Overview & Reviews

The 2011 Mazda RX-8 carries over unchanged.

• Smooth rotary engine
• Impressive feature content.
• Nimble handling
• Comfortable ride
• Innovative body style that can actually seat four adults

• Meager low-end power and acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Small trunk opening.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 4 of 4.00

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  Unlike Anything You Have Ever Driven - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By strata1 - October 5 - 2:47 am

  The RX-8 as a sports car is amazing. It is such a nice car to be in and drive because it looks great both inside and out, is comfortable, and handles phenomenally well. When you floor it, you are treated with a very responsive, short-throw transmission and an engine that will rev up to 9000rpm. When you want to relax, the seats are comfortable, the cabin is quiet, and the rotary engine gently hums as you go along at highway speeds in top gear. The only drawback to this car is the rotary. Its low on power and torque yet is as thirsty as a V-8. It is also designed to eat oil and requires a topping off every second fuel up. There is also the issue of flooding.

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  The 4-seat Miata - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By mejazz - February 3 - 10:05 pm

  I am a Miata fan - had 3 of them in the past but had to let go due to having 3 kids. The RX-8 provides similar driving thrills but with the ability to seat 4 peoples so i can use it to pick/drop kids from school and still have fun driving. Everybody talks about rotary engine issues but Mazda offers 100K miles warranty on engine so dont see much point. Yes it requires topping off oil every 2nd or 3rd fillup but thats not a big deal at all. Infact, you will enjoy it - you will feel more involved with your car. I do miss the convertible part of Miata. Hoping they will build a rotary Miata someday.

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  Poor persons exotic - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By DLu - April 12 - 9:40 am

  If you want a car that has universally been loved for its handling prowess, especially for cars under $100k, and you want a unique vehicle (the only rotary engine available in a modern car, "freestyle" doors that offer easier rear stea access while avoiding ridiculously long coupe doors, 9000 rpm redline, non-vanilla looks, etc), then the RX-8 (now only available as used) is an excellent option. I got my R3 new for less than what Insideline paid for their FR-S, so the value factor is excellent too. I drive the R3 on a daily basis, except when there is salt/snow on the road. I swapped out the OEM summer tires, and the handling is still great. Mileage is not a problem for my 22-mi round trip.

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  R3 is Brilliant! - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By sm108 - April 13 - 5:22 am

  If you are a true enthusiast, the RX-8 R3 is for you; I drove the usual suspects- 370Z, G37s, 335i, all are great cars However, the way this car comes together, the hand-in-glove feel you get, the intoxicating sound, and the perfect steering and shifter, and firm yet comfortable suspension tuning make this car truly special. You have to know how to drive to let this cars brilliance shine through- there is nothing like it. Drove it through the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) and the car is made for it; StIs couldnt keep up, it is sheer brilliance when driven hard.