Overview & Reviews

Changes for the 2007 Mazda RX-8 are few. An in-dash six-disc CD changer is now standard on Touring and Grand Touring models, while a new performance package becomes optional on the Sport trim.

• Most optional features buried in packages, poor fuel economy and mediocre torque output, some quirky interior ergonomics.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 23.00

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  A great car looking for a great engine - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By JimW - August 28 - 8:40 pm

  I love everything about the car-looks, handling EXCEPT the total, absolute, complete (get the picture) lack of torque. You really have to beat it with a stick to get it moving. I should have got a V8!

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  Perfect for a driver with the right circumstances - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Jonathan Baker - June 14 - 7:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 RX-8 Seven months ago. It had 62,000 miles on it and the engine had about 15,000. (At least half of the cars I looked at were on their second engine.) It is slightly modified with a cold air intake, aftermarket exhaust and 19” wheels with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo summer tires. I bought the car shortly after I started commuting to work by train minimizing the impact of the poor fuel mileage. Should I have to return to a lengthy commute here in Los Angeles, the car will be up for sale in an instant. My city mileage in the 17-18 range. I can’t give a useful hwy figure because all my non-city driving is blasting through mountain roads. That of course is where this car shines. It is spectacularly agile and balanced and there is nothing like having the throttle control of running in 2nd or 3rd gear at 6000- to 7000 rpm and still have a couple thousand more at your disposal. The car is completely neutral in the turns, and the Hankooks (which isn’t a brand I would normally consider) are the stickiest tires I’ve ever owned. So far, the car’s ability easily exceeds my talent. There is no question this is a sports car. You have to be engaged with it for the fun to happen. It won’t come from just a pressed throttle. With little in the way of torque, you have to work to access the power which is then quite rewarding. You sit low, both brakes and throttle respond quickly and effectively. The steering is no match for the non-assist rack I had in a Miata, but still surprisingly communicative given that it is electrically assisted. When not used as a toy, the car is benign if thirsty partner. I have put adults in the back though not for long distances. The usual rear seat occupant is an oversized backpack that carries work, lunch and gym items and the rear door makes it quite accessible, though things can get a bit involved in cramped parking situations. The navigation system just shows how much displays have improved in the past 10 years, and the database seems convinced I live in in Massachusetts, so I love the fact that I can make the screen disappear. I do find it a great companion in the mountains however, where seeing the shape of the next curve informs me of the appropriate approach speed and what gear to take it in. Like most RX-8 owners, I keep a quart of oil and funnel in the trunk, though thus far only use the better part of a quart every three fill ups. Don’t check your oil in the dark. As the dipstick receiver much like the engine itself, is very low back by the firewall and hard to aim for when you can’t see it. I was skeptical about the digital speed display at first, but rather like it now, especially as it allows the tach to be large and centered. The steering wheel has just the right amount of buttons and the dash controls are both easy to find and operate intuitively. Visibility is good, particularly though the wrap-around rear window. The taut leather seating surfaces do a good job of imitating vinyl, but still keep me in place in the mountains. The Bose stereo is adequate, though I wish for a simple auxiliary input. A previous owner installed an iPod connect cord which, though an adapter plugs into my iPhone 6. Unfortunately, the connection only works when it feels like it. As mentioned, my vehicle had a modest amount of modification. I don’t know how much of a significant difference the intake makes, but it sure looks good when the hood is open. Likewise, I’m not sure how effective the exhaust is beyond broadcasting to the world whenever I’m in the 6000 to 9000 rpm range. The just-short-of black 19” wheels look more bad-ass than is probably appropriate for this 50-something year old and the low profile tires definitely add some harshness to the ride, though as mentioned, they redeem themselves in my self-indulgent mountain excursions. It is those mountain drives that give this car a reason for being. Frankly, if you don’t have reasonable access to lightly traveled twisty roads, you won’t get to use it for what it’s best at and I’d recommend a different choice. The occasional freeway cloverleaf just isn’t enough.

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  The Practical Sports Car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Gripen - May 19 - 11:00 pm

  Bought this car used w/ 7500mi. The car, as of this writing, has just over 20k miles. Have not had any reason to take the car in for unscheduled visits to a mechanic. Best fuel mileage was 24.63mpg doing a constant 75mph on the freeway the day after I purchased the vehicle. Daily commuting in traffic has resulted in 16-17mpg six months later. Requires more attention on maintenance (checking oil level every other fill-up, premix to preserve apex seals, spark plug replacement should be more frequent than manufacturers specification) compared to other vehicles in its class. Regardless of this and the abysmal fuel mileage, I have enjoyed my purchase. A very willing dance partner on a good road.

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  Loving the rx8 in St. Louis! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Kris - November 5 - 2:53 pm

  I got a great deal on this car after about 2 years of research. I read everything on the oil consumption, oil weight discussion, and common problems of the vehicle. Ive found that the 2007 has ironed out most of these problems and Im having a BLAST driving it! I walk out to the garage still expecting to see my rusted out s10 I upgraded from, just to fall in love with it all over again. I have the same problems with the heated seats buttons and accidentally turning them off, the cupholders in the front are poorly placed and rarely useful because of this, but other than that, Im pumped. It handles the STL winters no problem too.

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  RX-8 - a Family Rocket on Wheels - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By P.C.H. Cruiser - December 18 - 3:50 am

  With the wifes permission I went looking for a Miata to replace our 2003 Sequoia. Saw the RX-8, drove it, got it sideways on a suburban, could not stop laughing, went back and bought the car. The only problem is I cant get my wife out from behind the wheel and now must go back and buy her the Miata!! The fuel economy is awful but everything else is wonderful. For a family of three it makes a great family sedan that can carve corners while it goes to the grocery store. Its shiny black form reminds us of the Batmobile and, between its shape and the angry shriek it makes as it runs up to 9,000 RPMs, it turns heads where ever it goes. BUY IT !!!