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 1 through 10 of 179.00-
INCREDIBLE machine... RX-8 = FUN! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Russ G - October 29 - 3:00 pmHad 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!
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Get some ROOM-ROOM with your ZOOM-ZOOM!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Ant - September 23 - 1:56 amResearched and test drove several cars before deciding on the 8. GTO, Mustang, A3, G35s, 3 series, S2000, TSX, Tc, etc. None had a better combination of performance, handling, value, room, and looks than the 8. Good power, excellent handling, exceptional 6 sp trans., great brakes, wonderful steering, all make for a perfect 10 in "fun to drive". Gas mileage is below average..but, you knew that. :) Exterior styling is sharp and full of "character" and car is exclusive (not easy in SoCal). Interior is comfortable and well thought out with very good materials. Roomy back seat with good access. Trunk space is generous for a sports car, but the opening is a bit small. Overall, this 8 is The One.
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Amazing car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By RX-8 - September 18 - 11:23 amThis car is everything you want in a car and more. I lvoe this car. I plan to get every model. ALso withs its rotary powered engine this car drives like a dream. I would suggest this car to everyone.
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Still a treat to drive after 3 years! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By dna - August 31 - 12:00 pmI dont know of a better handling sports car for less than 5 times the price. The ride is firm, but comfortable. I am blown away with how comfortable a long distance cruiser the RX-8 is. I get 20 mpg combined city/hwy with spirited, but legal, driving. The rotary engine responds well to some pampering. I use 4 oz synthetic 2-cycle oil and 4 oz Lucas Upper Cylinder Lube in every 10 gallons of gas. Thats probably why my mileage is better than most. Even a mechanic at the dealer commented that it was the smoothest running RX- 8 he had ever heard. The off-the-line grunt is weak, but once you get the revs up to 5000 rpm it is a winner. Drive the rotary right (high rpm) and you will be thrilled!
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Love it! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Jamie - May 3 - 3:06 amI have owned this vehicle for the past few months and i love it! i have had two Madzas before this and this is the first rotary i have owned. I have read reviews of problems with this car and i can say that i have nothing happen to it, i drove to Florida and back from New Jersey. Oil consumption is NORMAL in a rotary because it used it in the combustion chamber, so it is burned off with the fuel! IT IS NORMAL TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1500 MILES! GET USED TO IT!
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New Toy - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By jwoods - March 4 - 4:56 pmI have owned 2 previous rotary engine cars in the past, plus 2 Mustang GTs and 1 Corvette. This car has been great so far. Very fun to drive. Shifts easier than the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire we own. Very rare on the road (unlike Mustangs). Ample power and torque spread across a wide powerband. Gas mileage is mediocre.
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Living with a rotor... - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Will Dover - November 9 - 7:50 amA 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.
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Performance and Design beats MPG - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By piston to rotary - August 14 - 10:10 pmLove the looks and performance of this automobile. Interior accommodations are very nice and high quality. I have been looking at these autos for the last three years and finally took the plunge and found a low mileage 05. Prices appear to be falling and the car doesnt appear to have the residual that I thought it would, Seems folks might have been scared off by the less than ideal mpg and high octane requirements. All in all this is an excellent vehicle that performs beautifully, looks outstanding, handles like a slot car and has good Japanese quality.
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vroom is for real - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By george mouzakis - July 7 - 5:50 pmHave 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 Im captaining the space shuttle. Go for it if you can!
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Perfect GT with sports car moves - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By ss8 - March 11 - 7:00 pmAll controls buttery smooth and all surfaces look and feel expensive. Still finding thoughtful touches after months of ownership. And the ride and handling ... smooth engine with flat torque curve betray pretty good acceleration. Sound is exquisite. When you decide to brake entering a turn, it is always too early. Ride is supple over bumps, but somehow sporty handling. No other car I have driven has a front end that feels so light when changing directions. Turn-in is immediate. Best of all, handling at limits very forgiving and comfortable (as can be possible). Easy to rotate at limit with throttle and brakes. 21 MPG same as previous 5-speed WRX, not as bad as others said in my experience?
