Used 2005 Mazda RX-8 Coupe Consumer Reviews
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An Amazing Compromise
GTRacer, 01/22/2009
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After 15+ years in front-wheel drive slushbox-equipped cars, I told my wife my next car would be RWD with manual transmission. She said fine, as long as it had four seats so I could continue to take the kids to school. I knew going in that the car was light on torque and thirsty for fuel. I didn't really mind because I was looking for a driver's car, not an econobox or quarter-mile dueler. The car is amazing to drive and I have yet to find its limits. I replaced the tires with BFG gForce KDWs so, with the amazing suspension I suspect the limits are high indeed. Launched properly it can go well enough but it really likes to turn and stop too. Comfort and accommodations are good too.
In it for the looks
Florida, 01/27/2010
2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted to own a great looking sports car at least once before I was too old and would look silly in one. I had been a committed Accord owner for 20 years (cannot say enough about their great reliability.) But I love the way the RX 8 looks and I get compliments on it. It is fun to drive, but that blast off that I got on acceleration, which really sold me on this car, was lost after taking it to the dealer in response to some recall notice a couple years ago. They adjusted something and it was never the same. Anytime I go to the dealer for odd noises, the only thing they do is say it's my fault because I used regular grade gas. Car was recently idling with loud vibration. Coils! only 28K mi
Mazda RX8 Bang For the Buck
Brett Carner, 02/16/2005
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I looked extensively for a daily driver with a sport car mentality. The Mazda RX8 was a hands down choice. The rotary engine is far ahead of the engines still today. It is a little thirsty on fuel economy if you get on it. Handling is excellent, rear view visibility is poor. Appearance and quality is very good, considering the price. If you are looking for a mid range sports car this is the choice. Mazda has an excellent warranty 5/50 and so far service is also above par. It is a fun car to drive.
Zooma Zoom Zoom
gloria, 11/02/2005
2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my car in July and what a car! I feel great every time I get into my 8. It handles like no other car I've ever owned.The suicide seats are fabulous... I actually enjoy taking on the curves these days. I go out of my way to find "some curves" and just feel my 8 straighten them out. The only other side of the coin is gas mileage. But I can deal with it. Look out world, it"s me and my zooma zoom zoom.
Lot of engine for a little car
victor, 07/02/2010
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my RX8 for three years, and I still get comments about it every now and then. It's a unique car, considering the rotary engine. Let me start there: The rotary has a great range, getting up to 8,000 rpm. It really starts to sing once you get above 4k. You can tell Mazda's engineers spent most of their time and money on the engine. Inside, you get most of the typical features for this kind of car. The gauges look really cool, but that's really the only thing inside that was engineered. The backseat is comfortable enough, and surprisingly roomy with the four doors. This car is a blast to drive, but it can be a rough ride, especially with the Bridgestone OEM tires. Somewhat rattly.
Read before you buy a 2005 Maxda RX8
firebabe, 02/15/2011
2005 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
The rotary engine is horrible, you have to treat it like a diesel in cold weather which we didn't know and got it flooded. It ended up costing us $1500 to finally get it started and to help prevent it from happening again but now I want rid of it. Check engine light is on all the time and no one knows why. It now sounds bad and every one is now telling me after owning it for 6 months with 69,000 that the rotary engine don't live past 60,000. I know I'm going to lose with trading it in put I can't afford to keep it running. Wish I had never seen this beautiful car but the rotary engine is horrible.
DO NOT BUY!
POSRX8, 04/24/2006
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
i bought the car 10 months ago. It has been in the shop for over 60 days total so far. It gets horrible gas mileage; I have never got better than 15 miles to the gallon. It burns through oil like crazy. mMy car has had 3 engines in 10 months! Mazda has replaced and paid for everything because there is a bigger problem with their engines that they don't want to get out, I'm smelling major RECALL! Not reliable at all, uncomfortable seats, very slow off the line. Do not buy this car, because if you have the same problems and try to pursue the lemon law like i am, Mazda will just ignore you and not return your phone calls, so do not buy this car!
BIGGEST MISTAKE
Regret, 09/03/2009
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
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!!!!!!!
Awesome sports car!
Drek4, 04/16/2010
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome. The best car that I have ever driven. The sweet spot for this wonderful rotary motor is between 5000-8000 rpm, below that it`s just a civilized sedan. I love this car on the highway, so comfortable and at ease with any speed you drive it. The handling of this car is just fabulous thanks to the 50/50 weight ratio front/rear. Even the looks on this car are too good to be true. I don`t know why everyone says to always check the oil level on this car I've driven about 2500 miles with it since I got it and still at the same mark on the stick. The front seats are nice and comfortable. The BOSE sound system is nice and has a decent surround effect with it's 9 speakers.
Worst mistake of my life
carma8, 08/18/2014
2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
8 of 22 people found this review helpful
Do not buy this car. If you are thinking of buying this car go to the Rx8 forums, everything that can go wrong with this car will go wrong. This car has been the financial ruin of me. When I bought it the KBB price was $17k and thats what I paid. 3 years later I tried to trade it in, and was offered $3k. Bear in mind that it is in better condition now than when I bought it. Every year I spend at least $2-3k on repairs. The only luck I have had is the engine seems to be the only one that works, for now. Thats right $2-3k/year with a healthy engine. The car is crap. Other cars are just as fun to drive with much lower cost. Save yourself and run away.
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