Used 2005 Mazda RX-8 Coupe Consumer Reviews
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awesome
This car is amazing. Fun to drive as long as you got the gas money.
INCREDIBLE machine... RX-8 = FUN!
Had this a month now... UNBELIEVABLE! Have yet to really run her hard as only 600 miles but have already seen the potential. Dealership could be much improved customer service wise, but got TREMENDOUS discount! Traded an '04 Accord for something sporty yet still practical for kids ... thrilled with the choice! Only 2 drawbacks: came with summer tires (live in snowy WI) and could use bigger gas tank (mileage has averaged 21-22mpg). Researched almost every car ... this was the PERFECT choice!
- Coupe 4DMSRP: $7,992297 mi away
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $7,995913 mi away
- Manual CoupeMSRP: $4,9952,019 mi away
Not made for long distance driving.
It is a nice looking car. Not as comfortable as I would like but hey, it's a sport car not a family sedan. The bucket seats are not comfortable for long distance trips. It's kind of slow off the line but once it hits about 3500 rpm, this thing can go. Like many other people, I would like a bit more torque in this puppy. It is nice on the freeway, only if you're not living in LA. I am just wondering what is the top speed on an automatic? If you are looking for a fun car to drive and want to be different then everyone else, this may be the car for you.
2005 RX-8
Did not think the tiny rotary engine would be so quick. On the test drive I noticed right away the car loves the road, sticks like glue at high speed.
RX-8
I love my RX-8. I think it has a great sleek design that really turns heads and the back doors were a great idea for those who want a sports car, but still have the comfort of a four door sedan. The car handles great & really grips the road, however it is very important to warm the vehicle up before driving in the cold weather otherwise you could possibly flood the engine. Also, you really need to keep an eye on the oil level because with the rotary it burns very hot. Other than that, the car is a ton of fun and really a head turner!
Nice Car Fun to Drive
I have had mine for over a year, still love it. Of course it's bad in the snow but it's rear wheel drive so I expected that.
Fun Car
I traded in a Maxima SE for this car because I wanted something fun to drive. The RX8 delivers in the fun department. Enough can't be said about the 50/50 weight distribution and the rotary power curve. It is not the most practical car, however, having low gas mileage and limited cargo space. As with any car in this category, consider that you may need a second car/truck to accompany this very fun vehicle.
Don't she purr?
I have had 2 Mustang GTs, a Corvette, a RX-7 and presently have a Chrysler Crossfire (new) and a Mercedes C230 and this is my favorite so far. The comfortable ride doesn't beat you up, responsive engine, smooth shifting transmission, the Bose stereo and I could go on. But Al Pacino summed it up best in Scent of a Woman when he said " Don't she purr, though" while driving the Ferrari.
pretty darn good
Great nicely fast and handles like a dream. A little idle shake but anything over 1000rpm it's silky smooth.
Mazda no go!
Since I have had this car for the last four months the dealer has had it one month out of the first 3 months. There is very little acceleration and it has been taken to the dealer. After Mazda had it for a week they called and said take it home, go through two full tanks of premium gas (that's all I use anyway ) and then if it still has no acceleration we will look further into it (in other words they do not quickly stand behind their car).
Titanium Gray w red & black leather int
Amazing car to drive hard. Very smooth, makes you look like you are a better driver than you are. Expect attention from strangers regularly. Mine has all the options available from the option brosure. Fender strakes, deflector, appearence pkg, rotory accents, extra interior lighting, wing, ect. Had it for almost a year (the board will not let you put 2003) and people still compliment me on it all the time. Gas milage is not good and it only drinks premium. About the same mpg as my friend's G35, but much better gas milage than SVT Mustang's or GTO's If you just want to go fast in a strait line buy one of those, but if you want a real drivers car with a unique flair look no further.
Zoom-zoom? They ain't Kiddin'!!
We (My wife and I) took our time and checked out a number of performance cars. When considering the thrill to price tag ratio, no other car came close. The engine looks no bigger than a beach ball,but with a 9000 rpm redline and 'snake in a rat-hole' handling, it's more than enough! My kids have plenty of room in the back and I feel they are well protected with the side curtain air-bags To sum it up, the head turning good looks of the RX-8 got us interested, the pure fun of the ride sealed the deal.
Just right
I purchased my r-x8 on 5/04.A mature sports car. If you're a 17 year old and think a sports car is speed and thats all,this is not the car for you. If you understand what a great sports car is about,then the x-8 is worth a test drive. True, it is slow "Off the line" and thats where it ends. HANDLING (on par, if not better then Porshce,I know I've drivnen Porsche) SUSPENSION,BRAKING,COMFORT,INTERIOR and especially a head turning exterior. Oh yeah, room ROOM-and more ROOM,you can fit 4 6Ft. adults in the Rx-8 and the x-8 is not longer or wider than a Porsche 911 !!! Bottom line, if you want to stand out, the proof is in the pudding, test drive it!
This is not your Daddy's RX-7
This car is FUN! It is responsive and tight in the turns. It accelerates off the line fast enough for me! This is a lot of car for the pri
Great Car lots of Fun
The car is very fun to drive, I use it as a daily driver it is very comfortable with a stiff ride. The fuel economy is not good for a bit after about 2500 - 3500 miles there is a big difference and the milage gets better.
Sooooo Fun
This is the most fun I have ever had in a car. Its superior handling and sexy lines make this vehicle unique ride. I bought mine fully loaded minus the navigator and I have fallen in love. I Love my RX8.
Mx 8 Superior
Just a fun sexy car to drive Great handling Beautiful on the open road
sweet spot
I'm a proud owner of the rx8,I only wish it had more off the line,but i guess you cant get much out of the tiny engine,but let me tell you my sweet spot,getting on an exit ramp in 3 gear,hitting the gas to my 9000 redline,wow it's really a sweet spot,your doing 40 off the ramp and before you know it your doing 90,i'll tell you one thing for such a tiny little engine,it really can move.I got my car in august of 03,i was one of the first ones to have it.since then theres been a few recalls,and a few quarts of oil added,but hey,get this bad boy supercharged,and im trading this one in,yeah baby,i can't wait for that to come out,and we all no it will.
Driving in 7th Heaven
Just picked up my RX-8 this week; 6 speed, GT pkg, Nav system. The funnest car I ever owned was a Triumph Spitfire - until now! The RX-8 drives like a dream - all the power I need. Well behaved in stop & go rush hour traffic, and moves like a bat outa hell on the open road. It has so many features it borders on decadent. It takes a while just to learn how to use all this stuff. The stares it gets are satisfying too. Like any car, the shifter takes some time to adjust to, as does the auto-dimming rear view mirror. I think the Nav system will become on of those things that's so useful I'll wonder how I ever lived without it. It's a great sports car with power and style.
Excellent Vehicle
The Mazda Rx8 is a deceivingly large car. This really is a no compromise sports car. The car is just as tall, long and wide as most other sedans on the road but that doesn't take away from its sportiness. The car is quick, handles well, and actually has a decent ride.
Regrets -- I have a few.
I have a 2004 RX-8 & it's the worst car I've ever had. I had an RX-7 for years & loved it; sadly the RX-8 does not come close for several reasons. The car has broken down (and been towed) 5 times in the last few months - the car floods itself! This past week the car began to shake violently - the end result being it needed new left and right motor mounts installed. The heat did not work this winter and 3 months later I'm still waiting for a back-ordered part! The only saving grace not having heat was that I couldn't use the car in the first place because the slightest dusting of snow on the ground renders the car inoperable. Long story short, it's fun to drive but TOTALLY unreliable.
my RX-8
Being a proud owner of my RX-8, I made the decision over the winter to store my car for 4 months until the weather improved. Since beginning to drive it again as of March 20th, 2005 (I remember the date because of my brother's birthday), I have had my RX-8 picked up by roadside assistance on 3 different occasions. It is fast becoming the most unreliable vehicle I have ever purchased in my life.
MidLifeCrisis
Great car for a mid-life crisis. Sporty, yet the children can also ride with you. And any teenagers will love to be seen with their "old man" in this car.
Enjoying it every Second
It took me long time to choose what my next car was going to be. My choices were TSX, Volvo S40, and RX-8. I almost went for TSX due to its reliability and low maintenance costs; the s40 was too pricy after all the options and RX-8 was over $30k. I really didn't wanted to go over $30k, however when I finish the final deal with TSX it was just $1,700 under RX- 8. Then my good conscience kicked in, "I want RX-8"!!! So I dropped the deal and went on to buy RX-8. I am enjoying it every second there after. I would have regretted it immensely if I would have gone for TSX.
Mid life cure
Fun to drive. Great handling. Top end more than I could have ever expected.
A Balanced Sports Car
In sum, my RX8 represents great balance between style,performance, handling and fun. Great exhaust note, close ratio gear box. Stock Potenza tires are very noisy and wear quickly. Just installed Pirelli Wintersport 240 tires and they are quieter than the Potenzas. Lumbar support should be standard on all models. Do not use synthetic motor oil (Mazda should publish this in the manual). Use Mobil 1 synthetic in gearbox & differential and a K & N air filter - getting 24MPG Hwy, fully loaded - avg 70 MPH, using 93 octane fuel. No wind noise at the window, tight cabin - excellent build quality. 12K miles in 2 months without failure in any component. Velocity Red paint is flawless.
RX8 Rocks
I absolutely love everything about this car. It handles unbelievably and will take most cars on a winding road. The high revving engine is non- stop fun. A little more torque off the line wouldn't be the worst thing though.
RX-8 Rocks!!
The RX-8 give you the most bang for the buck when compared to the other cars in its class. None of the others has a back seat, which really comes in handy for extra people or extra gear. The performance is outstanding, it handles better than the BMW4, Nissan 350, or Audi. The six speed manual shifter is perfect, and the Bose stereo is awesome.
Rotary Lives
I have owned 2 Mazda RX-7 FC3s and One FD3s and I love these rotary rockets. Since I've learned of them I switched over from pistons. Yes, people have their preferences, but i enjoy driving a different engine. I love it to death. Sure it has lower torque than a 350z and eats up a bit more gas but its a risk I take and don't even question 'cause I enjoy the pure driving experience I get from driving it. It's great on twisties and city driving in NYC. I love the car, don't get me wrong I like 350z, G35, 'Vettes and Mustang but the rotary is so nimble and agile. It's styling took me a while to get used to it but its unique and has been compared to Italian cars design by Road and Track.
Best RX Yet
I've owned two earlier editions of the RX7. The RX8 has to win the title of the "Most Fun to Drive." There is no car I've driven at less than twice the price that's so agile. It's like a four wheeled motorcycle. Somehow Mazda developed a suspension that is comfortable for cruising yet delivers real "seat of the pants" handling and road feel. It's like nothing else on the road. Only negatives: surprisingly poor gas mileage and trunk which is really an auxilliary glove compartment. (Throw your luggage in the back seat.)
Zoom Zoom
I absolutely love my RX-8. It's a blast to drive! The effortless acceleration and outstanding handling even make the daily commute exciting. It's not the best for a Nebraska winter, but I'll put up with that for the rest of the thrills.
Rattle Trap
Have driven car approx. 2000 miles, vehicle has more squeaks and rattles than my son's '03 Hyundai, very poor quality. I have purchased 3 Mazdas since 12/04 and this one is terrible. Considered trading it back in after a month but would lose $10k after putting $15k down. Will not deal with Mazda or dealer who I have purchased my last 3 cars again. Have always had great luck with Mazda but not this time.
NOT good
I owned this car for 26 days when, like many of the reviews I am now reading say, it stopped cold. Not only was I uninformed about the fact that this can happen secondary to "flooding", I was not told of a safety recall at the time of purchase. 6 days later I am still waiting to get my car back from the shop. My last car I had for 12 years without a problem, this one for less than one month and it breaks down and leaves me stranded. VERY frustrating. It also does not drive very fast (the automatic). At times when I'm merging on the freeway, I feel like I'm driving a big boat. I much prefer the Toyota Corolla I now have as a rental car!
RX-8 (Not so great)
I've been driving my RX-8 for about two months now...kinda disappointed. Not nearly as fast as my 350-Z. In fact, not even close. Hardly any torque off the line; you have to be in third gear to get any torque but it is impressive once you get going. Interior is kinda cool and Bose audio is very good. Enough room to take 4 people comfortably, as opposed to the Z which was horrible. Gas mileage is a joke; seems like 2 miles per gallon. I would not buy this car if I had it to do over again.
Pocket Rocket
First, when you choose this car you should be somebody who is willing to understand the engine and the fact that it is a sports car you are buying. Here is what you need to know: the engine produces a ton of power: power lies between 4,000 and 9,000 RPM; not 1,500 to 4,000 like a Mustang. It has a Renesis Engine (rotary) so it has unique needs. Warm up required, familiarly with the dechoking procedure if you need it and monitoring of the oil level (used to lubricate the rotor vanes). Finally, you must know how to drive and properly use a stick shift. If you can do these things, you will be rewarded with utter joy. I smile everytime I warm mine up. I love it. It's different, It's amazing.
Fun RX-8 with room for my little girl
I love this car. I wanted a fun car that loves to drive as much as I do and I found it! I have one daughter who has plenty of room in the back with her own storage. She is thrilled about that. It handles beautifully especially once it kicks in. It was a little hard to get used to the feel of the rotary engine. it felt different to me. I love the small rear doors, which lends to easy access without the confines of a four door sedan. The only thing I would change in the center console which extends form the front all the way to the back, making exiting form the back difficult if not impossible if you open the opposite door. Overall- a definite 9.9! :)
zoom zoom needs more vroom vroom
This was my first purchase of a "sports" car. The exterior styling was the deciding factor when comparing it with other vehicles for me. To me it is the best looking car on the road. I am happy with the RX8 for the amount of money spent, but would be happier if this car moved faster. In middle gears and at 55 to 60 it just doesn't move as I expected it would. Zoom zoom needs more vroom vroom in my opinion.
vroom is for real
Have just had a month. No problems. The tranny lets me take turns being a teenager and a sedate 60 year old. Air and heat could be a little more powerful, and fuel economy is zilch -- but you know this when you buy it. Everything else is awesome - my gut gives out long before the car does in cloverleafs. Just hearing the solid sound and the way the door closes reassures you of the quality. And driving at night with the red/blue dash lights allows me to believe I'm captaining the space shuttle. Go for it if you can!
Cool Car!
Since I bought my RX-8, I've gotten lots of comments. Too bad I'm not still single otherwise I would be able to give more rides. Smooth as silk drive, except in snow and ice with the stock tires. Extremely treacherous --- do not attempt winter driving with these tires. I bought Pirelli Wintersports and have no problem now. Wide range on each gear. Excellent pickup at the 5000-6000 rpm range.
Great Car -- but watch out for snow
Superb car for the money. Interior fit and finish streets ahead of the 350Z. Smoothest acceleration you'll ever experience. Handles wonderfully in dry and wet conditions. BUT the OEM tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) are useless with any amount of snow. If you drive anywhere where it snows, either get a set of all weather/snow tires or garage it. The combination of a tiny gas tank and high fuel consumption mean you'll be refilling about every 260 miles.
Mazda RX 8
A fun car to drive, gets looks everywhere you go. Great handling, responsive and quick, but not for the snow.
RX8 6-speed can't handle the power
We have had an 05 RX8 with the 6-speed for 18 months. The rotary engine is much improved over the old one. My wife loves to drive it and we both like the styling. I enjoy hearing a motor rev about 7,000 rpms. We have had to replace the transmission, starter, and spark plugs. Too high maintenance for me.
I love my RX8
The best thing about my RX8 is that it is soooo much fun to drive. I love the feeling of being pinned back in my seat when I step on the gas. Everywhere I go people stare and wonder, "what kind of car is that?". I love my car! The body of the car is perfect. I've never seen anything like it. Anybody can have a Mustang, and a lot of people do, but you don't see the RX8 everywhere. The only thing I wish is that it had better fuel economy. With the premium gas that's recommended, it can add up. But, you don't buy this car to worry about how much money you have to put in the gas tank. The car hugs you in. I feel like I'm in a person size capsule when I drive. It's perfect!
hard on old bodies
It is a little too low to the ground for this old body. I would not buy it again only for this reason. Otherwise it is a great car. Beautiful to look at and every one comments on it.
da kid
i love the speed of this vehicle as i cruise the parkaway i hit about 80 in the 5th gear
Living with a rotor...
A wonderful car - for a 2nd car. Fun to drive and reasonably practical (fits 2 kids in the back without complaining). Gas mileage a real nuisance, though.
RX8 value is the best
I purchased my RX8 in December after doing extensive research. The RX8 is the best value in the coupe category. It is the most distinctive car on the road and performs admirably. The true cost to own is better than the new Ford Mustang and I feel the RX8 is flat out more reliable than the Nissan 350Z. Plus it comfortably accommodates 4 people (unlike the new Mustang which has virtually unusable rear seating). Unless you want to reduce to a 2 seater and pay $20,000 more for similar coupe styling that the new Corvette offers, the RX8 is the best option. $20K in price difference can buy me this RX8 and a new Mazda 3s for my wife! The only real cometitor is the Infiniti G35,
RX 8 is fun for moms
Love the attitude of the car -- handles like a dream! City and Highway driving are a thrill!
Best in class
After researching G35 coupe, and 350Z, I chose the RX8. Functional for my family of 4, but sporty. By far the best value for the money in the group. I rated the gas mileage an 8 because compared to other cars with similar performance it still gets good gas mileage. It is unfair to give it poor marks by comparing it to a compact car's gas mileage. This car is fun to drive but you really need to get the upper end of the rpm's to attain a level of satisfaction. If 0 to 60 is what you are looking for, then this is not the car for you. It is a true great sports car when taking into account the incredible and I mean incredible handling and feel. The manual trans. is a pleasure to drive.
Turning Heads
Amazing. Took a while, but I finally tracked down a Titanium Grey with Red/Black interior. As far as I know, this was the only one for sale in Texas at the time. Means I get a unique vehicle. Have had many comment on how sharp it looks. Living in the Hill Country (Windy roads up and down hills is the norm), I truly believe this car was built just for my area. You have read it all, performance, comfort, everything. I can't think of a single thing I don't like. Well, here is my biggest complaint. Would be nice if the 6 disk CD changer played random accross all disks, not just 1. So there you have it. :-).