Mazda cars enjoy a cult following among enthusiasts and we are one of them, courtesy of their nimble handling, superior power-to-weight ratio and affordability. Mazda has offered several fast cars in the American market that are spunky and reliable. Some of the fastest Mazda cars ever made also included the legendary rotary engine-powered cars like the Mazda RX-7 and Mazda RX-8. Even today, Mazda continues with the tradition of making fast cars that offer superior performance for the asking price. Let’s have a scroll through the top 10 fastest Mazda cars ever made.
Many fast Mazda cars are known as “Driver’s Car” for a reason. Mazda has offered many fast cars for the American market that come with nimble handling, practicality, and reliability. Most Mazda cars boast superior power-to-weight and price-to-performance ratios. Many fast Mazda cars like the legendary RX-7, RX-8, and even the standard ones like the CX-9, CX-5, CX-30, Mazda 3, Mazda 6 and MX-5 Miata have won the hearts of the enthusiasts and journalists alike. Let’s dive into the performance and specification of top 10 fastest Mazda cars ever made.
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10. 2022 Mazda CX-9
The 2022 Mazda CX-9 offered the practicality of a crossover and signature handling traits of a Mazda. The new CX-9 can completea 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. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission
2021 Mazda CX-9 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $34,160 |
Engine | 2.5-liter turbo I-4 |
Power | 227 HP and 250 HP (with higher octane fuel) |
Torque | 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft (with higher octane fuel) |
0-60 MPH | 7.1 seconds |
Top Speed | 130 MPH |
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
9. 2002 Mazda 6
The Mazda 6was marketed as a 'sport sedan' in the US and it surely proved itself worthy of the term as well. The 2002 Mazda 6 was capable of doing a 0-60 MPH sprint in 6.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 120 MPH. Interestingly, the 2002 Mazda 6 s was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 220 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and FWD was standard. The 3.0-liter Duratec engine was made in the U.S.A but was essentially designed in Japan
2002 Mazda 6 s | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $21,600 (starting MSRP) |
Engine | 3.0L V6 |
Power | 220 HP |
Torque | 192 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 6.8 seconds |
Top Speed | 143 MPH |
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-inched in comparison to the standard 626 model. The 2002 Mazda 6 s 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.
8. 2004 Mazda RX-8
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 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.
2004 Mazda RX-8 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $26,680 (starting MSRP) |
Engine | 1.3L double rotor (Wankel Engine) |
Power | 238 HP |
Torque | 159 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 6.6 seconds |
Top Speed | 146 MPH |
The 2004 Mazda RX-8 was surely a pocket rocket and offered great performance for its time. Mazda offered modern features like Navigation system and Grand Touring Package for $2,000 and $4,000 respectively. The Grand Touring Package added features like eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats in Frappuccino-colored leather, skid control, premium Bose stereo and sunroof.
7. 2021 Mazda CX-5
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a fast and compact crossover from the brand that boasts 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.
2021 Mazda CX-5 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $25,370 (starting MSRP, base Sport trim), $30,760 (Carbon Edition Turbo) |
Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 engine |
Power | 227 HP and 250 HP (with higher octane fuel) |
Torque | 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft (with higher octane fuel) |
0-60 MPH | 6.1 seconds (Turbo) |
Top Speed | 130 MPH |
Mazda replaced the smaller 7.0-inch screen with a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display, including 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 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.
6. 2021 Mazda 6
The 2021 Mazda 6 is a fast four-door midsize sedan from the house of Mazda. 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.
2021 Mazda 6 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $24,475 (starting MSRP, Sport trim) |
Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 |
Power | 227 HP and 250 HP (with higher octane fuel) |
Torque | 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft (with higher octane fuel) |
0-60 MPH | 6.1 seconds (Turbo) |
Top Speed | 149 MPH |
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 inline-six engine and RWD. Just like other cars, the 2021 Mazda 6 also offered Carbon Edition, featuring sporty exterior and interior features.
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5. 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback
The 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback is one of the most refined and fast hatchbacks in its segment. 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. 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 other engines are 2.0-liter inline-four (N.A) and 2.5-liter inline-four (N.A). The turbo engine gets mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $22,650 (starting MSRP, base 2.5S), $31,050 (2.5 Turbo) |
Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 |
Power | 227 HP and 250 HP (with higher octane fuel) |
Torque | 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft (with higher octane fuel) |
0-60 MPH | 5.9 seconds (Turbo) |
Top Speed | 134 MPH |
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 power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, while some features like Bose stereo system, navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio were no longer offered as standard.
4. 2021 Mazda CX-30
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is based on the fourth-generation Mazda 3 and is quite fast for its size. 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.
2021 Mazda CX-30 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $22,050 (starting MSRP, 2.5S) and 30,050 (starting MSRP, 2.5 Turbo) |
Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 |
Power | 227 HP and 250 HP (with higher octane fuel) |
Torque | 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft (with higher octane fuel) |
0-60 MPH | 5.8 seconds (Turbo) |
Top Speed | 126 MPH |
For the 2021 model year, Mazda added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The CX-30 and CX-3 have similar dimensions, but 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 lock and unlock, remote start, and vehicle monitoring is possible through the MyMazda app.
3. 2007 MazdaSpeed 3
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. The engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
2007 MazdaSpeed 3 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $22,835 (starting MSRP) |
Engine | 2.3L turbo I-4 |
Power | 263 HP |
Torque | 280 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 5.8 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 MPH |
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, six-CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, trip computer, and aluminum pedals, costing $1,715. The Navigation system was available for an additional $1,750.
2. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the fastest convertible cars in its segment. 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. Powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine, the Miata offered 181 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and RWD was standard. Mazda offered 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters as well. The MX-5 Miata impressed everyone with its agile handling and class-leading power-to-weight ratio.
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $26,830 (starting MSRP) |
Engine | 2.0L I-4 |
Power | 181 HP |
Torque | 151 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 5.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 140 MPH |
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata was 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 like Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic and Snowflake White Pearl Mica were available.
1. 1995 Mazda RX-7
The 1995 Mazda RX-7 was launched in 1978 and since then enjoyed a fan following for offering unmatched driving experience. 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. The engine was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and RWD was standard.
1995 Mazda RX-7 | Specs |
|---|---|
Price | $32,500 |
Engine | 1.3L twin turbocharged rotary |
Power | 255 HP |
Torque | 217 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 5.3 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 MPH |
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.
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