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Mazdas are some of the best-looking affordable JDM cars on the market, but they look even better modified.

When it comes to Japanese cars, Toyota and Nissan tend to hog the spotlight. After all, the Supra and the Skyline GT-R are some of the most insane sports cars made by Japanese carmakers. Honda is not too far behind thanks to the NSX. Mazda, loved by some and hated by others, did hit the nail on the head with the mighty RX-7.

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Mazda has manufactured lots of outstanding vehicles over the years. When ranking the fastest cars Mazda ever produced, it is clear the Japanese carmaker was going after European car companies. In fact, Mazda designed several vehicles that seem to have been made to be customized. Whether built in the '70s or the last couple of years, these great cars deserve every piston head's attention.

Back in the '70s, the attention was focused on domestic and European cars. Domestically, car companies were manufacturing one classic muscle car after the other. On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, automakers made sure to design luxurious vehicles that still packed a mean punch. As a result, western gearheads from yesteryears did not give the time of day to anything coming out of the Asia-Pacific region.

The Mazda Luce Coupe is among the greatest cars Mazda ever made. With its classic looks and smaller body, the Luce resembles a mini muscle car. Underneath the hood is a 1.3L 13A Wankel engine that develops 124 hp at 6,000 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Weighing only 2,612 lbs, the Luce could use a twin-turbocharger system to give it more power.

Mazda established itself in the United States in 1971 after creating Mazda Motors of America. Although it took some time for sales numbers to take off, Mazda would eventually become one of America's favorite car brands. Most motorists tend to go for Mazda's SUVs, sedans, or hatchbacks. Motorists with a need for speed know that Mazda has had a couple of sports cars in its lineup that are worth every penny.

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The RX Series is among one of Mazda's oldest nameplates. Being sport-oriented, the RX Series evolved to become a legitimate sports car. The second generation RX-7 is a cool retro sports car fitted at best with a turbocharged 1.3L 13B-T rotary engine that makes 202 hp at 6,500 rpm and 199 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. These numbers apply only to the Japanese version. The RX-7 marketed in the United States is slightly less powerful.

America is well-known for its humongous roads. From the eight-lane freeways to the four-lane country roads, America has roads that can easily accommodate a Ford F-350. In Japan and Europe, things differ drastically. Roads are extremely narrow and curvy. It is fair to say that roads in those locations are a Mustang's worst nightmare. Consequently, carmakers like Mazda designed cars that would be perfect for those narrow and winding roads.

The Mazda Familia GTR is an underrated beast of the '90s. Fitted with a turbocharged 1.8L inline-four engine developing 182 hp at 6,000 rpm and 173 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, the Familia GTR packs a lot of power for its size. Moreover, such numbers were really impressive in the early '90s. In comparison, the Volkswagen Golf of the same year comes at best with a 2.8L VR6 engine that makes 174 hp.

Indeed, Japanese carmakers do not sell all their products in every market. As a result, JDM fans must jump through countless hoops to get their hands on their dream cars. However, there are times when Japanese automakers do release great cars in other markets. These cars unfortunately fall under the radar for whatever reasons.

The MX-6 was overshadowed by other wonderful Mazda cars such as the Miata and RX-7. Despite being overlooked, the MX-6 is a terrific vehicle for a project. The J Spec comes with a 2.5L KL-ZE V6 that produces 200 hp at 6,500 rpm and 165 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. It is fair to say that Mazda had a terrific lineup in the early '90s.

Every single gearhead has heard of Lexus before. Infiniti commercials are all over TV. Acura is best-known as the company that came up with the NSX. Mazda did have its own luxury subsidiary. Known as Eunos, the subsidiary never made it as big as Lexus or Acura. However, Eunos did have several outstanding vehicles in its lineups during its tenure.

There are several reasons why gearheads should consider the Mazda Eunos Cosmo. First, it was one of the most advanced Japanese cars of the '90s. The entertainment system included a functioning screen for example. However, the real deal lies under the hood. At best, the Cosmo comes with a twin-turbocharged 2.0L 20B rotary engine that churns 276 hp at 6,500 rpm and 296 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Equipped with the largest rotary engine made by Mazda, the Cosmo is a highly-underrated sports car that begs to be modified.

In the 2000s, Dodge released the insane Charger SRT-8. At the same time, the BMW E60 M5 was wreaking havoc. For people with a smaller budget, the Lexus IS 200 was there to satisfy any craving. Needless to say, the 2000s were characterized by a plethora of remarkable sedans. This profusion of sedans did have a negative impact on companies that are not used to being on the front page of any given magazine.

The Mazda 6 is known as the affordable sedan that is as fast as a snail. However, Mazda quickly realized that the Mazda 6 had the potential to be a bit more energetic. Known in the United States as the MazdaSpeed6, the MazdaSpeed Atenza is by definition a sports sedan. The turbocharged 2.3L MZR L3-VDT DISI inline-four engine is rated at 274 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The power is sent to all four wheels thanks to a six-speed manual transmission. The MazdaSpeed Atenza has all the elements necessary to become a killer.

Mazda discontinued the emblematic RX-7 in 2002. Considered one of the best sports cars ever made by Mazda, JDM fans waited a whole year until Mazda unveiled its successor. It is no secret among JDM fans that the RX-7 FD3S was jaw-dropping. The twin-turbocharged 13B-REW develops 276 hp after all. As a result, it was expected that the RX-8 would be a step above the RX-7 FD3S.

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The controversial RX-8 may have failed to live up to the RX Series' reputation. Plagued with a variety of issues, the RX-8 did not conquer the hearts of all RX-7 fans. With that said, the Spirit R Edition comes with a naturally aspirated 1.3L 13B engine that develops 232 hp at 8,200 rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. Though the Mazda RX-8 is a fun car gearheads probably should not buy, it remains a great project car.

Sizzling-hot hatchbacks have been around for quite a while. However, things started changing when Volkswagen released the Golf R32 and Audi gave the S treatment to the A3. As gas prices were on the rise, wages were stagnating, and the green movement was mushrooming, it became a priority for carmakers to offer vehicles that were more economical and urban-friendly.

The MazdaSpeed3 looks like something serious is nestled in the engine bay. The large hood scoop, the 17-inch rims, the spoiler, and double exhaust tips are tell-tale signs that Mazda did something to the otherwise tame hatchback. The turbocharged 2.3L MZR L3-VDT inline-four unit cranks out 263 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Needless to say, the MazdaSpeed3 was made to be customized.

Today, the Honda Civic is capable of producing up to 320 hp. The Volkswagen Golf R makes 300 hp at the crankshaft. Other carmakers have released hatchbacks since the 2010s, and most of them include a trim level that deserves attention. Though not all of them are not as mind-blowing as the Corolla GR, they should be considered as a base for a sick build.

The 2021 Mazda3 Turbo is a cool all-wheel drive hot hatchback. Despite its very conservative looks, the Mazda3 Turbo packs some serious power. The turbocharged 2.5L Skyactiv inline-four pumps out 250 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Even if Mazda did not market the Mazda3 Turbo as the ultimate hatchback, the Mazda3 is a great alternative to mainstream hot hatches.

It has often been said that Japanese carmakers were seriously threatening the well-being of European car companies. Nothing could embody the Japanese threat like the Mazda Miata. Realizing that the Miata was about to conquer the hearts of European petrol heads, BMW allocated resources to develop the Miata's European rival: the BMW Z1. With such interesting beginnings, it is normal that Mazda brought back the Miata in 2022.

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When looking at the evolution of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, it is fair to say that Mazda's roadster only improved with time. In 2022, Mazda brought back the Miata with a 2.0L Skyactiv-G inline-four engine developing 181 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Similarly to previous generations, the latest Miata is made to be turned into a 400-hp beast.

Max Veron is an avid fan of anything equipped with a powerful engine. Spending time between Southeast Asia, Europe and the US, Max is travel bug with a great taste for cars.