at $9,200.
8
1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE (FB)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best FB.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $9,200 typical for a #3 (Good) 1985 RX-7, range $7,533 to $14,867Power: Hagerty valuation lists a 1146cc 106 hp rotary; the GSL-SE has the 135 hp 13B (Hagerty FB guide)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 1985 RX-7, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA complaint lookup returned no results for the 1985 RX-7Auction sales: 116 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1985 RX-7 GSL-SE is the last FB, and Hagerty's FB guide says the GSL-SE has the 135 hp fuel-injected 13B. Hagerty's valuation lists a 106 hp 1146cc rotary for 1985 and values it at about $9,200 at #3 (Good), range $7,533 to $14,867, with 116 sold at auction in three years. NHTSA data could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want the last FB with the 135 hp 13B
Skip ifYou want the lightest, purest FB
Why #8 over #9: It has 116 auction sales versus 69 for the 1984, at the same $9,200.
9
1984 Mazda RX-7 (FB)
Photo: Sicnag / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe same value as the 1985.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $9,200 typical for a #3 (Good) 1984 RX-7, range $7,533 to $14,867Power: Hagerty valuation lists a 1146cc 106 hp rotary; the GSL-SE has the 135 hp 13B (Hagerty FB guide)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 1984 RX-7, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA complaint lookup returned no results for the 1984 RX-7Auction sales: 69 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1984 RX-7 is the first year of the 13B, which Hagerty says was fitted only to the GSL-SE. Hagerty values it at about $9,200 at #3 (Good), range $7,533 to $14,867, with 69 sold at auction in three years. NHTSA data could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want the first 13B-powered RX-7 year
Skip ifYou want a car with more auction history
Why #9 over #10: It is a 13B-capable car at about $9,200 versus a 100 hp 1979 at $10,200.
10
1979 Mazda RX-7 GS (SA22C)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original, with the least power.
Hagerty #3 Good value: Hagerty Price Guide, Oct 2026: about $10,200 typical for a #3 (Good) 1979 RX-7, range $8,233 to $16,067Power: 2dr coupe, 1146cc 100 hp rotary (Hagerty)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 1979 RX-7, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA complaint lookup returned no results for the 1979 RX-7Auction sales: 61 sold at public auction in the last three years (Hagerty)
The 1979 RX-7 GS is the original SA22C with Hagerty's 1146cc 100 hp rotary, valued at about $10,200 at #3 (Good), range $8,233 to $16,067, with 61 sold at auction in three years. NHTSA data could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want the original 1979 RX-7 at $10,200
Skip ifYou want the most power per dollar
How we ranked these
The Mazda RX-7 was sold in the US for three generations, and we ranked ten model years across them. The first generation FB (1979-1985, SA22C for the early cars) has a rotary of about 100 hp, and the 135 hp 13B in the GSL-SE from 1984, per Hagerty. The second generation FC (1986-1991) added independent rear suspension, four-wheel discs and an optional 182 hp turbo, raised to 200 hp late in 1989. The third generation FD (1993-1995) has a 255 hp sequential twin turbo rotary. The FD is the best generation overall; the FC Turbo II is the best value. Years are ranked by generation first, on power and chassis as Hagerty describes them, then within a generation on NHTSA complaints and recalls where the API returned data, then on the Hagerty Price Guide #3 (Good) value for Oct 2026, shown as a typical value and a range. For the 1989, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1984 and 1979 the NHTSA lookups returned no results, so those years were ranked on Hagerty data alone and the gaps are stated, never counted as zero. Kelley Blue Book does not list the RX-7, so every value is from Hagerty. The main reliability risk in every generation is the rotary itself: Hagerty's FD guide says compression, apex seals, oil type and the vacuum lines of the twin turbo system decide the car, so get a compression test before buying. Hagerty values change often, and the 1989 value is for the Turbo while the photo shows a non-turbo car. For other affordable sports cars see our Mazda MX-5 Miata model years at /cars/best-mazda-mx-5-miata-model-years-2027/ and our Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 model years at /cars/best-subaru-brz-and-toyota-86-model-years-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Mazda RX-7 model year?
The 1995 RX-7 is the best year here: the last FD, with a 255 hp twin turbo rotary, 4 complaints and 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA, and a Hagerty #3 (Good) value of about $42,500. The 1994 and 1993 are the other two FD years, at $42,500 and $41,200.
Which RX-7 generation is best, FB, FC or FD?
The third generation FD (1993-1995, sold in the US for three model years) is best overall. Every FD has the 1.3-liter twin sequential turbo rotary rated at 255 hp, which Hagerty says reaches 60 mph in about five seconds. The second generation FC (1986-1991) is the best value: a Turbo II is about $19,100 to $20,600 at #3 (Good) in Hagerty's Price Guide, against $41,200 to $42,500 for an FD. The first generation FB (1979-1985, 471,018 sold, roughly 80 percent in the US) is the cheapest, at about $9,200 to $10,200.
What are the RX-7 reliability weak points?
Apex seals and heat. Hagerty's FD guide says poor compression is often a leaking side seal or broken apex seal, with the factory spec at 100 psi per chamber and anything under 85 psi pointing to a rebuild; its first advice is a compression test. It also names the "rat's nest" of vacuum lines on the sequential twin turbo system (67 vacuum hoses on one owner's car) and a brittle engine wiring harness. The same guide quotes a specialist saying a well maintained stock 13B can pass 150,000 miles, and that an unmaintained one can need a rebuild at less than half that.
Do the FB and FC have the same rotary problems?
Hagerty's FB guide says to begin with a visual inspection of the coolant hoses and a compression check. Hagerty UK puts the minimum healthy compression for the FB at 75 psi and notes rotor tip seals are cheap, with the labour the main cost. We could not confirm a Hagerty buyer's guide written for the FC, so for FC cars treat the FB and FD advice as general rotary guidance.
Hagerty #3 (Good) typical value, Oct 2026 (USD) at a glance
1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE (FB)$9,200
1984 Mazda RX-7 (FB)$9,200
1988 Mazda RX-7 GXL (FC3S)$9,400
1979 Mazda RX-7 GS (SA22C)$10,200
1986 Mazda RX-7 Turbo (FC3S)$19,100
1989 Mazda RX-7 (FC3S)$20,100
1991 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (FC3S)$20,600
1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)$41,200
1995 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)$42,500
1994 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)$42,500
Hagerty #3 (Good) typical value, Oct 2026 (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
