These Are The Fastest Mazda Cars Ever Made

Many fast Mazda cars are known as “Driver’s Car” for a reason. Mazda has offered quite a lot of fun and fast cars for the American market that comes with nimble handling, practicality, and reliability. Most Mazda cars boast superior power-to-weight and price-to-performance ratios.

Here is a sneak peek of one of the legendary Mazda cars:

Mazda Motor Corporation was founded in January 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. in Hiroshima, Japan. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing cork products and machine tools. 

In 1931, Toyo Kogyo introduced its first vehicle, a three-wheeled truck called the Mazda-Go. The company adopted "Mazda" as the brand name for its vehicles, inspired by Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian god of light. Later, Mazda expanded its global presence by forming partnerships with other automakers, including Ford.

The brand continued to innovate with the development of SkyActiv technology, which focuses on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Some of the Mazdas like the legendary RX-7, and RX-8, and even the standard ones like the CX-9, CX-5, MX-5 Miata etc. have won the hearts of enthusiasts and journalists over the years. The Miata was notable for its perfect weight distribution, so even though it didn't have a lot of power, it was fun around the corners and on the track.

15. 1997 Mazda MX-6 LS 

If you were a young boy in the late 90s, you’re likely to get a two-door sportscar to enjoy your weekends, and the 1997 Mazda MX-6 could be a perfect option. 

The MX-6 was a direct competitor to the BMW 3-series, and if you want peace of mind, you’d definitely choose the MX-6. However, the MX-6 wasn’t truly a Japanese car, it was originally based on the Ford Probe, but Mazda made it feel much better than that, be it in terms of handling, power, or even comfort. 

There was the naturally aspirated V6 motor under the hood, which generated more than adequate power. If you were to buy one new, the 1997 Mazda MX-6 used to come at a price of about $19,000, when equipped with the V6 motor. Otherwise, there was also a four-banger available for a lower price tag.

The 1997 Mazda MX-6 LS has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 164 HP and 160 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0-60 MPH in 8.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 MPH. 

14. 2022 Mazda CX-9 

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 offered the practicality of a crossover and the signature handling traits of a Mazda. Mazda revamped the infotainment system of the 2021 CX-9, offering a 10.3-inch touchscreen display. Mazda also offered a Carbon Edition Package over the Grand Touring trim, adding dark exterior trim, blacked-out grille, red leather seats, and attractive 20-inch black alloy wheels.

Every trim is well-equipped but the Grand Touring and Signature trims offer paddle shifters, while the Signature trim offers advanced ADAS features and quilted leather upholstery

The new CX-9 can complete a 0-60 MPH sprint in just 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 MPH. Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, the compact crossover can offer up to 250 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on higher octane fuel. With standard gasoline, the output figures drop to 227 HP and 310 lb-ft. 

13. 2002 Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 was marketed as a 'sport sedan' in the US and it surely proved itself worthy of the term as well. The 2002 Mazda 6 s changed the traditional boring sedan image of the Mazda 6. It offered a more precise and short-throw shift lever as compared to the traditional 626. Even the roof was raised by 1.6 inches in comparison to the standard 626 model. The 2002 Mazda 6s offered some features like front-seatbelt pretensioners as standard, available side and curtain airbags, optional thermostatically controlled seat heaters, and a standard six-speaker CD player, which was quite commendable at the time. 

2002 Mazda 6s was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 220 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque. It was capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in 6.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 120 MPH.  The 3.0-liter Duratec engine was made in the U.S.A but was essentially designed in Japan

12. 2004 Mazda RX-8 

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 was surely a pocket rocket and offered great performance for its time. Mazda offered modern features like the Navigation system and Grand Touring Package for $2,000 and $4,000 respectively. The Grand Touring Package added features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats in Frappuccino-colored leather, skid control, premium Bose stereo, and a sunroof. 

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 is one of the fastest two-door coupe ever made by Mazda. The desirable coupe is claimed to do a 0-60 MPH sprint in 6.6 seconds, while the top speed was limited to 146 MPH. Powered by a 1.3-liter, two-rotor rotary engine, the RX-8 offered a very respectable output of 238 HP and 159 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and RWD was standard. 

11. 2006 MazdaSpeed 6 

If you ever want a gentle AWD sedan with a powerful yet economical engine, then the MazdaSpeed6 can be the perfect solution for you. Born in the 2000s, the MazdaSpeed6 competed with the likes of the Mitsubishi Evo and the Audi A4 Quattro. Both of these were legends of their segment, and the MazdaSpeed 6 was just a balance between reliability and elegant performance. 

Even though it was 3 years older and had fewer cylinders, it was still as fast as the 2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring with a V6. 

The 2006 MazdaSpeed V6 came with a price of about $28,550, but if you want one now, then check out these MazdaSpeed6 deals on our website, starting at less than $4,000. 

The 2006 MazdaSpeed6 has a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 engine producing 274 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 MPH. 

10. 2021 Mazda CX-5 

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a fast and compact crossover from the brand that boasts a smooth exterior design. The compact Mazda CX-5 is capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in about 6.1 seconds while reaching a top speed of 130 MPH. When equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the 2021 CX-5 offers 250 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on higher octane fuel.

With standard gasoline, the output figures drop to 227 HP and 310 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD was standard. 

Mazda replaced the smaller 7.0-inch screen with a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display, including a new interface and Mazda Connected Services (WiFi hotspot and smartphone access via App). Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Mazda offered a Carbon Edition with a unique Polymetal Gray exterior color, blacked-out grille, red leather seats, etc. The top-of-the-line signature trim offered a 360-degree camera and other ADAS features. 

9. 2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring

The Mazda6 Grand Touring was available with either a four-cylinder or a V6, but as you can guess, the V6 motor was the most powerful one, pumping out nearly 300 horses in stock, which is why it has earned its place in this list as one of the fastest Mazdas ever made. 

The Mazda6 Grand Touring is a family car from the outside, but inside, it has everything that’d make an enthusiast happy. The 6-speed automatic transmission was standard, and it could also be operated manually, but Mazda also offered a 6-speed manual transmission with it, which provided a slightly better driving experience and a lot better fuel economy. 

The steering in the Mazda6s felt accurate, and the chassis was also very stable at high speeds, especially in corners. So in today’s age, the Mazda6 Grand Touring can already be a perfect project car with a lot of power in its regular avatar. Check out these best deals on the 2009 Mazda6 models starting from as low as $3,000.

The 2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring has a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 272 HP and 269 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0-60 MPH in 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 132 MPH.

8. 2021 Mazda 6

The 2021 Mazda 6 is a fast four-door midsize sedan from the house of Mazda.  Every 2021 Mazda 6 comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, while trims above Touring get wireless CarPlay. Sadly, Mazda isn’t offering the Mazda 6 sedan for the 2022 model year and has discontinued it, to focus more on SUVs. However, as per some reports, the capable Mazda 6 can come back in a new avatar based on Mazda’s new longitudinal platform with an inline-six engine and RWD. Just like other cars, the 2021 Mazda 6 also offered Carbon Edition, featuring sporty exterior and interior features. 

The 2021 Mazda 6 is capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in about 6.1 seconds while reaching a top speed of 149 MPH. When equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the 2021 Mazda 6 offers 250 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on higher octane fuel. With standard gasoline, the output figures drop to 227 HP and 310 lb-ft. The Sport and Touring trims get naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engines producing 187 HP. 

7. 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo

The Mazda Eunos Cosmo is among the fastest Mazda cars ever made that ranks 100 on the desirability quotient. Cosmo was one of the most technologically advanced, and sophisticated cars of its time, and could take on the likes of the Jaguar Grand Tourers and the BMW 850is. 

It wasn’t great until you got inside, and you’d be greeted with a luxurious, and tech-heavy cabin, with a part analog and part digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen car control unit called CCS (Car Control System). It had powered seats, an automatically retracting steering wheel for ingress and egress, and many more cool features that you’d hardly be able to dream of back in the 90s. 

Unfortunately, the Eunos Cosmos couldn’t make it to US shores, and as per reports, we have only one of these imported to the States, and that too for museum purposes only. Back in the day, the top-spec Mazda Eunos Cosmo had a starting price of around $43,650.

The 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo has a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 3-rotor rotary engine producing 276 HP and 297 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0-60 MPH in 6.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 158.4 MPH without the limiter. 

6. 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback is one of the most refined and fast hatchbacks in its segment. The 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback received the energetic turbocharged engine for the first time. However, the base trim was offered with an underperforming 2.0-liter inline-four engine (155HP). In most trims, FWD was standard, and adding $1,400 got you the AWD. The mid-level Preferred trim offered features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, while some features like the Bose stereo system, navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio were no longer offered as standard. 

When equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback offers 250 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on higher octane fuel. With standard gasoline, the output figures drop to 227 HP and 310 lb-ft. The compact hatchback is capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in about 5.9 seconds while reaching a top speed of 134 MPH. 

5. 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is based on the fourth-generation Mazda 3 and is quite fast for its size. For the 2021 model year, Mazda added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The CX-30 and CX-3 have similar dimensions, but the CX-30 is more modern and stylish. For lower trims FWD was standard and AWD cost an additional $1,400. Even with the lower Select trim, Mazda offered blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless entry as standard.

With Mazda Connected Services, features like a lock and unlock, remote start, and vehicle monitoring are possible through the MyMazda app. 

The 2021 CX-30 is capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in about 5.8 seconds while reaching a top speed of 126 MPH. When equipped with a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 offers 250 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on higher octane fuel. With standard gasoline, the output figures drop to 227 HP and 310 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD is standard with turbo powertrain. 

4. 2007 MazdaSpeed 3

The 2007 MazdaSpeed 3 was blessed with one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class. Mazda offered the GT Package and Navigation system with the MazdaSpeed 3. The GT Package added leather seat trim, xenon headlamps, LED taillamps, a six-CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, a trip computer, and aluminum pedals, costing $1,715. The Navigation system was available for an additional $1,750. 

The 2007 MazdaSpeed 3 was one of the fastest and quickest front-wheel drive cars in the world. The little pocket rocket was capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in about 5.8 seconds while reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 155 MPH. The fast 5-door Mazda was powered by a 2.3-literturbocharged inline-four producing 263 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. 

3. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the fastest Mazda car that also happens to be a convertible and is offered in three trim configurations: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. Mazda offered the Brembo/ Recaro/ BBS package with M/T trims for an additional $4,470. A White Nappa Leather option was available on the Grand Touring trim for an additional $300, while three premium exterior colors Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica were available. 

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the fastest convertible cars in its segment.  It is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine, the Miata offered 181 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 MX-5 Miata is capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in about 5.7 seconds while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 140 MPH. 

2. 1995 Mazda RX-7 

The 1995 Mazda RX-7 is still a dream of many Mazda enthusiasts. Some private sellers are selling it for $45,000-$100,000, depending on the condition, trim level, and model year. The Mazda rotary engine was wild and could be revved up to 14,000 rpm. However, with new emission regulations and oil consumption issues, rotary engines were discontinued from the Mazda portfolio. If you are lucky enough, you can still buy one in pretty decent condition. The 1995 Mazda RX-7 was launched in 1978 an quickly became the fastest Mazda car you could buy at that time.

The 1995 Mazda RX-7 was the last model year for this desirable two-door coupe. The RX-7 was capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in just 5.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 155 MPH. Powered by a 1.3-liter twin-turbocharged rotary engine, the RX-7 offered 255 HP and 217 lb-ft of torque.

1. Mazda RX7 Type R Bathurst

The Mazda RX7 is often underrated in front of the Toyota Supra, and the Nissan Skyline GT-Rs. But like most underrated Japanese cars, it is one hell of a machine that could beat the exotic and expensive supercars of its time!

As you all know, the RX7 came with a twin-chamber Wankel engine, and even though there are a lot of stories about the engine breaking down, we’ve seen well-maintained examples run for years and years while consistently providing great performance. 

The Mazda RX7 Type R Bathurst edition was a farewell model to the RX7 lineup, and only about 500 units were sold, each in the Japanese domestic market. 

The Mazda RX7 Type R Bathurst has a twin-turbocharged 1.3-liter 2-rotor rotary engine producing 276 HP and 231 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0-60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 158 mph.