2006 Mazda RX8 230 PS 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

If you want it, its got it

Faults:

Wheel nuts starting to show signs of corrosion.

Gear lever knob has come loose after purchasing optional 2 tone leather base and illuminated knob.

General Comments:

Turn of speed most welcome when needed and brings smile to face doing it.

Cabin layout very pleasing.

Xenon lights are excellent for fast night driving.

Seats aren't up to German standards and can be a bit uncomfortable during long trips.

But that's typical of other sporty Japanese seats.

Dip stick could be in a more practical location with regards to frequent use.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2006

23rd May 2007, 05:06

I own a 2006 230 model and having read the review, it was as if I wrote it myself.

Alloys and wheel nuts corroding, gear lever moving now after 2 tone leather option added, uncomfortable seats (not to German standards) right down to the previous car being a Toyota Celica.

My other concern is that the heated rear window doesn't seem to work, the window only clearing if I use the Air con.

Apart from the fuel consumption, it is still a fabulous car to drive.

2006 Mazda RX8 from North America

Summary:

Pure fun and enjoyment to drive and own

Faults:

Flawless so far.

General Comments:

Best handling car I have ever been a passanger in let alone drive and own. This car has such a wide power band that launches the car with every gear shift. Any unflattering comments on this car's speed and agility is surely the result of a driver's shortness of driving skills.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2006

1st Feb 2008, 20:59

Certainly not. Go take yourself a test drive of say, a Dodge Neon SRT4, MazdaSpeed3, Subaru WRX STi, Mitsubishi Evo and you will feel speed. I was considering getting an RX8 originally, but after feeling how anemic the power is, I decided to look elsewhere.

The only comparison I can think of for this car in acceleration and power is a Honda Civic. Obviously the Civic dosen't have as good as cornering abilities as the RX8, but it has a better engine.

Give it a try, please.

In reply to 1st Feb 2008, 20:59

14th Sep 2010, 11:15

I have driven them all. The Neon is a joke, and sucks. The Mazdaspeed 3 is fast, sure, but not faster than an RX-8, and handling isn't nearly as good (FWD, nose heavy). The STi and EVO both have more power, more torque, and a much higher price tag, or have been raced to death by ricer fanboys.

All of the cars you named cannot compare because they are either slow and unreliable, ugly, or FWD (or all three, like the SRT-4. Give me a break; only a person who can't afford a GOOD fast car that actually gets respect on the road buys an SRT-4. The SRT-4 does not deserve respect.)

The RX-8 isn't without fault, but you can't buy it because it's perfect. (after all, many, many, many people bought the live rear axle 05+ Mustang...) It's more beautiful than a Neon (by a factor of 10), the EVO and WRX (which scream "ricer" to most people on the road.), and Mazdaspeed 3. It's faster where it counts, and deserves respect.

14th Sep 2010, 18:40

I have not driven the new RX-8, however I did own an older RX-7. I owned a 2.2 Dodge Omni at the same time, and the Omni would it blow in away in both acceleration and top end without breathing hard. I also hated the oil-guzzling rotary engine and extremely poor build quality. Frankly, I'd take a Neon SRT over any Mazda any day. My Mazda was ready for the scrap heap before 100,000 miles. The Dodge made just shy of a quarter million with nary a problem.