2006 Mazda RX-8 Review
- 85,965 milesNo accidents, 6 Owners, Personal use onlyAutomaticGR Auto Gallery of Grand Rapids (240 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Upgraded Stereo
- Alarm
Close
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this LS Swapped, 2006 Mazda RX8 for your consideration. This RX8 comes with Blue exterior over a Black interior....
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1FE173X60206503
Stock: BW3211
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-17-2023 - 98,938 milesNo accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use onlyManualThorpe Automotive (286 mi away)
- Heated seats
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Knoxville, TN
The 2006 Mazda RX-8 RWD Coupe is a true enthusiast's dream, offering a unique combination of style, performance, and handling. With its rear-wheel-dri...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1FE173260200582
Stock: 2281
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-04-2024 - 57,950 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use onlyAutomaticOkaz Motors (294 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Elmhurst, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1FE173360206245
Stock: IA1402-WI
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-23-2024 - 76,826 milesNo accidents, 5 Owners, Personal use onlyAutomaticGLOBAL MOTOR TRADE, LLC (384 mi away)
- Heated seats
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Schnecksville, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1FE173760205213
Stock: AK-5213
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-07-2023 - 62,409 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use onlyAutomaticAutoplex Motors (2,011 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Upgraded Stereo
- Alarm
Close
Located in Lynnwood, WA
**** FINANCING AVAILABLE - GET PRE-APPROVED IN SECONDS - FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR GOOD & BAD CREDIT - APPLY NOW : **A documentary service fee i...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1FE173860206998
Stock: 12865
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-11-2022
Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- Low starting price, athletic handling with a comfortable ride, rotary engine's smooth and high-winding nature, can seat four adults.
Cons
- Most optional features buried in packages, rotary's poor fuel economy and mediocre torque output, some quirky interior ergonomics.
What’s new
Automatic transmission-equipped Mazda RX-8s are a bit sportier for 2006. A new paddle-shift six-speed automatic replaces last year's four-speed transmission, and the rotary engine's maximum horsepower has been increased for cars equipped with the automatic.
Edmunds says
The four-seat 2006 Mazda RX-8 offers sports car-like performance without the typically attendant stiff ride. Only disappointing fuel mileage prevents the RX-8 from being the ultimate in a practical sports car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Vehicle overview
Sport coupes have been around a long time, but few have been as unconventional as the 2006 Mazda RX-8. This nimble-handling machine is not only the only new production car sold in the world to have a rotary engine, it's also the only sport coupe to have a set of rear-opening doors that allows access to a surprisingly roomy four-passenger cabin.
These days, the Wankel rotary engine is pretty much synonymous with Mazda. Its advantages over a traditional piston engine include a higher specific output for a given physical size, a lighter weight and fewer moving parts. Mazda's latest "Renesis" rotary design has also minimized most of the traditional drawbacks. In the RX-8, Mazda's engineers were able to utilize the rotary's weight and size advantages to optimize engine placement. The result is a 50/50 weight balance between each set of wheels, a low center of gravity and a low hood line that contributes to the car's sporty style and a slippery coefficient of drag. The RX-8's base curb weight is about 3,000 pounds, about 300-400 pounds less than its main competitors. In terms of handling, very few cars achieve a better balance between handling precision and ride quality than the Mazda.
Although the idea of a "2+2" sports car has been around for decades, the RX-8 takes it to the next level via the "free style" doors in back, which open opposite the fronts and make loading people and cargo much easier. Provided they are under 6 feet tall, those seated in the back will find supportive seating and ample room all around. Alternately, the rear-seat area is a great place to throw luggage or grocery bags, though a synergy between it and the rear cargo area can't be obtained as the rear seats don't fold forward.
There aren't a lot of cars in the under-$30,000 sports car segment. But of the few, Nissan's 350Z is the RX-8's most direct competitor, as it offers similar performance for a slightly higher price. With no backseat, the Z is more of a true sports car, but for those who need a little practicality and a more forgiving ride, the 2006 Mazda RX-8 is hard to beat.
Performance & mpg
Both versions of the Mazda RX-8 are motivated by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that sends power to the rear wheels. When connected to the six-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission, the engine is tuned to produce 212 horsepower. Manual-transmission versions get a 232-hp version of this power plant. Coupled with the vehicle's light weight, the RX-8 delivers exhilarating performance along with ultra-smooth power delivery. We've recorded zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and a quarter-mile performance of 15.4 seconds with the six-speed manual.
Safety
Side airbags and side curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger come standard, as do four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Stability control is optional. In NHTSA crash testing, the Mazda RX-8 earned a four-star rating (out of a possible five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front passenger. The Mazda received four stars across the board for side-impact protection. Additionally, the RX-8 is the only passenger car currently sold in the U.S. to earn a perfect five-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.
Driving
Although the 2006 Mazda RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanor on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel, but it won't beat you up on the daily commute. The rotary engine requires high engine speeds to make its peak power, but the delivery is virtually vibration-free and noise levels are subdued. Overall, the RX-8 is one of the best examples of a car that's fun to drive while still remaining livable on a day-to-day basis.
Interior
The RX-8's rear-hinged rear doors allow unobstructed access to the rear seats, giving this sports car the ability to comfortably carry four adults thanks to well-shaped seats and a roofline that allows ample headroom in back. The interior design carries a circular theme, with three round gauges and a circular central dash pod that houses the stereo and climate control functions, while "piano black" accents lend a touch of class to the cockpit. Unfortunately, an overly busy display for the audio system and climate control makes "at a glance" reading a challenge.
2006 Mazda RX-8 models
The Mazda RX-8 comes as a four-seat hardtop with, essentially, four doors. The front doors are full-size, while two smaller rear doors ease access to the rear passenger compartment. The RX-8 line comprises an automatic-transmission model with a new six-speed gearbox, and a manual transmission version that also has six cogs. The automatic RX-8 comes standard with air conditioning, 16-inch wheels and power windows, locks and mirrors. The six-speed manual model adds a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires. There are four option packages available. On six-speed models, the Sport package adds xenon headlights, stability and traction control and foglights, while automatic-equipped versions also get a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, a retuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. The Touring package provides a sunroof, Bose audio system, Homelink and auto-dimming mirrors. The Grand Touring package adds all of the above equipment, along with a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated seats, leather upholstery and heated side mirrors. The Shinka (Japanese for "Evolution") package adds both sporty and luxury features via a more aggressively tuned suspension, leather/Alcantara seating, Sirius satellite radio, upgraded interior trim and unique 18-inch alloys. Stand-alone options include a navigation system and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
Amazing car....
Two kinds of RX8 owners
Way under-rated auto/Fun to drive car!
Nice car, terrible dealers and service
2006 RX-8 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,435 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $290/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
Related Used 2006 Mazda RX-8 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Subaru BRZ 2020 Review
- Subaru Ascent 2020 Review
- Subaru Crosstrek 2020 Review
- Subaru Ascent 2021 Review
- Rolls Royce Wraith 2021 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 Cooper
- 2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II News
- Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2023
- 2025 Nissan Sentra News
- 2023 Nissan Frontier
- 2023 S8
- 2025 BMW 5 Series News
- 2023 Audi RS 3
- 2023 G-Class
- 2023 Audi S5
Research other models of Mazda
Research similar vehicles
- Aston Martin DB11 Cost
- Mclaren GT570
- A Subaru BRZ
- GTR
- Zimmer Mustang
- GR Supra
- Dodge Challenger
- Camaro ZL1
- BMW 4M
- Lexus LC 500 HP
Other models
- Used Lexus Is-250 in Columbus, MS
- Used Honda Accord in Milford, DE
- Used Chrysler LHS in Morrisville, PA
- Used Volkswagen Taos in Ringgold, GA
- Used Land-Rover Discovery in Rolla, MO
- New Toyota Gr-Corolla for Sale in Lafayette, LA
- Used Mercury Capri in Nottingham, MD
- Used Lotus Evora-400 in Winona, MN
- Used Mazda 6 in Canton, OH
- Used Chrysler Prowler in Glen Burnie, MD