2006 Mazda RX-8 consumer reviews

What a fun car to drive. When I hit 50, I went out looking for a sports car. This by far was best value for the money. Handles like a dream, but driving a 2 cylinder rotary engine is completely different than anything I had before. Really have to punch it to get torque, but above 5000, it is peppy enough. Of course, with the Shinka edition stiffness, suspension, etc. you can basically pivot on a dime. Fun, fun and more fun to go along with the sexy appearance. Only minor negative is the ventilation/AC which is slightly inadequate in a hot NY summer.

Okay...I have a fully loaded GT /nav in brilliant blue. I purchased this vehicle in 06 as a 04 model, I now have 83000 miles on it and want to upgrade to a better car. The problem is I can't find anything better, that's affordable of course. It's so hard to find the combination of good looks, performance, comfort, reliability,low maintenance, and a really nice sound system. I still look back at my ride! The only complaint I have is it needs more power. This is the reason this car isn't the success it should be. There is no need to trade up to a newer model because they are actually a bit slower, so Mazda please hurry w/the new 300hp rx7 so I don't have to switch companies and get a BMW. I'm begging! Yall if your considering this vehicle, please buy it. Its really a great fun everyday...fun everyday car. Get the nav if possible! BLESS

When Chuck Yeager strapped into the X-1 in October of 1947 he knew he was going to be part of something very, very big. The XLR-11 rocket engine that sat mere feet away from him was unlike anything they had thought to put in a manned aircraft either. It was this combination of gorgeous aerodynamic design mixed with the brilliant engineering is what would propel the world into the space age. The RX-8 was born of the same school of thought. 'Let's combine an aggressively aerodynamic shape with a small yet incredibly powerful engine that has no peer in terms of sheer originality' must have been the exact thoughts the design team at Mazda had when they put the Reneisis motor in a body that is equal parts hot-rod and experimental jet aircraft. The combination of the two is simply glorious, like running your hands down the bare-skin of a gorgeous woman while she whispers in your ear, this car will excite you to your very core. The RX-8 is a pure sportscar, and those who claim it is overly tame are most likely dolts who think that a sportscar and a muscle car are one in the same. I assure you, they are not. A sports car glides through corners at speed, hugging the road with a certain calm control that almost makes you wonder why every car doesn't go to the trouble of doing so. A muscle car screams in a straight line, laying down the rubber from its tires in a way that is comparable to the launch of a space shuttle. It cannot maneuver, it cannot be truly comfortable, but it can go very, very fast, assuming it all stays in one peice. A sports car on the other hand goes fast, but takes a little more time to get there and when it reaches that speed it is still calm and in control like a the Dhali Lama, but still nimble and beautiful like a Paris Opera ballerina. And like a ballerina this car might not be appreciated for the sheer art and complexity it brings to the table, but anyone who has a working pair of eyes will still appreciate the shape of it. In all the RX-8 isn't a car for taking your children to school or lining up by the lights at the local drag strip. It is a car for a breath-taking drive through open country roads and technically demanding race tracks.

Great zip and handling. 18-22 mpg tops regardless of how conservative you drive, city or highway miles. Premium fuel only. Surprisingly comfortable and roomy rear seat. No spare tire! Cupholder in center arm rest is poor position, (can't rest arm when drink in holder). Awkward position to check oil and must check oil every fill up since rotary uses oil. Have only needed 1 qt about every 5 fillups so far. Cruises very smoothly and easily at 80-90-100+ mph. Overall great driving experience-perfect balance between sporty and comfort for my tastes.

I bought my 2006 RX8 GT a couple years ago and it has been one of the best cars I have owned. Although it is not as fast as a few other sports cars, it is definitely quicker than most vehicles on the road; as well, I would be willing to bet it can outhandle 9 out of 10 sports cars. Fully loaded, it has an abundance of premium luxury options to make you feel at home. Great car!

Love this ride. I chose it over a 350 & Boxster for the handling alone. Granted the 350 might have more HP but when you rev that Rotary up to 9k heads turn! It's much lighter as well and you feel it when you enter those turns. The idea of that little Rotary putting out 240hp is amazing. The engine is actually smaller than the auto transmission! Overall a great little ride. PS there is plent of RX8 owner sites on the web.

Because of the engine's compact size, engineers were able to mount it further back in the RX-8's chassis, giving the car a coveted 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. This, along with balanced suspension tuning, sharp steering and a svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, makes the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 one of the best-handling cars on the market. It's certainly among the best sports cars available for less than $30,000, and deserving of any consideration you give it.

The Mazda RX-8 is the perfect sports car weather your a single person or a family person. While the back doesnt have too much leg room it does accomodate most people even adults. One thing to note is the RPMs this car can achieve (10,000). While the rev limiter cuts you off before then you still must remeber that these high revs (while cool sounding) cost you more on gas leaving the RX-8 with about 17 MPG for the sporty drivers and about 21 MPG if you dive with gas prices in mind (City). And on the highway usually 24 MPG. All around this is the perfect sports car for most. Most cars out there today dont handle like the RX-8. Exceptional Power and Excellent Handling make this car most forgiving in under/over steer. The DCS (Dynamic Stability Control) keeps your car in line with the road. All around you just want to drive this car for the heck of it.

Great sports car handling, beautiful interior and exterior with a lot of attention to detail, great sound system, steering wheel mounted controls are a big bonus, air conditioning & heat respond right away no matter how extreme the weather

this car is a perfect companion for the average japanese car lover. its got a ton of safety features, some that can be disabled with a push of a button for more of a rush. i leased one for a year, and i literally fell in love with it. after a snow storm, i drove it to a parking lot with a few inches of snow and it swerved a bit, but what do u expect from a sports car? my rx-8 had a auto/manual capability, which i didnt use cause i dont know how to drive stick. the car went from 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds, and the growl of the engine gives u an adrenaline rush, despite its being japanese. the speed combined with its elegant, yet sporty look is a perfect combination.