Overview & Reviews
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.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 45.00-
The Very Best Sports Coupe - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Rotary Rider - May 6 - 12:23 pmThis car is the most fun you can have on 4 wheels (driving). The handling is superb (rivals or surpasses Porsches 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, its normal for a Wankel to consume oil (like a two cycle engine); second, it is simply crazy to compare it to a piston engines low end torque (its power delivery is much more like a turbines). Thats why a rotary really needs a six speed manual (dont let the revs drop below 3000, keep it "on a boil") and listen to the music as it winds to 8000.
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Fun to drive, but not enough power - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By NRutkowski - February 29 - 6:00 pmThe 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.
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A Steal - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Paul Bray - November 12 - 3:13 pmThis 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 couldnt buy the Z. The RX-8 is one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven - its 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 youve ever driven a stick and/or have normal hearing, this isnt a problem at all - and one reviewer with red-lining problems also complained about fuel economy - correlation?
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I love this car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Opus37 - July 14 - 9:56 pmI 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 Im 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.
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Nice car, terrible dealers and service - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By denverrx8 - July 11 - 8:03 pmIve owned my RX-8 for just over a year. I love almost everything about the car, except for the fact that its a Mazda. The car has spend over a month in the shop, mainly due to dealers that dont 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 theyre charging me for diagnosis and rentals, even though theyve duplicated the problem. Mazda is no help, the car is a lemon, and they wont stand behind it. Ive even filmed the problem for them, and they still say it doesnt happen! Bottom line. Great car, terrible car company, this will absolutely be my last Mazda. Dont buy Mazda!
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Way under-rated auto/Fun to drive car! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By De Groot - April 16 - 6:20 pmThis 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 wouldnt compare, something fun so I wouldnt miss the G20. Ha! I got it! This car is fun enjoyment. And its a car I fit into. I never thought it would accommodate my 64" frame. You feel the road and it really hugs the road. At highway speeds its 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.
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My RX-8 Review - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Mr Rotary - January 20 - 10:13 pmThis is a very fun animal to drive. Performance could be a little bit better on the engine side: theres no torque or power at the lower RPMs until you hit 5k or more. Too bad theres 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 cant recline all the way when I want to lay down and theres 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.
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Excellent car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Cliff - December 19 - 12:53 amThis 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.
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A Steal 2 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By J Chin - June 27 - 3:06 pmJust got one last week and I cant stop driving it. Definitely a one of a kind car - rotary engine. Cant wait till I break it in - then I can start having some real fun with the 9000 RPM redline. Still cant get over the looks I get when Im slowly cruising down the street.
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Jammin Coupe! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By rx8bear - June 12 - 6:46 amI 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 havent had any problems whatsoever with the car.
