Used 2011 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 RX-8, so we've included reviews for other years of the RX-8 since its last redesign.
Unlike Anything You Have Ever Driven
strata1, 03/18/2011
2011 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
42 of 42 people found this review helpful
The RX-8 as a sports car is amazing. It is such a nice car to be in and drive because it looks great both inside and out, is comfortable, and handles phenomenally well. When you floor it, you are treated with a very responsive, short-throw transmission and an engine that will rev up to 9000rpm. When you want to relax, the seats are comfortable, the cabin is quiet, and the rotary engine gently hums as you go along at highway speeds in top gear. The only drawback to this car is the rotary. It's low on power and torque yet is as thirsty as a V-8. It is also designed to eat oil and requires a topping off every second fuel up. There is also the issue of flooding.
2009 and Newer RX8 is New and Improved
earlt500, 02/23/2011
2009 Mazda RX-8 Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
What Changed In Series II RX-8's over S1 2009 and Newer RX8 is New and Improved 2009 is better than 2004-2008 All New Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with Temperature Sensor newly added and built into the PCM, when ETC (Engine Compartment Temperature) reaches 230F or 100C with Ignition OFF, Medium Cooling Fans Switch ON. New Larger Genuine Oil Filter and Repositioned on front Timing Cover Housing towards the Sump (Left Hand Side). USE GENUINE 09 SERIES II OIL FILTER ONLY. Revised Oil Filler and Dip Stick (Longer Type). New EMOP "Electric Metering Oil Pumps" Two of them... Internal Oil Pressure in EMOP's is between 7.3 and 21.7 PSI (Used for the first time by Mazda) New design Oil Injection Nozzles 3 per rotor housing..Totalling 6. New Oil Pump assembly. 50% Higher Oil Pressure at 100 oC (121oF) 3000 RPM...500 kPa {5.10 kgf/cm2, 72.5 psi} When compared to Series 1 RX-8. New Oil Pressure Sensor (ONLY Located on #1 EMOP). Larger Oil pan Sump Capacity. New hex (8mm) type Sump Drain plug. New Internal Oil/Sump pan Magnet... (First time used in a Rotary Engine since 1985 FC RX-7) New external silver plate Engine Sump Guard. New Inlet Manifold with changed APV Position sensors. Revised 4 Fuel Injection Nozzles (2 primary, 2 secondary). (Series I six Port Engine had 6 FI Nozzles). Revised Atmospheric Air Control Solenoid (near Throttle Body) New Fuel Pump. New Radiator Core. New radiator Electric Fan Motors. Revised radiator Fans Speeds from 2 to 3 Speeds. (Low, Middle, High). New Alternator. New Starter Motor. New Battery 80D26L. (80 AMP Hour) (Was 50D22L (50AH) or 75D26L (75AH) in Series I) New Exhaust System. New Yaw Rate Sensor unit. New Air Conditioner Temperature Controller (Amplifier). New Bridgestone RE050A's in 18" and 19" (R3). New Manual Transmission (6 speed MX-5/Miata) (Reverse is now next to 1st gear not next to 6th gear). New Differential Ratio (Manual). New Differential Fixing Plate Washer on PPF (Power Plant Frame). New Differential mounting Bracket. New additional alloy Cooling Fins (4) on alloy differential Cover Plate, plus deeper set Cooling Fins. Changed Throw Out Bearing (Thrust or Fork Bearing). Revised Oil Coolers, Air Intakes and Oil Cooler Hose Lines. Extra Rotor Knock Sensor (Now 1 per Rotor, Total Of 2). New Water Pump/ New Timing Cover to suit. New Water Pump Pulley. New Water Pump "O" Ring as gasket. New Spark plug Leads. New Ignition Coil Backing/Mounting Plate (now Ventilated) New Alternator/Air Compressor Drive Belts. Revised Eccentric Shaft (Crankshaft) Pulley. Revised Oxygen Sensor (CAT). Revised Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor (Exhaust Manifold). New Air Pump Control unit. New One-piece trans-Tunnel Heat Shield (Previously Two Piece). New Under Body Covers reducing C Drag from 0.31 to now 0.30. Larger Fuel Tank (5 litres extra or around a gallon). New Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Hydraulic unit Control module. New Rear-Suspension Control-Links (Rods) Upper/Lower and Trailing have Increased In Diameter. New Rear Stabilizer Bar. New Rear Shocks And Springs. New Rear Axles. New Rear parking-Brake Cables. New ABS Wheel Sensors (All 4 Wheels). Revised TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) US Only. New Front Upper And Front Lower Suspension Arms (Wishbone). New Front Steering Knuckles And Wheel Hubs. New Front Stabilizer Bar. New Front Shock and Springs. Revised Power-steering Control System unit. Revised Headlamp Auto-Leveling Sensors. New 3 Piece (Instead of 2) Strut Tower Brace (Manual Only), Auto's Retains Two Piece Tower Brace. Revised Front and Rear Wheel-Arch Splash Guards/Shields. Thicker (Heavier Guage) Steel on the two Front Strut-Towers. Additional Spot Weldings around both door Openings for increased Rigidity. Stiffened Body Shell = Torsional (twisting) and Flexural (bending) Rigidity have been increased by 5.4 and 8.7 per cent respectively. Auto's and Manual's both have 6 port engines, Max Power RPM (kw) has been limited to 7500 for Auto compared to 8200 RPM for the manual. http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=161665&page=6 .
2011 Mazda RX-8 for sale near you
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A Sports Car Like No Other.
Nawaaz Ismail, 10/14/2010
2010 Mazda RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I used to own a RX8 6 years ago. It slipped out of my hands, and now I'm proud to say that I'm back in this car: A 2010 RX8 R3. There's a lot of criticism on this car within the media. Mostly because of its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and higher than normal oil consumption. Not many people understand how good of a sports car it is. It has an extremely rich driving experience. It's one of the lightest and most nimble cars out there, and you can really appreciate that when you start pushing the car. The last 2 cars I've owned before this were clearly more faster & expensive, yet this is the car that I truly connected with. It's hard to explain in words, but this car is irreplaceable.
We bonded
peter, 11/15/2010
2010 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is a true sports car, the sound is zoom zoom. It handles like a dream, with space for four adults and a trunk. Gas mileage and the fact you need hi test is the only downside. But based on the purchase price compared to the rest out there its worth it
Poor person's exotic
DLu, 01/19/2014
updated 01/22/2019
2011 Mazda RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
If you want a car that has universally been loved for its handling prowess, especially for cars under $100k, and you want a unique vehicle (the only rotary engine available in a modern car, "freestyle" doors that offer easier rear stea access while avoiding ridiculously long coupe doors, 9000 rpm redline, non-vanilla looks, etc), then the RX-8 (now only available as used) is an excellent option. I got my R3 new for less than what Insideline paid for their FR-S, so the value factor is excellent too. I drive the R3 on a daily basis, except when there is salt/snow on the road. I swapped out the OEM summer tires, and the handling is still great. Mileage is not a problem for my 22-mi round trip. *************************************************************** Update Jan 2016: mileage up to 12,000 now. It has been very RELIABLE. I am sure the LONGEVITY will be lacking. To me, poor reliability is what happens to Jeeps, Jags and Range Rovers -- things stop working left and right, almost from day one, requiring you to replace the car little by little constantly. The RX-8 will not require much more than adding -- and changing -- oil, putting gas in it, pumping some air in the tires, etc in the first few years. Don't let the low price of entry fool you. If you want a lot of low-end (or any kind of) torque, need it to last 200k miles, stay away. Get a Solara or Accord coupe. This is a 9,000 RPM exotic engine. It is well-made, has no creaks or rattles. The piano-back interior is classy. I have been tempted by the FR-S/BRZ, but they are just a bit less refined. The Bose stereo is boomy. It lacks the clarity found in slightly higher-end cars (my G37 has a Bose system too, which sounds great). The bluetooth can be temperamental. No wonder the RX-8 sold very poorly. It really fills a tiny niche -- it fills it well -- but it is a very tiny niche. 5 Years Later: Takata airbag recall and need to transport kids were just weighing on me, so I traded it for a 340i M sport manual. That was the worst car decision of my life. The F30 steering get worse as I drove it. I sold it a year later.
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Outstanding sport/family car!!!
Popeye, 07/10/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for my wife after her Stratus got totalled in a 7-car pile-up. All other cars we looked at were all the same. Line any brand, make or model up on a football field, and they're all the same 'boxy' car. I bought this one for her because of style, then engine, then performance. GAS MILEAGE? You've got to understand this engine. Due to its rotary nature, it all boils down to a 6- cylinder, 2-stroke engine. Typically, 2-stroke engines have never had much power until you reach a speed above city street speed, and fuel consumption matches. You can drive this car at 80 MPH in 3rd gear (yes, auto also) all day with no problems. Never slides, squeals or tilts much on turns.
Pure Driving Machine
Oleboy, 02/20/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car is excellent for people familiar with rotory engines. Knowing up front that the car needs the oil checked every fillup and let it run for at least five minutes before you turn it off. That is really the only obligations you have from regular cars,that I am aware of. This is no problem for me. The sound and unique. The car is not lightening quick but is very fast once to speed. Handling is a dream,at any speed. Nice leather seats and all the stuff that comes in a loaded vehicle. It has a great warranty and the redesigned rotory eliminates the problems (internal leaks) from 04 to 06. It drives great. Get brocure from dealure and test drive one,thats the best way to decide on any car.
A nimble athlete
mark, 10/24/2010
2010 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car is more rare and more fun to drive than a mustang gt. The mustang has more horsepower but it is not quite as nimble as the rx8 is and this car is even more agile on winding roads than a corvette.This car is almost like a speed bike in its performance and the way it sounds when it accelerates and really gets going.Its a major fun machine to drive everyday.
The 4-seat Miata
mejazz, 04/25/2012
2011 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I am a Miata fan - had 3 of them in the past but had to let go due to having 3 kids. The RX-8 provides similar driving thrills but with the ability to seat 4 peoples so i can use it to pick/drop kids from school and still have fun driving. Everybody talks about rotary engine issues but Mazda offers 100K miles warranty on engine so don't see much point. Yes it requires topping off oil every 2nd or 3rd fillup but that's not a big deal at all. Infact, you will enjoy it - you will feel more involved with your car. I do miss the convertible part of Miata. Hoping they will build a rotary Miata someday.
R3 is Brilliant!
sm108, 11/11/2011
2011 Mazda RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
If you are a true enthusiast, the RX-8 R3 is for you; I drove the usual suspects- 370Z, G37s, 335i, all are great cars However, the way this car comes together, the hand-in-glove feel you get, the intoxicating sound, and the perfect steering and shifter, and firm yet comfortable suspension tuning make this car truly special. You have to know how to drive to let this car's brilliance shine through- there is nothing like it. Drove it through the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) and the car is made for it; StIs couldn't keep up, it is sheer brilliance when driven hard.
Great value for a sporty car
Eduardo, 11/07/2015
2011 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Have had this car since 2011 and I simply love it, from its design to performance and reliability. The car is sporty and fun. It has that great engine roar and it is great on curves. Never had a mechanical problems with it. On the downside, the fuel efficiency is not the best, around 19 mpg.
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Excellent Deal
redleg65, 12/31/2008
2009 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Ok, I purchased a 09 with 503 miles on it: Used. I guess a guy bought it for a month and traded it, so I ended up with great deal for 19k out the door. Besides price the car is basically a Mazda 3 with a very nice body style. Having owned a Mustang GT, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Maxima, G35 in recent years, this vehicle tops bang for the buck. Style is key since laser radar is everywhere now a days, but cruising in this is awesome. Smooth and you get plenty of looks, just don't race anyone unless you buy the higher end model. Interior is tight, drives on rails: reminds me of my G35. Reliability seems to be good, 95% of it is made in Japan.
MAZDA IS BACK!!
Bill Tolles, 12/29/2009
2010 Mazda RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This rotary demon is impressive and fun to drive. Too many people (piston people) DO NOT understand the ROTARY engine. It is powerful, quick, and its super sporty (R3) suspension make it a demon on the roads. Horsepower is NOT a problem IF you know how to drive the RX-8. Not everyone is meant to drive the RX-8. The RX-8 must first pick you and then you and the RX-8 will bond and become one, only then will you truly appreciate the power, handling and excitement of Zoom-Zoom!! Once the union of car & RX-8 have commenced, then you two will be inseparable, and the road your friend. You will fear no curve, nor any Z monster encountered on the highways & biways of your travels. ROTARY forever!
Wonderful sports car
AP, 10/15/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is surprisingly comfortable. Handling is superb: better than my former S2000, STI, Speed3, and of course, Mustang GT. Very easy to drive, even for the novices. Clutch is soft and easy to play with. The gear box is good and smooth but i think the S2000's one is better. Power is linear. Not fast like the STI or the Mustang GT but who care? we cannot use all that power around town anyway. So, i'm ok with my R3 and it's fast enough for me. Smooth, smooth, and smooth engine! no vibration whatsoever when rev it. It sounds very good. This car is unique like no others. It's fun to drive and the bottom line is i just love it more than all other sports cars i had in the past (don't know why).
Most fun I have ever had driving 500 mi.
Tryce, 04/11/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Been waiting for this car since it came out in '04. Reliability issues always made me stay away and it seems Mazda has fixed most of those, so I decided to take the dive when I found one for a great deal in the color and model I wanted. Black R3. Best car I have ever driven, and I have driven a BMW M3. Don't get me wrong, it is nowhere as fast but the handling is superb. When you are on a curve that is posted for 35 and you are going 70 with no hint of body roll, that is awesome handling. I do not encourage breaking the law, btw. Low end torque bad, but once you get into the high rpm in 3rd gear, it feels like a turbo kicks in. Awesome car, not sure on reliability yet, though.
Truth
chad, 08/21/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Here is the truth about the 2009 rx8. Fun to drive if you can afford to drive it how its meant to be driven all the time. The heavier your foot is the more oil it consumes, gas mileage is way down there, and if you don't drive it hard you risk flooding, fouling and carbon build up. Run mine hard all the time and still need to clean the spark plugs every 6,000. Trust me it helps! As far as drivabilty goes best piece of machinery I have ever driven! Handling and forgiveness is great, top end is good too, there is an extreme lack of torque though. As far as comfort, seats hold you in, but they are a little hard. This car offers the most fun for your dollar, unless you are a straight line driver.
What a great car!
pjs_tools, 10/21/2011
2010 Mazda RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased as a car-show dealer's demo in OCtober 2010. Driven three seasons - never in snow. Currently at 12,000 miles. Bets handling car I have ever owned, or driven. Test drove about 25 cars before buying this one (and a VW GTi for my wife). Best of all of them, including BMW roadster, Mitsubishis, Toyotas (no real competitor with the demise of the S2000), Porsches (too expensive to repair!), and Nissan Z. I think this is the best affordable sports car available. Holds its value as well, at least so far. No mechanical or other problems to date.
Mazda Rx8 Series 2
Jeffrey Flores, 01/15/2019
2010 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing car but it can be overpriced sometimes, plus due to its engine you never know if the dealer is really telling the truth about how good the car is.
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Best Car for under 30k
dj_jbird, 01/21/2012
2010 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
bought it just before i left overseas... Have only driven it for 6000 miles and I love it!.. Faster then Mustangs and anything close.. I beat Mazdaspeed 3's and 6's that have 264hp.. Rare as heck. 1000 sold for 2010 and Im the proud owner of one.. Love the windy roads with it, you can hit apex's flawlessly and if your tail slides out a bit you can fix it with one finger on the wheel (Ive done it). The interior is spectacular. I looked at WRX's 350 z's and nothing compares to the Rx8.. Don't drive fast in the rain because it tends to slide... and Snow or Ice forget about it... Rx8's are Summer sports cars that like parking in garage
Best car I've ever owned or driven.
driverlife, 05/06/2013
2009 Mazda RX-8 RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very much improved over older RX-8s I have never owned a car that is this much fun to drive. The cars turn in ability and grip is extreme. Sometimes its hard to live with because the suspension is so stiff. But its been my daily driver and weekend warrior for more than 3 years now. I always get looks in this car. The interior is really upscale with piano black center pieces. and aluminum inserts. It's much faster than the other cars I've owned: 98 Oldsmobile Aurora V8, 03 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. I also currently own a 2006 civic si that is also sporty and more forgiving on the back. Its not as fast as the RX-8 and no where near the RX-8 in handling prowess.
really fun to drive
shooz, 07/15/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First new car I've ever owned, now 8k miles. I live in LA and it's terrific to get around town with some style, nimble on the freeways (although it has large blind-spots), and way too much fun in the canyons. Fine in rain but lousy in snow. Engine's quirky but really fun once you get used to it. Doesn't feel underpowered, but I know Mazda changed the gear ratios in 2009, I don't drive below 2800 RPM when in traffic, and I'd never consider this car as an automatic. Precise gearing/steering + sport suspension means your girlfriend probably can't do her make-up while riding shotgun. As designed it drinks oil, about 1 quart every 1k miles, no biggie. I'm 6' and have just enough headroom.
A Car to Care For
stan williams, 08/03/2018
updated 08/06/2019
2010 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The RX8 by Mazada is Not for everybody. This car requires particular care in the way it drives(very fast), best if the dealer does the servicing as you want familiarity in dealing with this car. Suggest following the ower's book guidelines. A great Fun automobile if properly cared for.
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Fun car, great to be different.
Joe, 10/04/2019
updated 10/06/2021
2011 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Everyone complains about gas mileage, it will get 24 mpg on the highway if you keep your speed under 70. Second it does not go through oil as much as everyone says. It will use a quart in about 2000 to 2500 miles on a 2009 and up Series 2 model. If you run it hard or track it you could use a quart in 1500 miles. It handles great, very light, get the manual to get the most out of it. If you are going to buy one get a compression check first from a Mazda dealer or buy one dirt cheap $1000.00 with a bad engine. A rebuilt one with cost you $3000.00 to $5000.00 depending how much work you do yourself or farm out.
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EPA NUMBERS? BAH!
AVELECTRO, 06/14/2008
2009 Mazda RX-8 Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent commuting and weekend fun vehicle. Mazda really knows how to use the Wankel to its best advantage. My mileage is way better than the EPA numbers: I am averaging 24 to 26 mpg in a 40/60 city/highway commute. Mine is an automatic 6-speed and I drive as if I enjoy the rotary experience. I sure do get tired of reviewers that claim this car is a gas guzzler only by looking at the lousy EPA numbers.
Can't Fault My RX-8
ash8, 03/09/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
So far no problems at all, I really can not fault my Superb Mazda RX-8. Fuel economy rate for performance is very acceptable, what do people expect, it is not a Civic, it is a Sports Car. Handling is Superb, #3 in America. Braking is Excellent # 10 rated against all Exotics. Performance is Fantastic for a 1.3 Litre Rotary, 0-60 in under 6.8 Sec is fast for ANY car. Great Value, nothing comes close. This car is Unique. Not a day goes by without a look or comment....is that the new Porsche..one guy asked. Would I recommend this car...Hell Yes..
Great car, bad build quality.
Sad, 11/04/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought a brand new JDM import. The steering rack rattles incessantly. This has just 10,000 km on it. Sorry Mazda but this is just garbage to put it mildly. I am currently negotiating with the reluctant dealer to have the steering rack switched. Other than that the car is great. Great engine, great handling, great cabin, great looks. Comfortable too!
A True Rice Burner from Japan
J-Dub, 08/11/2019
2009 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my second Rx8 The first was a 2005 drove the wheels off sold it with 105,000 miles Very reliable Weak fuel millage I have been driving my 2009 RX8 Sport since 2011 Bought it with 39,000 It now has 90,000 I did have to replace the radiator at 55,000 The A/C compressor at 70,000 Dont buy after market I went thru two AC compressor before I bought a Mazda Compressor no problem for the last three years Did oil changes every 3,000~3500 miles with 5/20 weight went to 10/30 at 70,000 miles for more protection Put a Tuner on about a year ago Bumped HP up to 250 Now from a start to 60mph about a,second faster Throttle response much faster Gas millage is now 17~18 in town 22~24.5 highway About 2 MPGs better The power curve kicks in around 4800 RPMs to well past the red line Id really like to see the next gen Rotary with a turbo back under the hoid This would take a great handling mid engine desgin fun to drive sport car tto the next level Ill be first on line, Piston engines,just dont compare to the power and simplicity of a ratary
Oiled Out!
Disgusted In FL, 10/28/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
2 of 22 people found this review helpful
My experience owning this vehicle has its ups and downs. On the down side, the car burns too much oil. After an oil change, the oil light comes on 1000 miles into the oil change. I was told this was normal by the dealership on two occasions when I took it in for service. They told me to "add oil" to it and it would be fine until the next oil change. I have had more oil changes on this car in the one year that I've owned it. This car is too overpriced for what you get.
Mazda RX8
TicoRico, 07/30/2008
2009 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have to say this is my first RX8 I have ever owned/driven. I love the car, it feels, sounds and drives so well. It has a very smooth engine. I agree with other sites that the car doesn't have a lot of torque, but it picks up very well. The car is designed to handle, not for pure brute speed. 4 door 4 seater sports car, very sleek looking. I couldn't have gotten anything better for my first sports car at this price range. My advise to anyone interested in the car, test drive it. Actions speak louder than words.
Great Ride!
Brian Bogardus, 10/25/2008
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What can you say except wow. Just a sweet looking car that is super fun to drive. We receive compliments everywhere we travel, from the tires and rims to the well appointed interior space.
Zoom Zoom Zoom
MDM, 05/30/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Mazda Rotary vehicle (following a 1988 RX-7 GXL, and a 1994 3rd Gen RX-7), and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I hadn't planned on getting another car, but my 15 year old 3rd gen RX-7 was totaled almost a month ago :-(, And I KNEW the "8" couldn't match the 3rd gen's stellar performance since the "8" is 300-400 pounds heavier, about 110 less horsepower (I'd had some things done to my 3rd gen) and doesn't benefit from the 3rd gen's 50-some-odd better low end torque (compliments of that sequential twin turbo setup). But I knew these things off the bat. But the one thing that's still the same is the razor sharp cornering ability! And the smoothness of the rotary.
RX8 R3 Best car purchase yet!
LoveMyRX8, 06/15/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love driving my RX8. True, it's not as potent as my Speed3, but it is much more fun to drive. I could never take turns and corners in my Speed3 like I do in my 8. I never got to drive an older model, but the R3 is so incredible at handling, I couldn't imagine a boring drive in any RX8. One thing is for sure, the RX8 is my new choice of car and cant wait to see what other improvements/new models that Mazda will release in the future. Judging by the R3 final product, I know Mazda is headed in the right direction. Let's hope they stay headed that same way.
For the empty nester
rvanparys, 03/11/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Kids all gone? Maybe its time to have a little fun... The RX 8 certainly can fill that bill. I chose the car because I wanted a fun to drive car. The four doors were the selling point since we have an Old English Sheep Dog who loves rides... Unfortunately the dog can only sit in the front seat which means she stays home when my wife and I hit the road... That said, there is ample space for grandkids and adults for short trips... Handling is great and the automatic performs flawlessly. Not as fast as a 6 speed but then I am not into racing. Fit and finish is good and seats comfortable on long trips. There is a little more road noise than I would like but you can still hear the Zoom Zoom!
RX 8 Lover
ZoomZoom210, 04/15/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my RX 8 to replace my Mazda6 that was totaled in an accident. I am a car enthusiast that was looking for something sporty and fun to drive. Well, I got both in this car. I bought the 6 speed to add to the enjoyment of driving a sports car. I also picked the Crystal White Pearl which I absolutely adore. I find this car fun and sporty! Just know that you are getting basically a two seater with suicide doors. Don't expect to haul the family around for the back seat has very limited leg room. I am averaging about 16 mpg in the city so if you can't afford Premium fuel, this car is not for you. Overall I am thrilled with my RX 8 and am a true RX 8 Lover...
Perfect Sports Car
james, 05/19/2010
2009 Mazda RX-8 Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, wish it made more power, but handles great and puts a smile on my face everyday, People always comment on my car, great purchase
Sad Effort Mazda
Colin, 06/27/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 RX-8 R3 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Disappointed, engine stalls. Also prone to flooding if you drive it for less than 40 minutes - not good news with inner city living needing you to shuffle parking spots. The final nail was a dropped rotor. Reported the performance drop off to Mazda, they "didn't find anything". Needed a full engine replacement, never again ... and then Mazda Australia comment of "no customer goodwill will be provided". Sure could try the legal route, but have not got the time.
Better than okay... not excellent!
debrucer, 01/10/2009
2009 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned sports cars all my life and my favorite had a 50/50 weight distribution ('75 Alfetta GT). This car doesn't feel as light, or as peppy from what I remember. The only other rotary car I drove was an old MX2, right hand drive imported by a service man and traded through a local dealership. he had bought two, and had to sell one to pay for the EPA expenses to end up with one car. It was hot... this car is not so hot. Not nearly enough torque. Features are nice, variable speed/temp redline is pretty kewl, and rev-limiters in general, also kewl. if you're going to have a hot car you should drive it hard... and this car really isn't all that "hot". I'm not "sorry" I bought.
RX7 Touring
Franky, 09/20/2010
2010 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful
Leased this vehicle for two years and returned back to the dealership as soon as the lease up. First, the gas mileage is like and worst than a $100k sport car. Second, the car is so under power and you have to push to 5000 rpm in a daily driving like passing on the highway, not in racing with somebody. However for couple thousands under invoice and thousands of incentives kick-in, it is not a bad car at all. It is a best buy for someone who wants a super handling sport car with 4 doors but don't mind of gas mileages and the durability of mechanical parts. Lease could be the best idea.