2005 Mazda RX-8 Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com 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.
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 for 2005
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great car, poor mileage
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
Review
This car is fantastic! The most fun car to drive I've ever driven. It can hit up to 8000 RPM without any trouble, in fact, its healthy for the car to do this, as it cleans out the engine. Incredible handling: you can literally go around a 90 degree turn at 40 mph without any trouble! While the car doesn't have the acceleration of a corvette or a 350z (5.9 from 0-60), its handling is better than a 350z and rivals that of a corvette. Reason is a 50/50 rear-to-front weighting of the car. There is no 500lb engine under the hood, as the rotary engine isn't a typical heavy engine. Thus, there is no front heavy, back sliding that occurs in a typical car in turns.
Favorite Features
Handling, handling, handling!!! Did I say handling!?!?! Like I said, equal to a porsche or corvette! no lie!
Suggested Improvements
Mileage: the one downside of this car. The mileage is horrible. I've heard people say "this is a sports car, what'd you expect". Problem with this argument is that the 350z is also a sports car, with better acceleration, and better mileage (and a heavier car)! The poor mileage has just no excuse.
Crossing my fingers
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
Review
An answer to my mid-life crisis, I was coerced into buying the lil red sedoupe (sedan,coupe) rather than a used luxury sedan. 47, no wife, no kids: it seemed to make sense, I've owned nothing but SUVs/Mini Vans since the disco era. The first thing i noticed was the ride noise from the standard 17'inch tires. Also, the rear light housing was fogged up/filled with inner perspiration. Both items served as bargaining chips & I managed to walk out with it for a mere $11K. With only 37K miles, I was happy. Getting in/out is a challenge with my 275lb frame, but the car's an excellent incentive to lose weight and I've got nothing but compliments from friends/co-workers. 30 days so far, no problems.
Favorite Features
The BODY. This car is just simply GORGEOUS. I'm still awestruck when i walk up to it, mentally patting myself on the back and uttering mischievously to myself "i cant believe i bought a lil red sports car". LOL
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage. I'm averaging 14 miles a gallon, if that. The handbrake is cumbersome. My Car's automatic, I could've done without the steering shifters, they make the steering wheel look too busy.
BIGGEST MISTAKE
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
Review
I had the car in the shop 8 times during the first year. The car would not start and none of the Mazda mechanics at the dealership could tell me why. I had to contact the Mazda corp. in California. They literally told me that the "RX8 is not to be used to drive short distances under 20 miles consecutively. It is meant for roadtrips and long commutes" I told them that they need to put that on their website and that it was a scam. So if you need to take it get groceries or drive to work under 20 miles one way, you are out of luck. HEED MY WARNING!!!!!! DON'T BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!
Favorite Features
I like how the outward appearance.
Suggested Improvements
make a reliable car and stop lying to your customers.
It's a love, hate relationship
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
Review
I purchased my RX8 used almost 2 years ago. My engine started "fluttering" 4 days after I bought the car. I have only had problems since. If your RX-8 is not idling correctly, you need to have the engine replaced. Finally after 2 years of problems, mine are about to be solved. If you are looking to buy this car, please know that it is not a grocery getter. You have to heat the engine completely up before you can turn it off. Do yourself a HUGE favor and do some research. You would be amazed at what needs to be done for the upkeep of this car. I love mine to the point that I cant trade it in. Make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort to keep it up.
Favorite Features
Sporty looks, handling, everything about it.
Suggested Improvements
Engine flooding problems (computer issue) and "fluttering" engine issues (if yours is vibrating hard while stopped, you need to get it into mazda and have them do their 30 min. road test asap. you may need a new motor.)
Most vain car ever made
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
Review
Ok so I bought this car fresh after becoming single and this car was the vainest purchase I have ever made in my life. The car IS sexy, but that is it. It is not cheap, HORRIBLE ON GAS, and EXTREMELY HIGH maintenance!!! You have to check the oil a lot, it has to be run everyday or it won't turn over. Please learn from my mistake and buy a reliable and practical car.
Favorite Features
It looks VERY HOT!
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of that rotary garbage!! there is seriously nothing good about the rotary engine, nothing!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Mazda RX-8
- 2009 Mazda RX-8
- 2008 Mazda RX-8
- 2007 Mazda RX-8
- 2006 Mazda RX-8
- 2005 Mazda RX-8
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