2005 Mazda RX8 Base Model 13B

Summary:

Can be a rocketship within its power band

Faults:

Nothing but a tune-up recall.

General Comments:

I love my 2005 RX8! I have owned an '87 and two '88s, and can tell you from experience that the starting (generally flooding) is peculiar to the rotary. You need to have some experience with this motor, and Mazda dealers will not highlight any peculiarities that aren't positive -- so here you are!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2006

23rd Jan 2007, 20:15

No motor engineered in this day-and-age should have chronic flooding/starting/stalling problems. Especially when installed in a company's top model.

I finally gave up on my RX-8; sold it for a car with a good old V8... gets similar MPG, and better performance. Perhaps it's time for Mazda to give up on the rotary... better engine designs already exist.

26th Apr 2009, 11:01

That's a biased comment. The rotary has not been around for a century like the piston, therefore it still needs a dialing in. It is also very easy to fix the stalling problem if you know anything about the engine and how fuel system works. The new RX8's don't have the same problem, therefore the rotary is being evolved and dialed in for the consumer.

2005 Mazda RX8 GT

Summary:

Graceful power and stability

Faults:

The 6 CD changer continues to break down due to problems reading burned CD play lists.

Everyone wants to race you.

General Comments:

This car is spectacular. The look and feel, the comfort, and most of all, the graceful power.

The D.T.S. system on this car makes this car far more solid on the road compared to a BMW M3, and any domestic I've come across. Where other cars have wiped out (and yes they have), this car takes control, and keeps you safe.

The turbo option for this car is SPECTACULAR.

Nothing I have ever driven is this graceful, and this enjoyable. When I don't want to drive a sports car, I can still comfortably drive this car. When I want to put everyone behind me, this car does it fairly well. Considering the price, you get far more than domestics.

You know why you want an RX8, it's not the fuel economy. If you want that, buy a regular car that's pretending to be a sports car. This car in particular, is attractive to look at.

See you on the road!

Cheers!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2006

11th Nov 2006, 02:18

I read in one of the major car magazines that the new Corvette Z06 got 26 mpg on the highway during their test. Interesting that a sports car with significantly better performance (and a much larger engine) is more fuel efficient than the RX8.

In reply to 11th Nov 2006, 02:18

13th Nov 2006, 06:23

Not really. Mazda rotary engines have always been notoriously poor in terms of fuel economy, so it's hardly surprising.

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2005 Mazda RX8 rotary 1.3L

Summary:

An excellent ride, well worth the money

Faults:

I have not had a problem with this car since I bought it.

General Comments:

This car is a joy to drive, reasonable performance and ride - the rails handling make it so.

There is a reason many people wait 1 or 2 model years to buy a new model, so that the manufacturers can work out the glitches, and they always have so many suckers to experiment on. Few have been the new models to come out without glitches in the past 15 years. However I will not be keeping this car forever, because it is a very snug fit for me with the sunroof, yet I will regret the day I have to give it up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2006

2005 Mazda RX8 RX-8 1.3 rotary

Summary:

Awsome...!!

Faults:

N/a.

General Comments:

Very crisp throttle response, only exceeded by the RX-8's nimble agility in the handling department.

I own (2) collector cars in the 0-60 mph 4.0 second range with handling capabilities second to none... this car is well worth serious consideration.

Cockpit comfort and detail is very impressive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2006

10th May 2006, 11:58

Very crisp throttle response??? the car had no low end. I mean you give it gas and you sit waiting for the car to move.

19th May 2006, 01:44

Definitely a gutless car. On paper the RX8 is quick, but on the day-to-day grind, this car is not very enjoyable. Also: poor reliability, cheap interior materials, and developing rattles at less than 40k miles.

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