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 1 through 10 of 45.00

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  Quirky Fun - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Denny - May 19 - 10:00 am

  After a few years - Still tons of fun to drive, but not good for heavy traffic commuting. Dont drive it on snow or ice - you will die. On the other hand, its a great road trip car and the handling is amazing. Turns and stops better than anything Ive ever driven. It will do a decent 0- 60 if you are willing to abuse the gearbox and clutch, but why? The thing really turns on above 5,000 rpm and is a hoot. It took some time and practice to learn how to maximize the performance, but once you figure out the engine it is the easiest car to drive fast that Ive ever experienced.

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  Dont judge this car by looks alone - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By rick salzer - June 27 - 2:50 am

  I own this car and it has not even come close to the expectations I had for it. It looks great. But that is it. Performance is poor, it is slow, and finally it has not been very reliable at all. The starter has been a constant problem in the cold weather. The electrical system has given me problems. The tire pressure monitoring system has given me problems. If I could do it over again, I would absolutely never buy this car again. After my experience with the manufacturer, I will never buy another Mazda for that matter.

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  disappointed - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Ziggy - May 22 - 11:23 am

  Expecting better fuel economy over the previous generation; still very poor for the power output compared to conventional engine. Need to regularly keep eye on rpm to know when to shift gears. Engine does not give audible sound that I am aware of when to shift gears which is distracting. I have unintentionally red lined many times. Overrated specs along with total dealer denials; one that car was over heating and refused to address.

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  Warning - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By ziggy - January 16 - 11:03 pm

  I have unintentionally redlined this vehicle many times as the engine as far as I can tell does not sound like it is over revving even when the rpms are in the redline This forces me to inconveniently keep my eye on the tach more often than in a car with a conventional engine. I do not get the advertised fuel economy which was low in the first place when compared to a car with a conventional engine for the same h.p.