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-
This is different. - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By buteman - October 31 - 1:56 pmI honestly could not see myself in one of these cars, but Im really enjoying the experience. Perhaps with just buying this lovely car Im not quite qualified to offer an opinion but here is my initial impressions. I was fortunate to find a low mileage ( 25k,in kilometers ) GT model with the luxury package and automatic ( wife needs auto. ) We took it for a good run on a winding highway,,,,wow, it has more than enough power for me ( Im 64 ) the handling was great, the paddle shifters are great fun, so smooth a ride. The interior is so luxurious and very comfortable, oh sure it sucked some fuel but that is a known fact with this car and thats the price you pay,,no big deal. Nice car !!
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Almost Perfect - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By TheBark - April 25 - 6:30 amFun to drive and I actually fit into it, the RX8 is an almost perfect sports car. There are a few things quality wise that could be improved (why are the visors still an issue going into the fourth production year?), but overall, its a combination of sportiness and practicality, not to mention superb handling, that makes this such a great vehicle. And unlike those hideous Mustangs, you dont see one at every stop-light which is something of a plus, too.
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New owner - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Mark G - February 16 - 8:20 pmI just took delivery of my 06 base RX8 6M. Researched the coupe market to death and ended up with the RX8, Ford Mustang GT and Nissan 350Z shortlist. Need 4 seats so Nissan went out. The Mustang went when I knew that the refinement of the RX8 and its looks had won me over. I was concerned about the fuel consumption and cold start procedure but once I drove it home I knew I could live with both of these minor quirks. The look and driving experience are just out of this price league. You can spend twice as much and not get the same feel all round. It is a breath-taking beauty! I got one of the last 06 models at a great price & dealership were excellent.
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Fun, Fun, & More Fun! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By GRX8 - September 6 - 3:03 pmI was looking for a sportscar that was reasonably priced, fun to drive, roomy enough to move 4 adults if necessary and not seen on every corner like the Z or Mustangs. Well, lucky for me I came across the RX8. This car is all of the above and more. Its not the fastest car around, but its handling makes up for it, and it is very fun to drive.
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2006 RX8 Grand Touring A.T. - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Fantastic RX8 - July 15 - 9:43 amGreat Car and talk about fun to drive!!! I bought mine used with 34000 miles on it. Fully loaded with every option available. The 6 speed A/T is excellent and what makes it even more fun is the paddle shifting. The handling is positive and very responsive. The ride is smooth and not stiff. The rotary engine is smooth and responsive. No need to rev it to 9000 rpm (red line) thats just crazy and asking for a early engine death. All I can say is, "Im going to have a lot of fun driving my RX8". :-) You guys out there have fun with yours as well and take care! 22-23mpg mainly city driving.
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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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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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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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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.
