2005 Mazda RX-8 Review

Name: 2005 Mazda RX-8 Review
Brand: Mazda
Price: 3349 USD
Rating: 4.5 (185 reviews)

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Mazda RX-8 model years

2004

Mazda RX-8 for Sale

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Low base price, agile handling yet still comfortable enough for daily use, smooth rotary engine fun to wind out on the open road, room for four in a pinch.

Cons

Option packages add considerable expense, iffy interior ergonomics, poor gas mileage.

What’s new

Mazda's four-door sports car was all new in 2004, and is back for 2005 with no changes except for the addition of a satellite radio-compatible head unit.

Edmunds says

Regardless of how many doors the RX-8 has, it is ultimately a sport coupe that offers sensational handling without the stiffness typically associated with cars of this type.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$235/mo

$180/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Mazda RX-8.

5 (68%)

4 (22%)

3 (6%)

2 (3%)

1 (1%)

4.5

185 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Need To Know!

RotorHead613, 03/17/2010

2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Rx-8's are good/great cars but few people know how to take care of them. They are amazing for handling and they are engineering marvels when it comes to the motor. The problem is most people who buy them, do it for the looks not the motor. Rotary is an amazing thing. YOU CANNOT BABY IT! When you buy a car do some research. Understand what your driving and what you need to do. …

Awesome car for Rotary lovers!

Cam Smith, 08/07/2015

2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

This is a really great car, don't let negative reviews sway you as most of the negative reviews are from people who don't want to put in the extra time and care in maintenance. To truly appreciate this amazing vehicle, you need to have a decent understanding of the Wankel rotary engine. It's a super high revving engine due to its design (Redlines at 9000 RPMs). It's owners must love …

Love my 2005 rx8

Me, 03/06/2016

2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

I love my car black on black 6 speed manual trans. Absolute blast to drive just as long the roads are dry. Its a rotary so checking the oil frequently and letting it warm up for a little bit in cold weather is a must and dont start it up and shut it right off cold and your fine. I was very lucky when i bought this car used because the owner took great care of it. Been having issues …

Still crazy after all these years

rockschwag, 04/19/2015

2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Can't believe the reviews I read about quality; this sports car has easily been the most reliable car I've ever had. After being left on the side of the road by mustangs and Camaros in the past, as a 6'4" guy I couldn't even fit in the new versions. So I tried this Japanese sports car after my AWD GSX blew, and I fit in it like a glove. You won't find many for sale, but that's how you …

See all 185 reviews of the Mazda RX-8

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2005 RX-8 Highlights

Trim:

Automatic

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,375
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$235/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	7.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the RX-8 include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

2005 Mazda RX-8 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Mazda RX-8.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Need To Know!

Awesome car for Rotary lovers!

Love my 2005 rx8

Still crazy after all these years

2005 RX-8 Highlights

Safety

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2005 Mazda RX-8 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Need To Know!

Awesome car for Rotary lovers!

Love my 2005 rx8

Still crazy after all these years

2005 RX-8 Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2005 Mazda RX-8 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Mazda

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}