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

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  Excellent value - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Nergal - February 17 - 12:40 am

  I have the pleasure of owning an 06 Shinka, & it is one of the best values around. Comfort, engine response, appearance, price and overall package cant be beat. Handles like a dream! Smooth M6. Gets more looks than my BMW did, and it costs much less to maintain. Great handling and convenience package offered in the Shinka.

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  Quiet Kicks - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Fun at the Wheel - March 15 - 10:30 am

  I have owned a sports car of one type or another for the last 25 years. The RX-8 rocks. I have had mine to 155 mph and it feels like its glued to the road. Its humorous for the Toyota dudes and the Mercedes sweeties to challenge it. The only thing that comes close is a Mustang GT until you get into the first turn. Then you will see them in the rear view. The Porsche, BMW sports models are plusher but more sluggish in the turns. The Hondas are not in the same league and Nissan Zs. The car can handle a turn like no other. Some complaints regarding the car are the gas mileage (find another car that gets good gas mileage and can go 175+.) For under 30k new you cant beat it.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By aljor042 - January 23 - 3:36 am

  Just bought my 06 RX-8 GT with 30k miles on it and am loving it. Test drove one and fell in love immediately. The handling is amazing, it is unlike anything in its price range. The engine has plenty of power dont worry about what everybody is saying about a lack of power, this thing will move! Gas mileage isnt all that bad either I got 25 mpg on a 300 mi trip with the cruise set on 80.

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  Lovin the ride - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Manatnac - December 11 - 2:23 am

  This is my third rotary and it is great. I have had no problems, its fun to drive and has all the passing power I need. Corners so well, shifts easily, smooth power, and is so beautiful to look at. The sound system is good too. Not a window blowing sound but certainly adequate for the small interior. Many do add woofers and amps but that is a personal choice. The fit and finish of body parts is tight, the brakes are strong, and the styling is unique. I am a satisfied customer.

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  2004 RX-8 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By RXG8r - December 3 - 3:40 am

  The RX-8 is an extremely fun car to drive, with impeccable handling/cornering ability and a 9000 RPM redline. Its not quite as torquey as I would like, but thats not exactly what rotary motors are known for anyway. The only thing that would make this car better would be an additional 80 ft/lb of torque and 30 hp, nothing a turbo cant solve!

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  RX-8 Delivers Maximum Smiles per Mile!!! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Froggy RX-8 - June 13 - 10:36 am

  Test drove RX-8, fell in love at 9,000 rpm redline, bought on spot. Screams like a 4-seat F-1 car. This canyon carver runs down M-3s, 911s, and occasional Lambo on CA P.C.H. Hwy 1. Driven 36,000 miles so far, very reliable, comfy seats, compliant ride, good Bose stereo. Not lazy to drive like Chevy V-8. You MUST adapt your driving style to get max speed. Keep it from 5,000 to 9,000 rpm and rotary happily howls. Tiny low weight engine allows for mounting low and rearward in chassis for near mid-engine balance, low center of gravity. Rotary uses oil to lube its seals so top off oil at about five gas fill- ups. 17-20 MPG fine for fast car. If you need big mpg skip all sports cars.

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  FUN - FUN ZOOM - ZOOM - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By ?? - January 26 - 11:43 am

  I have owned my RX-8 for exactly one month. I know, not enough time to have a unbiased opinion yet...but I will say that this car is the most fun vehicle I have ever driven. The interior is very sharp and all the controls and design are very well put together.

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  not in the snow - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By iowa mike - October 24 - 1:40 am

  Loved the car except I live in Iowa and the car should not and in some cases cannot be driven in the snow. Had problems getting up even the smallest grade when streets were the least slick. Tires are very sticky and that added to handling, but the down side is they only last about 10K miles. Overall loved the car (my third rx) but it had some problems that were too much for me to handle in the winter. Anywhere without snow, this vehicle kicks. Wish they offered a convertible.

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  From Experience - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By bballincO2 - December 28 - 10:13 am

  Great car, reliable, fuel efficient. This car has worked great for me on and off the track (yea, I race). Great car.

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  Almost Dream Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By dynamho - December 22 - 8:13 am

  The sheet metal of this car is definitely a matter of taste. Anything passionately designed is bound to have its critics. Whether its beautiful or ugly, one certainty is that it turns heads all the time. I have two kids and they are perfectly comfortable in the rear seats. We have another "blue jeans" car for all the hauling. However, this car is fine for 80% of everyday duties. Handling is extremely forgiving. Its easy to drive fast. The engine needs a little more attention than a regular piston engine, but treat is right and it will reward you with many grins. Critics complain about the lack of torque. But, the torque is spread over a wider powerband, making it less temperamental.