2007 Mazda RX-8 consumer reviews

The car is just so beautiful I had to have it, but it is small if you are over 6'1" 250lbs. I fit, barely. The handling is great, but it looks like the paint won't last the car, already some scratchs and one paint defect. It was not a new purchase, but had 6700 miles. I really apprecate the red interior panel lites at night, and will upgrade the speaker system when i can, the production ones are not up to par with the car. The trunk is enormous! I can put a big 26" rall-around suitcase in, and two sets of golf clubs! Room for the laptop in the back seat. I entered a merging lane turn and hit the gas, just to see you know. I came out onto the merging lane doing 85 and climbing, yikes!

This car is an eye catcher. I've been driving the RX8 for about a week in the GT version. Key features on the GT are things like 18 inch wheels, leather, Bose stereo and moonroof. Ignore the comments about tight back seat space, this is a sports car and if there is space in the back it is a bonus! It will fit a couple of kids no problem. Interior is very comfortable although the dash is a little plasticy Behind the wheel you'll get the urge to put it through its paces and it won't disappoint. Performance is excellent, but it will cost you at the gas pump. I'm getting around 16 mpg zipping around town. Road handling is very firm and precise as you would expect, and the 50/50 weight ratio really does show well cornering and on winding roads. I compared this to a 350Z, and the RX8 came out on tops for comfort, performance and general drivability, as I wanted something that will work for me during the week and on weekends. All in all a well rounded fun car!

The new Rx-8 has finally been improved. When it was first brought back in 2004 the 6-speed manual was the only car suitable for the Rx-8 badge complete with the 238hp 6-port engine. If you got stuck with the automatic then all you had was a sluggish 197hp 4-port engine with a 4-speed transmission. Well in 2006 Mazda upgraded to 6-port engines for all models and you get their snazzy new 6-speed automatic with quite a low first gear, good to get those revs up quick. You are still stuck with a 7500 rpm rev-limiter due to the mechanical in-ability of the automatic transmission being able to handle all 8500 rpm that this engine is capable of dishing out. Although the paddle shifting action of the automatic is quite confidence inspiring. The manual version goes all the way to 8500rpm. Driving impressions: At first this car feels like it has no limits. All cars do, of course and this one does as well. The sticky Bridgestone Potenza tires easily pull you trough amazing corners and the stability control allows you to enter a corner and just mash the gas and steer. It will apply the brakes and regulate the throttle for you. It is really a very amazing system that works very well. It doesn't pull the throttle all the way back and leave you flat like other systems, but instead just dials back the throttle enough to keep you from sliding, and if needed will apply the brakes as well. Engine: This 6-port rotary is fantastic. Lending only about 18mpg around town is one downside, but it is full of upsides. Put the throttle down and it moves. Once past 5000rpm you can lift the throttle and notice it is very quite and balanced. You would not even know your engine was running at levels that would destroy other engines. Slam the gas down and you feel a turbo-like rush that pins you to your seat. The engine unleashes a whale that sounds like a sport bike. It is very amusing for a car. All in all this is a very balanced sports car for people who enjoy spirited driving and good looks. Comfortable seats and easy to reach controls. Watching the large center mounted tach climb all the way to 8500 rpm will never get old.