Mazda RX-7

• Mazda's Japanese sale dates are March 1978 for the SA22C, October 1985 for the FC3S and December 1991 for the FD3S. Mazda's chronology records production ending in August 2002.
• The SA22C used the twin-rotor 12A, rated 130 PS gross at launch, and gained a turbo version in September 1983. The FC3S and FD3S used the 13B, with a twin-scroll turbo on the FC3S and sequential twin turbos on the FD3S.
• Power figures are not on one scale. Mazda states the SA22C's 130 PS as gross, and the FC3S launch figure of 185 PS and the FD3S's 280 PS as net.
• The FC3S is the coupe. The FC3C cabriolet, released in August 1987, has its own code, and Mazda's parts list treats the two separately.
• Mazda UK reports 811,634 RX-7s built worldwide from 1978 to 2002. Mazda's Japanese museum gives 471,009 for the first generation, against Mazda UK's 471,018.
• Mazda reproduced about 90 FC and FD repair parts and warns that delivery can take time. A Hagerty UK guide says SA22C replacement panels and interior parts are scarce.

• Mazda twin-rotor rotary engines in all three generations: the 12A in the SA22C and the 13B in the FC3S and FD3S
• Front-mid-engine layout, which Mazda's history describes for the SA22C and carries through the FC3S and FD3S
• PistonHeads notes that all rotary engines use oil, so the level needs watching
• PistonHeads makes a rotary-specialist compression test the starting point when assessing a car to buy
• Export cars differ from Japanese ones in engines and ratings, for example the US GSL-SE with the fuel-injected 13B and the 239 PS European FD

Dates are Mazda's Japanese sale dates. Mazda's chronology records production ending in August 2002; exact first and last build dates are not established for any generation.

Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Mazda RX-7 guide data.

First generation — SA22C (1978–1985)

Chassis code: SA22C

Second generation — FC3S (1985–1991)

Chassis code: FC3S

Third generation — FD3S (1991–2002)

Chassis code: FD3S

Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.

UK buying-guide advice from Hagerty and PistonHeads, not Japanese failure rates.

This guide describes Japanese-market cars. Export cars differ. Mazda identifies a 1984 US GSL-SE with the fuel-injected 13B in place of the Japanese turbo. Mazda UK describes European FCs with a naturally aspirated 150 PS engine first, followed by 180 PS and later 200 PS turbo versions, and gives 239 PS for the European FD. Do not apply export ratings or grade names to Japanese cars.

Japanese-market ratings. Mazda states the SA22C figures as gross and the FC3S launch and FD3S 280 PS figures as net, so do not compare the rows directly.

Engine options

Grades are listed by date from the sources used here; this is not a complete grade list.

How many generations of the RX-7 were there?

Three in Japan: the SA22C (March 1978), the FC3S (October 1985) and the FD3S (December 1991). Mazda's chronology records production ending in August 2002. The RX-8, launched in April 2003, is a separate model.

Are the SA22C and the FB the same car?

SA22C is Mazda Japan's code for the first generation. Mazda UK's retrospective calls the first generation the FB platform. This guide uses SA22C.

Does every RX-7 have a rotary engine?

The Japanese cars covered here do: the twin-rotor 12A in the SA22C and the 13B in the FC3S and FD3S. Mazda describes a rotary as an engine where a triangular rotor rotates to generate power.

Is the RX-7 a two-seater or a four-seater?

It depends on the grade. The SA22C launch GT seats four. Mazda describes the first FC3S ∞ edition of August 1986 as a two-seat Japanese RX-7. The FD3S Spirit R is a two-seater in Type A and a four-seater in Types B and C.

Was there a factory convertible RX-7?

Yes. Mazda released the FC3C cabriolet in August 1987, marking 20 years of Mazda rotary-car sales. Its roof could be fully open, targa or closed. The cabriolet Final Version followed in August 1992.

How many RX-7s were built?

Mazda UK reports 811,634 worldwide for 1978 to 2002: 471,018 first generation, 272,027 second generation (all body styles) and 68,589 third generation. Mazda's Japanese museum gives 471,009 for the first generation. Neither source gives a Japan-only count.

Are Japanese and US RX-7 specifications the same?

No. Mazda identifies a 1984 US GSL-SE with the fuel-injected 13B in place of the Japanese turbo, and Mazda UK describes European FC and FD ratings that differ from the Japanese ones. Check each car's market and grade.

Are RX-7 parts and replacement engines still available?

Mazda reproduced about 90 FC and FD repair parts, warns that delivery can take time, and links a final-procurement list updated on 15 September 2026. A 2021 Mazda story documents bare 13B engines built from new parts but does not guarantee stock of every assembly.

Can I import an RX-7 into the US or Canada?

The US 25-year rule counts from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA expects the original engine configuration or an equivalent or newer EPA-certified engine and emission-control systems. Canada counts 15 years from the month and year of main assembly. State rules are separate.