Perfect for a driver with the right circumstances
Jonathan Baker on 12/07/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 2
Technology Rating: 3
Value Rating:
I bought my 2007 RX-8 Seven months ago. It had 62,000 miles on it and the engine had about 15,000. (At least half of the cars I looked at were on their second engine.) It is slightly modified with a cold air intake, aftermarket exhaust and 19” wheels with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo summer tires. I bought the car shortly after I started commuting to work by train minimizing the impact of the poor fuel mileage. Should I have to return to a lengthy commute here in Los Angeles, the car will be up for sale in an instant. My city mileage in the 17-18 range. I can’t give a useful hwy figure because all my non-city driving is blasting through mountain roads.
That of course is where this car shines. It is spectacularly agile and balanced and there is nothing like having the throttle control of running in 2nd or 3rd gear at 6000- to 7000 rpm and still have a couple thousand more at your disposal. The car is completely neutral in the turns, and the Hankooks (which isn’t a brand I would normally consider) are the stickiest tires I’ve ever owned. So far, the car’s ability easily exceeds my talent.
There is no question this is a sports car. You have to be engaged with it for the fun to happen. It won’t come from just a pressed throttle. With little in the way of torque, you have to work to access the power which is then quite rewarding. You sit low, both brakes and throttle respond quickly and effectively. The steering is no match for the non-assist rack I had in a Miata, but still surprisingly communicative given that it is electrically assisted.
When not used as a toy, the car is benign if thirsty partner. I have put adults in the back though not for long distances. The usual rear seat occupant is an oversized backpack that carries work, lunch and gym items and the rear door makes it quite accessible, though things can get a bit involved in cramped parking situations. The navigation system just shows how much displays have improved in the past 10 years, and the database seems convinced I live in in Massachusetts, so I love the fact that I can make the screen disappear. I do find it a great companion in the mountains however, where seeing the shape of the next curve informs me of the appropriate approach speed and what gear to take it in.
Like most RX-8 owners, I keep a quart of oil and funnel in the trunk, though thus far only use the better part of a quart every three fill ups. Don’t check your oil in the dark. As the dipstick receiver much like the engine itself, is very low back by the firewall and hard to aim for when you can’t see it.
I was skeptical about the digital speed display at first, but rather like it now, especially as it allows the tach to be large and centered. The steering wheel has just the right amount of buttons and the dash controls are both easy to find and operate intuitively. Visibility is good, particularly though the wrap-around rear window. The taut leather seating surfaces do a good job of imitating vinyl, but still keep me in place in the mountains. The Bose stereo is adequate, though I wish for a simple auxiliary input. A previous owner installed an iPod connect cord which, though an adapter plugs into my iPhone 6. Unfortunately, the connection only works when it feels like it.
As mentioned, my vehicle had a modest amount of modification. I don’t know how much of a significant difference the intake makes, but it sure looks good when the hood is open. Likewise, I’m not sure how effective the exhaust is beyond broadcasting to the world whenever I’m in the 6000 to 9000 rpm range. The just-short-of black 19” wheels look more bad-ass than is probably appropriate for this 50-something year old and the low profile tires definitely add some harshness to the ride, though as mentioned, they redeem themselves in my self-indulgent mountain excursions.
It is those mountain drives that give this car a reason for being. Frankly, if you don’t have reasonable access to lightly traveled twisty roads, you won’t get to use it for what it’s best at and I’d recommend a different choice. The occasional freeway cloverleaf just isn’t enough.
mazda rx8
renata4u on 02/02/2011
Performance: 1
Comfort: 3
Fuel Economy: 1
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 1
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 1
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 1
I have had a Mazda rx8 2004 which i named Christine since it wanted to kill me. I had to get a Lawyer to have them replace it. Now i have a 2007 rx8 and as the other one right at 26k miles all the emergency lights are on the dashboard and yes it is starting all over again. Jim Click does not stand behind the cars he sells and Mazda does not either unless there are Lawyers involved. Am I getting scared that this car will end up killing me ...yes I am.
Great car.
Jamesvk on 10/17/2010
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Well, this is my first car. I bought it about 6 months ago, and couldn't be happier. I did a lot of research about it, and found all these horror stories. But I have yet to have single problem with this car, and I am the second owner. This car gets the looks and the talk, and the performance to match. I will admit, this car is no dragster, thats not how it's designed. But the feeling of attacking every corner with unmatched precision is, just that. unmatched. These stories of flooded engines and bad seal are only if your ignorant. Check the oil, and don't floor it out of the driveway on a icy morning, and it will be fine. If you get this car, get the manual, for it has a 9k RPM red-line. :D
RX-8
cody87hoke on 04/08/2010
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I love my car, I just got it 4 weeks ago after I got out of airborne, and it's awesome. The interior is really sport, the Bose sound system is awesome in it, its pretty quick for such a small motor, for the money you can't beat it.
Loving the rx8 in St. Louis!
Kris on 12/29/2009
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 4
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 4
I got a great deal on this car after about 2 years of research. I read everything on the oil consumption, oil weight discussion, and common problems of the vehicle. I've found that the 2007 has ironed out most of these problems and I'm having a BLAST driving it! I walk out to the garage still expecting to see my rusted out s10 I upgraded from, just to fall in love with it all over again. I have the same problems with the heated seats buttons and accidentally turning them off, the cupholders in the front are poorly placed and rarely useful because of this, but other than that, I'm pumped. It handles the STL winters no problem too.
The Practical Sports Car
Gripen on 12/11/2009
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Bought this car used w/ 7500mi. The car, as of this writing, has just over 20k miles. Have not had any reason to take the car in for unscheduled visits to a mechanic. Best fuel mileage was 24.63mpg doing a constant 75mph on the freeway the day after I purchased the vehicle. Daily commuting in traffic has resulted in 16-17mpg six months later. Requires more attention on maintenance (checking oil level every other fill-up, premix to preserve apex seals, spark plug replacement should be more frequent than manufacturer's specification) compared to other vehicles in its class. Regardless of this and the abysmal fuel mileage, I have enjoyed my purchase. A very willing dance partner on a good road.
A blast to drive
Doug on 06/16/2009
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I love my RX-8! It is simply a blast to drive everyday. What the rotary engine lacks in low end torque it makes up for with a high revving engine that sounds wonderful. The interior is great - sight lines are excellent and quality is high. It is a very livable car for daily driving, and the rear doors make it quite practical for a sports car. However, if gas mileage is important, this is probably not the car for you.
Great Little Car
Basketvol on 01/22/2009
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Great car! Excellent handling. Fun to drive. No problems after one year. Good price for value. If you want a reasonably priced sports car, you can't go wrong with this car.
Great Car!
Bradford Hager on 04/12/2008
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I simply love this car! You only get about 250 miles on a tank of gas. (14 gals.) That is the only draw back. I have driven it from Palm Springs to Oak Harbor, Wa. and back effortlessly. The car drives itself.
Love it!
Branz on 03/25/2008
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I've had this vehicle nine months now and still get compliments like it's brand new. I travel for work and have put 21000 miles on it already and only had to take it in once to get the catalytic converter replaced. It handles so great at high speeds. So glad I got this sports car and also happy that I got one that's loaded. Took a sneak peek at the 2009 model and may upgrade in another year - they're only gettin' better!
Practical Sports Car
new mazda lover on 03/06/2008
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I looove my RX8. It seats 4 adults and it so fun to drive. This is my first Mazda and I regret not buying this car sooner. It's worth every penny!
A great car looking for a great engine
JimW on 03/02/2008
Performance: 1
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 3
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 1
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I love everything about the car-looks, handling EXCEPT the total, absolute, complete (get the picture) lack of torque. You really have to beat it with a stick to get it moving. I should have got a V8!
Looks like it is going 100mph at a stop
Rex8it on 01/23/2008
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
This is a great car! The power of this car is amazing when the revs are high. Over all i havn't had it into service at all. I change the oil myself and have run octane boost through it once to clean it out and it has been nothing but reliable. The paint does seem to chip easy though which stinks since the look is my favorite part of the car. The gas mileage could be better.
Sexy Black Beauty
Max on 10/31/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
The car is incredible. It's incredibly smooth, incredibly fast and unbelievably comfortable for a sports coupe. I find reasons to get in the car because I love driving it so much. Though, I do have 07 Mercedes C230 Sports with AMG package as the other car, which is an excellent car in its own right, I love the feeling of driving the RX-8. MB provides luxurious sporty feel, where the RX-8 makes me want to tear up the road. It really is so much fun to drive that I have to contain myself from driving like a teenager, and it's really hard. Try the car out. You will want to trade in your car right away!
High Bar Setter
spooledUP7 on 10/04/2007
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
This car sets the bar high for fun with comfort and style. Once you drive this car for a while you will find it hard to imagine finding a car that can replace it. I know because this is my second RX-8! This car is so easy to drive that you forget it is a sports car except at the pump. My daily commute is 33 miles round trip and I get around 17-19 MPG consistently which isn't bad, but it isn't great. Expect 21 MPG on long hauls going 75-90 MPH which to me is fantastic at those speeds. I have taken it on the track and it makes easy work of corners, but compared to my '93 RX-7 it feels softer (and slower), but more predictable and better balanced . Can't wait for the next one!
Mazda's best kept secret
mark on 09/28/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Four months and 6000 miles into my ownership experience and no issues. I still look forward to every drive. Max. mpg was 19.8 with a minimum of 15.8 on first tank fill, average is about 18 in mixed driving. Low rpm shifts and slower highway speeds should yield about 20 mpg. Torque is low compared to larger displacement 6 and 8 cylinder engines, but comparable to other small naturally aspirated engines such as honda's s2000 and civic si, both of which also have larger displacements. Power builds steadily all the way to its 9000 rpm readline. Handling is very secure, composed and predictable even at its limit. Distinctive styling, inspiring performance, comfortable ride and seating for 4 adults.
Family rotory rocket!
Rex8it on 07/09/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Two weeks after I bought the car my wife found out we are having a baby! I'm glad I didn't get that Z4! The car has been great over the past 3 months. I have never had it in the shop and it eats corners. My friend races on the track and he was very impressed with the stock handling. Brakes are good and man have I needed them. The steering response and feel is amazing. I love how light and nimble it feels. And what can you say about the engine! It sounds great and has great pep at the high revs. When you are up around 6,500 rpm the thing moves! Not so great at low rpm though. I have to say that the only reason i didn't give it all 10s is because it is not an exotic and I want one!
2 RX8s
2 RX8 on 06/09/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Owned 2005 and 2007. Greatly improved clutch and nice advanced keyless. Car handles amazingly on track. All owners need to drive on a lap track to appreciate handling of vehicle.
RX-8 - a Family Rocket on Wheels
P.C.H. Cruiser on 05/23/2007
Performance: 4
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
With the wife's permission I went looking for a Miata to replace our 2003 Sequoia. Saw the RX-8, drove it, got it sideways on a suburban, could not stop laughing, went back and bought the car. The only problem is I can't get my wife out from behind the wheel and now must go back and buy her the Miata!! The fuel economy is awful but everything else is wonderful. For a family of three it makes a great family sedan that can carve corners while it goes to the grocery store. It's shiny black form reminds us of the Batmobile and, between it's shape and the angry shriek it makes as it runs up to 9,000 RPMs, it turns heads where ever it goes. BUY IT !!!
Mazda RX8
mablest on 04/29/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I wanted an RX7 my entire life so when they came back out with the 8 I was quick to snatch one up. I didn't test drive any other sports cars, I just purchased an RX8. I find that it doesn't have the pick up that the RX7 had but it's still fun to drive and the fact that I can haul my children around and still have a sports car is just icing on the cake!
" Sofie"
Don on 03/15/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Great fun car to drive. MPG could be better. Has great get up and go for a 6/AT. My wife really loves her " Sofie."
Rates a ten on the fun meter.
RR on 02/20/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
The get-up and go of this vehicle is fantastic. If you truly want that "sports car" experience and feel, buy the six-speed manual model. It handles the curves like no other car. The instrument cluster is easy to read and manipulate. The seating is quite comfortable and the head room is adequate for those 6'1" or under. If you're looking for practicality, buy a Mazda6. If you are looking for FUN, buy an RX-8.
A hi-tech car
d2honeyz on 02/04/2007
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Excellent, fun car, the only thing is the cup holders are in a bad place and the heated seat buttons get pushed on and off by mistake a lot.
VIN JM1FE173870211913 may have been
recalled. Check full report for more information
Vehicle specifications
