Used 2006 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
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Amazing car....
This car is amazing.... It is like no other car I have owned. It is fun, sporty, sexy and fast. It may not be the fastest in a straight line but if you are concerned about that you have missed the point of this car. I live in east TN where there are twisty roads everywhere. This car is as close as you are going to get to perfect handling for the money. my only concern is gas mileage. mazda really needs to spend some time on this. I understand this engine is in a high state of tune and it is a sports car but averaging 18mpg is pretty sad when you drive mostly highway. Before buying this car please read the FAQs page on RX8club dot com. there are many things that are unique to this car.
Two kinds of RX8 owners
I have an '06 RX8 with the six-speed manual. I wouldn't even consider the automatic because it's down on power (212hp for '06/197hp on '04 and '05 models- pathetic considering the manual has 238hp and redlines 1500rpm higher). Basic things to know before buying: rotaries consume more oil (check often) and gas than similar-sized piston engines. Standing-start acceleration is underwhelming but from 30mph and up, watch out! Rotaries need to be revved above 5000rpm to get the best performance. Run the car for at least 5mins to avoid flooding the engine. Handling on this car is phenomenal, a renowned Mazda trait. Car is not designed for snow/ice so don't bother driving in it.
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $9,777259 mi away
- Manual CoupeMSRP: $33,0001,465 mi away
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $8,0001,951 mi away
Way under-rated auto/Fun to drive car!
This is my 6th car, 5th brand new car. I had to give up a manual, knee problems, and give up a car I just loved, an Infiniti G20 1996. I wanted something that would be different so I wouldn't compare, something fun so I wouldn't miss the G20. Ha! I got it! This car is fun enjoyment. And it's a car I fit into. I never thought it would accommodate my 6'4" frame. You feel the road and it really hugs the road. At highway speeds it's as smooth a ride as the G20. The handling is sure and real responsive. My favorite stretch of Highway 1 was no disappointment with this car, handling the switchback and tight curves with a sure footing. This car seems capable to give more than it is asked to give.
This is different.
I honestly could not see myself in one of these cars, but I'm really enjoying the experience. Perhaps with just buying this lovely car I'm not quite qualified to offer an opinion but here is my initial impressions. I was fortunate to find a low mileage ( 25k,in kilometers ) GT model with the luxury package and automatic ( wife needs auto. ) We took it for a good run on a winding highway,,,,wow, it has more than enough power for me ( I'm 64 ) the handling was great, the paddle shifters are great fun, so smooth a ride. The interior is so luxurious and very comfortable, oh sure it sucked some fuel but that is a known fact with this car and that's the price you pay,,no big deal. Nice car !!
Cool Car
Tons of fun to drive + has turned a lot of heads. I have had many compliments on the design from friends and strangers alike. A police officer told me to roll down my window + I figured my sticker was past due or I had committed an infraction + instead he inquired about the car and told me how much he liked it. The handling is great! Tons of fun around corners and curves. It should be a little faster off the line + this is a significant drawback considering the horsepower + the poor gas mileage. At first I was unsure about the lines but now I love the look. I love the suicide doors + at least 3 adults can fit in the car as long as everyone isn't tall. You need snow tires bad in the snow!
Nice car, terrible dealers and service
I've owned my RX-8 for just over a year. I love almost everything about the car, except for the fact that it's a Mazda. The car has spend over a month in the shop, mainly due to dealers that don't know anything about the car. The car now has a power problem where it loses power after driving, and 2 different dealers have failed at repairing it, and now they're charging me for diagnosis and rentals, even though they've duplicated the problem. Mazda is no help, the car is a lemon, and they wont stand behind it. I've even filmed the problem for them, and they still say it doesn't happen! Bottom line. Great car, terrible car company, this will absolutely be my last Mazda. Don't buy Mazda!
The Very Best Sports Coupe
This car is the most fun you can have on 4 wheels (driving). The handling is superb (rivals or surpasses Porsche's Boxster or Cayman) like a four wheeled motor cycle; and the compact Wankel (rotary) engine provides a unique kind of performance that no piston engine can. Which is why this car is slandered in other reviews (even in the motor mags): first, it's normal for a Wankel to consume oil (like a two cycle engine); second, it is simply crazy to compare it to a piston engine's low end torque (its power delivery is much more like a turbine's). That's why a rotary really needs a six speed manual (don't let the revs drop below 3000, keep it "on a boil") and listen to the music as it winds to 8000.
Mazdalicious!
I've happily owned this RX8 for just over six months now and enjoyed every moment. This is my first rotary engined car and I'm just amaze at how smooth and quick it is. This is a really fun machine to own and not only does it look good (I constantly get comments that say "wow, sharp car - what is it?") but its performance backs it up. How they squeeze over 200 hp from 1.3 liters I can't begin to guess but with so few moving parts (like 3 in the engine) it's not surprising. I fully recommend this car as an undermarketed bargain!
Quirky and Loads of Fun
I may be a bit biased as I inherited my mom's 1984 RX-7 as my first car. It was light on its feet, smooth, high revving and nimble as a go cart - so is the RX-8. The car isn't super fast, especially from a dead stop, but it has lots of pep and is plenty fast as long as winning drag races isn't high on your must-have list. The handling is wonderful and the car looks great inside and out. The nav system can fold away if you don't want the screen to show, and the Bose stereo can get painfully loud. This is the first car where I can't stand to turn the stereo to max. Negatives - fuel economy is SUVish and the car gets hot inside from the engine. The A/C can barely keep up on a hot, sunny day.
Don't judge this car by looks alone
I own this car and it has not even come close to the expectations I had for it. It looks great. But that is it. Performance is poor, it is slow, and finally it has not been very reliable at all. The starter has been a constant problem in the cold weather. The electrical system has given me problems. The tire pressure monitoring system has given me problems. If I could do it over again, I would absolutely never buy this car again. After my experience with the manufacturer, I will never buy another Mazda for that matter.
Quirky Fun
After a few years - Still tons of fun to drive, but not good for heavy traffic commuting. Don't drive it on snow or ice - you will die. On the other hand, its a great road trip car and the handling is amazing. Turns and stops better than anything I've ever driven. It will do a decent 0- 60 if you are willing to abuse the gearbox and clutch, but why? The thing really turns on above 5,000 rpm and is a hoot. It took some time and practice to learn how to maximize the performance, but once you figure out the engine it is the easiest car to drive fast that I've ever experienced.
Quiet Kicks
I have owned a sports car of one type or another for the last 25 years. The RX-8 rocks. I have had mine to 155 mph and it feels like it's glued to the road. It's humorous for the Toyota dudes and the Mercedes sweeties to challenge it. The only thing that comes close is a Mustang GT until you get into the first turn. Then you will see them in the rear view. The Porsche, BMW sports models are plusher but more sluggish in the turns. The Hondas are not in the same league and Nissan Zs. The car can handle a turn like no other. Some complaints regarding the car are the gas mileage (find another car that gets good gas mileage and can go 175+.) For under 30k new you can't beat it.
Almost Dream Car
The sheet metal of this car is definitely a matter of taste. Anything passionately designed is bound to have its critics. Whether it's beautiful or ugly, one certainty is that it turns heads all the time. I have two kids and they are perfectly comfortable in the rear seats. We have another "blue jeans" car for all the hauling. However, this car is fine for 80% of everyday duties. Handling is extremely forgiving. It's easy to drive fast. The engine needs a little more attention than a regular piston engine, but treat is right and it will reward you with many grins. Critics complain about the lack of torque. But, the torque is spread over a wider powerband, making it less temperamental.
Almost Perfect
Fun to drive and I actually fit into it, the RX8 is an almost perfect sports car. There are a few things quality wise that could be improved (why are the visors still an issue going into the fourth production year?), but overall, it's a combination of sportiness and practicality, not to mention superb handling, that makes this such a great vehicle. And unlike those hideous Mustangs, you don't see one at every stop-light which is something of a plus, too.
2004 RX-8
The RX-8 is an extremely fun car to drive, with impeccable handling/cornering ability and a 9000 RPM redline. It's not quite as torquey as I would like, but that's not exactly what rotary motors are known for anyway. The only thing that would make this car better would be an additional 80 ft/lb of torque and 30 hp, nothing a turbo can't solve!
A Steal
This car is an absolute steal. I was sold on the 350Z and ready to buy, but felt that I needed to compare to at least one other car. After test driving both, even though it was a cosmic shift, I couldn't buy the Z. The RX-8 is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven - it's my first rotary, and the smooth, almost electric feel of the engine is beautiful and highly responsive. Take a look at the low reviews - they are primarily from people who seem to have trouble red-lining a car that can go to almost 9K rpms. If you've ever driven a stick and/or have normal hearing, this isn't a problem at all - and one reviewer with red-lining problems also complained about fuel economy - correlation?
New owner
I just took delivery of my 06 base RX8 6M. Researched the coupe market to death and ended up with the RX8, Ford Mustang GT and Nissan 350Z shortlist. Need 4 seats so Nissan went out. The Mustang went when I knew that the refinement of the RX8 and its looks had won me over. I was concerned about the fuel consumption and cold start procedure but once I drove it home I knew I could live with both of these minor quirks. The look and driving experience are just out of this price league. You can spend twice as much and not get the same feel all round. It is a breath-taking beauty! I got one of the last 06 models at a great price & dealership were excellent.
Lovin' the ride
This is my third rotary and it is great. I have had no problems, it's fun to drive and has all the passing power I need. Corners so well, shifts easily, smooth power, and is so beautiful to look at. The sound system is good too. Not a window blowing sound but certainly adequate for the small interior. Many do add woofers and amps but that is a personal choice. The fit and finish of body parts is tight, the brakes are strong, and the styling is unique. I am a satisfied customer.
Fun, Fun, & More Fun!
I was looking for a sportscar that was reasonably priced, fun to drive, roomy enough to move 4 adults if necessary and not seen on every corner like the Z or Mustangs. Well, lucky for me I came across the RX8. This car is all of the above and more. It's not the fastest car around, but its handling makes up for it, and it is very fun to drive.
Run Away From This Car
The RX-8 is a beautiful piece of sculpture but is useless for city living. I love the look of this car and the handling but didn't expect the gas mileage of a Hummer (11 miles per gallon). Mazda says the engine is running correctly. Plus the requirement to make sure the engine is warmed to mid-line before turning it off is ridiculous. In order to run to the store or the post office I have to drive 6 blocks out of my way or wonder if the car will start the next day. I researched this car to death and found little mention of either of these issues. Do yourself a favor - buy something with a piston engine.
More Power, Please
Ive had the car now for 2 months, and ive noticed some rattles and loose body parts on the interior of the vehicle. I enjoy driving the car alot, but as much as i enjoy driving this car the gas mileage is very poor. The power is there if your not a lazy driver. I noticed that you have to keep it above 4000 Rpm for the real power to kick in, the power kicks in 2 stages. 1st at 5000 Rpm and at 7500 Rpm....
Warning
I have unintentionally redlined this vehicle many times as the engine as far as I can tell does not sound like it is over revving even when the rpm's are in the redline This forces me to inconveniently keep my eye on the tach more often than in a car with a conventional engine. I do not get the advertised fuel economy which was low in the first place when compared to a car with a conventional engine for the same h.p.
disappointed
Expecting better fuel economy over the previous generation; still very poor for the power output compared to conventional engine. Need to regularly keep eye on rpm to know when to shift gears. Engine does not give audible sound that I am aware of when to shift gears which is distracting. I have unintentionally red lined many times. Overrated specs along with total dealer denials; one that car was over heating and refused to address.
not bad, if you can spend the money
First off this car is a blast to drive. Handles very well. I average around 18 mpg in mine and it is on premium fuel. I personally haven't had any reliability issues, but I go easy on the rotary. Plenty of aftermarket parts available for it and turns heads everywhere. Overall a great car if you're willing to spend a little more on gas and maintanance.
Tires
I really love this car. It is so fun to drive and really turns heads, but I can't keep tires on it. Bought in July 06 I now have 13K on it & on 3rd set of tires. Dealer can't help me, Mazda can't help me. I cant afford to put tires on this car every 4 to 7K miles.I do not spin them or drive recklessly. I am going to have to sell it. I am just sick over it, I love everything about the car, but at $500/2 tires I dont know what else to do. The dealership doesnt know if this is the expected life for tires on this car or not?? I bought this car for my 40th B.d. I'm really going to miss it. If this problem is just with my car I wish they'd fix it for me!
RX-8 Delivers Maximum Smiles per Mile!!!
Test drove RX-8, fell in love at 9,000 rpm redline, bought on spot. Screams like a 4-seat F-1 car. This canyon carver runs down M-3s, 911s, and occasional Lambo on CA P.C.H. Hwy 1. Driven 36,000 miles so far, very reliable, comfy seats, compliant ride, good Bose stereo. Not lazy to drive like Chevy V-8. You MUST adapt your driving style to get max speed. Keep it from 5,000 to 9,000 rpm and rotary happily howls. Tiny low weight engine allows for mounting low and rearward in chassis for near mid-engine balance, low center of gravity. Rotary uses oil to lube its seals so top off oil at about five gas fill- ups. 17-20 MPG fine for fast car. If you need big mpg skip all sports cars.
2006 RX8 Grand Touring A.T.
Great Car and talk about fun to drive!!! I bought mine used with 34000 miles on it. Fully loaded with every option available. The 6 speed A/T is excellent and what makes it even more fun is the paddle shifting. The handling is positive and very responsive. The ride is smooth and not stiff. The rotary engine is smooth and responsive. No need to rev it to 9000 rpm (red line) that's just crazy and asking for a early engine death. All I can say is, "I'm going to have a lot of fun driving my RX8". :-) You guys out there have fun with yours as well and take care! 22-23mpg mainly city driving.
Awesome Car!!!
Just bought my 06 RX-8 GT with 30k miles on it and am loving it. Test drove one and fell in love immediately. The handling is amazing, it is unlike anything in its price range. The engine has plenty of power don't worry about what everybody is saying about a lack of power, this thing will move! Gas mileage isn't all that bad either I got 25 mpg on a 300 mi trip with the cruise set on 80.
FUN - FUN ZOOM - ZOOM
I have owned my RX-8 for exactly one month. I know, not enough time to have a unbiased opinion yet...but I will say that this car is the most fun vehicle I have ever driven. The interior is very sharp and all the controls and design are very well put together.
Great RX-8
So far love this car. Wonderful handling and cornering, excellent acceleration, reasonably comfortable. Unique engine sound grows on you. Try this car out if you can find one and get ready to enjoy. Not great on fuel mileage, but it is a sports car. It can carry two in the rear seat for at least a couple hour trip, and there is space in the trunk so it is practical. Excellent Bose sound system too. A great combo of practical and performance.
The Best
Don't think that this is a waste of money. This car has done a lot for me. I had a Honda and it broke down. So I decided to buy a Mazda; since the day I bought it my life driving a car has been great compared to drivina a Honda. It might be pricey but I can say it was worth it.
Not an RX7, probably a good thing!
I was feeling sentimental for my twin turbo RX7 when I bought this. There is a familiarity to it, but quite clearly not the same car. Like me I think it's a bit better behaved and more pleasant to live with day in and out now. I have had no mechanical complaints. Fuel economy and oil consumption are part of the "experience" of the rotary, but would have liked a larger fuel tank to compensate. I've also owned a TT and while the RX is not up to that in terms of fit finish and style, it's more fun to drive, has room for my kids and is a lot less money!
The 8 is enough
I just purchased the RX-8 in mid-May and I have already logged over 1000 miles and the handling of this car gets better as each mile clicks away. I didn't buy this car for torque and the gas mileage so far is slightly below average but the trade offs are great. Smooth revving engine, high powerband and very unique lines for the body style. The car handles great on tight corners.
From Experience
Great car, reliable, fuel efficient. This car has worked great for me on and off the track (yea, I race). Great car.
Excellent value
I have the pleasure of owning an 06 Shinka, & it is one of the best values around. Comfort, engine response, appearance, price and overall package can't be beat. Handles like a dream! Smooth M6. Gets more looks than my BMW did, and it costs much less to maintain. Great handling and convenience package offered in the Shinka.
Fun to drive, but not enough power
The car handles well and is fun to drive around corners. The problem is the lack of real power. Be prepared to downshift several gears to get any usable power. Gas mileage is another big concern. I am getting an average of 18-20 MPG, and I drive mostly on the highway. Everything inside the car in positioned well and within reach (though the digital speedo does take some getting used to). Overall, it is a great car with the lack of passing power and fuel consumption being the only real concerns.
My RX-8 Review
This is a very fun animal to drive. Performance could be a little bit better on the engine side: there's no torque or power at the lower RPMs until you hit 5k or more. Too bad there's no turbo, I miss the old RX-7s. As with all rotary powered cars, fuel economy is awful. Interior design is really good but the chairs can't recline all the way when I want to lay down and there's no lumbar support. The reason for an 8 on reliability is because I had to bring it in for three different recalls and this thing EATS OIL! Rotary engines consume a lot of oil, I had to add oil to it every 3k miles.
Excellent car
This car is amazing. Great all around car. For everyone out there that talks about lack of torque, buy a big block. This car is like a turbo car. Power is there when you need it; all you have to do is shift (part of the fun). Fuel economy?? This is a sports car! Buy a hybrid if fuel is a major concern. If you want a good "all around" car that seats 4 and is a blast to drive, the RX-8 is it.
not in the snow
Loved the car except I live in Iowa and the car should not and in some cases cannot be driven in the snow. Had problems getting up even the smallest grade when streets were the least slick. Tires are very sticky and that added to handling, but the down side is they only last about 10K miles. Overall loved the car (my third rx) but it had some problems that were too much for me to handle in the winter. Anywhere without snow, this vehicle kicks. Wish they offered a convertible.
Kick in the Pants
I have this car for a couple of weeks and this car is awesome. I was looking for something that was sporty and fun, and I found it with the RX-8. I was a little shocked about the actual MPG (so far 16 MPG after two fuelings) but the handling is incredible. I have got it up to 123 mph so far and it handled like an Indy car. If somebody is looking for a sports car that is not the dime a dozen then this is it. Everybody that has seen it has been impressed and the back seats believe it or not are roomy. So if you are 30 something not ready to commit to a family car then this is perfect. You can fit the car seat when needed and take it out and have fun whenever you want.
I love this car
I purchased an RX8 after driving a lot of similar sports cars. This one just feels right. The rotory engine sounds wonderful and has plenty of power. This handles like a dream even at over 150 mph. (it goes faster than that). I smile every time I'm driving it. I can get up to 25 mpg on the road or down to 16 mpg if I drive agressively. The ride is a little softer than other sports cars but that does not affect handling. It improves the ride.
The RX8 Rocks
I've had my RX8 for almost 2 years. It is both automatic and manual. It looks great and handles like a dream. Looks like a sophisticated sports car and has a back seat. I've never had anything malfunction so far. The gas mileage is poor but it is worth it. 100% satisfied
Mazda RX8 AT GT
Beautiful car, fun to drive, but not quite there yet. I waited until 2006 to get mine so Mazda could work out the kinks of a new design, but I had many of the same problems found in the 04s. If you buy, buy used after seeing a report of repairs - some cars are great, some cars are bad, there doesn't seem to be an in-between. Buy a used one with 30K - 40K miles and that didn't have its engine replaced and you should be happy. And above all else, don't buy a 6-speed AT - the transmission won't let the car rev high enough to burn out the carbon build out. I love rotaries, but they should be MT, so I'm selling this one and keeping to my '79 RX-7 for my rotary fun (still running).
Love this car
I don't have any arms so I drive with my feet this car is perfect except for the parts are crazy high 25$ each spark plug I have owned many different sport cars and by far this Rx8 is in a Lane of it's own love love this car it has been very reliable
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Jammin Coupe!
I love this car! The car is an unbelievable value for the money. It drives and handles like a dream. It is built as solid as a tank and the fit and finish are superb. I haven't had any problems whatsoever with the car.
A Steal 2
Just got one last week and I can't stop driving it. Definitely a one of a kind car - rotary engine. Can't wait till I break it in - then I can start having some real fun with the 9000 RPM redline. Still can't get over the looks I get when I'm slowly cruising down the street.