Mazda isn't exactly a brand that springs to mind when talking about speed. However, the Japanese have made some amazing sports cars throughout their history, with a few gaining legendary status. The most fascinating part is that the company has never followed the norm.

Mazda's persistent use of the rotary engine is perhaps the perfect example, as it shows its dedication to making unique vehicles. Still, as you'll find out in this tale about Mazda's fastest cars, the company wasn't shy about producing innovative piston engines as well. Were they fast, though? You bet they were! Sure, Mazda never intended to compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, but its sports cars were faster than you would ever need them to be.

Some of its fastest vehicles were also designed to be luxurious, rather than sporty, but you know Mazda — it has always injected some sportiness into its machines. In this article, we will look closely at the fastest Mazda cars ranked by top speed, from sleek sedans to legendary sports cars. So, strap in, because it's Mazda-per-hour time! You don't need to look deep into Mazda's history to see how innovative the company has been when it comes to engines.

Back in the 1990s, the company sold luxury sedans designed to compete with Lexus and Acura under the Millenia/Xedos moniker. To differentiate itself — like it always does — Mazda opted for small V6 engines for these cars. It was so tiny, in fact, that the entry-level engine was a 2.

0-liter V6 unit. A.