Overview & Reviews

Mazda's four-door sports car was all new in 2004, and is back for 2005 with no changes except for the addition of a satellite radio-compatible head unit.

• Low base price, agile handling yet still comfortable enough for daily use, smooth rotary engine fun to wind out on the open road, room for four in a pinch.

• Option packages add considerable expense, iffy interior ergonomics, poor gas mileage.

User Reviews:

Showing 161 through 170 of 179.00

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Dave - March 25 - 4:43 am

  I absolutely love my RX-8. It is so fun to drive and get those RPMs up. Gas mileage isnt great and it is horrible in the snow, but it is worth it.

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  A Balanced Sports Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Tom Reese - February 13 - 7:56 pm

  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.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By agilefalcon - January 21 - 6:13 pm

  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. Its different, Its amazing.

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  2005 Grand Touring Automatic - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kifs - November 26 - 2:23 pm

  I sort of inherited this car with 2800 miles on it from a former Ford exec and I have the automatic with paddle shifters. The car is a hoot to drive fast and the only trouble I have had was a trim issue in the interior and the spring in the filler door. My car runs great, gets 16-18 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the road, with about 1000 mi per quart of oil. Its tight as a drum but only has 16000 miles since this is my second car and I only drive it from Apr-Nov. My dealer experience was underwhelming on the engine recall - what a bunch of clods - but so far just maintenance and cleaning. I keep waiting for the problems, but I really like the car.

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  Love My Rx8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tecatemn - November 14 - 11:30 am

  I have owned this car now for over six months. I have had only a couple of issues with it such as the center console, replaced once, seems very fragile. Also had a clip replace on the front spoiler. The car drives great very responsive with excellent steering. Not a powerhouse but by no means a weakling.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Starke - November 9 - 7:23 am

  I absolutely love my RX-8. Its a blast to drive! The effortless acceleration and outstanding handling even make the daily commute exciting. Its not the best for a Nebraska winter, but Ill put up with that for the rest of the thrills.

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  RX-8 Rocks!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By 007 - October 1 - 6:10 am

  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.

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  Caveat emptor - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Deaun - September 30 - 12:03 pm

  Let the buyer beware, indeed! This is my daily driver, plenty of miles, over 53,000 in 22 months. Comfortable and a pleasure to drive, but fixes are a pain (towing, tires are non-standard, weeks at a dealership, and worse once the warrenty expired). Gas mileage and cup holder complaints are valid. Tail light seals are faulty. Many rattles from underneath - try wire (metal) ties - and inside (super glue?). I traded my Miata for this? Am searching for my next car right now. Very disappointed in the quality and/or reliability of the RX8 after spending the time to locate my dream car.

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  Eye-catching, Great handling - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mazda RX8 - August 19 - 4:00 pm

  The car draws positive comments and looks from everyone passing by. Many people ask what car it is, and say how much they like the look of the car. Handles like a dream even in high wind with the limited slip differential. Power to spare, incredible comfort. There is a great sound system, and fantastic safety features. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and a "cockpit" style dash presents all information so its easy to see. The digital speedometer is excellent for the quick glance - and necessary - its hard to tell how fast you may be going! Quiet ride. The back seats are a major asset - its a "family sports car"! Great car - you have to experience it to believe it.

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  An Amazing Compromise - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By GTRacer - July 31 - 1:26 am

  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 didnt really mind because I was looking for a drivers 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.