2004-2008 Mazda RX-8: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Cargo room
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda revived the rotary engine in a sports car it promoted as the spiritual successor to the famous RX-7. Last offered in 1995, the RX-7 was a 2-seat, 2-dr car. The RX-8 was a 4-passenger 4 dr. Its back doors were two rear-hinged panels that did not open independently of the front doors. Conventional engines use pistons that move up and down in cylinders. A rotary has triangular rotors that spin inside oval housings. The RX-8's rotary displaced 1.3 liters and had 197 hp when teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission, 238 when linked with a 6-speed manual. The automatic included a manual-shift gate and steering wheel paddles. Manual-transmission RX-8s had 18-inch wheels, stiffer sport suspension, and a limited-slip differential. A Sport Package option for automatics replaced their 16-inch wheels with 18s and added the stiffer suspension. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags were standard. Options included leather upholstery, traction/antiskid control, and navigation system.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda RX-8 w/Grand Touring Pkg., manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Mazda RX:
Newly available for 2005 was a Shinka model that included specific trim and leather upholstery.
2006 Mazda RX:
RX-8s with automatic transmission received a power boost to 212 hp from 197 for 2006. The automatic transmission became a 6-speed vs. previous models' 4-speed. Shinkas went from a separate model to an option package.
2007 Mazda RX:
RX-8 was unchanged for 2007.
2008 Mazda RX:
The 2008 Mazda RX-8 was little changed.
Our road test for the 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
For a performance car, RX-8 is slower to build speed than rivals. Most power comes in above 4500 rpm. Manual transmission has short throws, but engagement is inconsistent among test cars-it's smooth in some, notchy on others. We have not had an opportunity to test with the '06 versions' 6-speed automatic, but previous 4-speeds were smooth, with rapid response for passing. Test manual-transmission RX-8s averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.5 with more city use that included gas-eating performance tests. Premium-grade fuel is required. As expected, ride quality is firm on RX-8s with the sport suspension that's standard on manual-transmission versions and optional on automatics. No base suspension models or RX-8s with 16-inch tires have been made available for testing. Despite the sport suspension, these Mazdas deliver a more compliant ride than rival Nissan 350Z. Sharp steering, little body lean in turns, and progressive steering give RX-8 exciting handling. Large antilock 4-wheel disc brakes erase speed with reassuring pedal feel. RX-8 is quiet for a sports car. Wind, tire, and road noise is well muffled. The engine sounds refined during acceleration and is nearly silent while cruising. Also refined is RX-8's interior. Controls are easy to reach and operate with smooth precision. Interior materials create a satisfying ambience that belies the car's price. The tachometer dominates the instrument panel; it incorporates a digital speedometer. The front seats are reasonably comfortable, though RX-8's tall doorsills may have shorter drivers feeling that the interior is more cramped than it really is. The standard tilt steering wheel and seat height adjuster help, but some testers want a telescoping wheel for optimum comfort. Rear seat room and comfort is the best among true sports cars, but that's not high praise. Passenger entry/exit is a stoop-and-twist exercise, and once seated, head room is barely adequate for adults. Leg space all but disappears with the front seats more than halfway back. The trunk has good usable space, as long as you don't order an RX-8 with the compact spare tire option. The spare steals a good chunk of what space there is. Without the spare, Mazda includes an emergency inflation kit. A narrow opening makes loading all but small items a chore. Interior storage is adequate.
Value for the Money
The rewardingly agile, solidly built RX-8 has less straightline performance than other similarly priced sports cars. However, it does offer the convenience of four seats and rear doors, making it more practical for everyday use than most competitors. It even qualifies as a rear-wheel-drive alternative to front-wheel-drive sporty coupes such as the Acura RSX and Mini Cooper.
The rewardingly agile, solidly built RX-8 has less straightline performance than other similarly priced sports cars. However, it does offer the convenience of four seats and rear doors, making it more practical for everyday use than most competitors. It even qualifies as a rear-wheel-drive alternative to front-wheel-drive sporty coupes such as the Acura RSX and Mini Cooper.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda RX-8 w/Grand Touring Pkg., manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda RX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda RX .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The A/C may not cool enough or may fluctuate, requiring replacement of the A/C amplifier. (2004)
Cold-starting problems:
Engine cranks but doesn't start when cold or after running a very short time, as when moving location a short distance, due to flooding. There was a recall to recalibrate the PCM, plus revised leading spark plugs may need to be installed and the catalytic converter may have to be replaced if damaged. (2004)
Dashboard lights:
The low oil level warning may come on, but the level may check out OK on some early production vehicles, requiring replacement of the oil pan and level sensor. (2004)
Engine stalling:
The engine may stall and set a variety of trouble codes and is fixed by reprogramming the PCM.
None:
The dipstick may have a milky substance on it, which is normal after cold soak, but there is a dipstick tube sleeve available to prevent this. (2004-05
Seat:
The driver's seat may lose its memory function, requiring replacement of the control unit under the seat. (2004-05)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $880 |
| Alternator | $1,034 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,300 |
| Brakes | $760 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $910 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,600 |
| Exhaust System | $845 |
| Radiator | $700 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,630 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,430 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda RX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Grand, 40th anniv. | $24,500-28,000 | $22,800-26,000 | $15,900-18,200 |
| RX-8 | $21,500-25,000 | $19,800-23,000 | $14,000-16,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| RX-8 | $17,500-20,800 | $16,100-19,100 | $11,200-13,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| RX-8 | $14,900-18,000 | $13,600-16,400 | $9,400-11,300 |
| RX-8 Shinka | $17,000-18,500 | $15,600-17,000 | $10,900-11,800 |
| 2005 | |||
| RX-8 | $12,500-15,200 | $11,300-13,700 | $7,100-8,700 |
| RX-8 Shinka | $14,000-15,000 | $12,700-13,700 | $8,500-9,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| RX-8 | $11,000-13,500 | $9,900-12,200 | $5,900-7,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda RX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3029 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 7.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.8 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
RX-8 is the only vehicle sold in North America that uses a rotary engine. It displaces 1.3 liters. The 2004-2005 versions had 197 hp with the 4-speed automatic transmission and 238 hp with the 6-speed manual. The 2006 RX-8 had 212-hp with a new 6-speed automatic transmission and 232 hp with the manual.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 2-rotor Wankel | 1.3 / 80 | 232 | 159 | 6-speed manual: 18/24 | 6-speed manual: 16.8 |
| 2-rotor Wankel | 1.3 / 80 | 212 | 159 | 6-speed automatic: 18/25 | 6-speed automatic: -- |
| 2-rotor Wankel | 1.3 / 80 | 197 | 164 | 4-speed automatic: 18/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda RX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 RX-8 4-door coupe w/side airbags |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004 RX-8:
Front passenger airbags may be improperly wired, which could result in the airbag not deploying during a crash. Dealer will install a new wiring harness in the front passenger airbag system.
2004 RX-8:
On some vehicles, the lower control arm in the suspension may be improperly forged, which could result in a loss of steering control. Dealer will replace the control arms.
2004 RX-8:
On vehicles with a manual transmission, the heat insulator may crack, causing an abnormal noise. Dealer will replace the heat insulator.
2004-05 RX-8:
If some vehicles are parked with the engine running at a high rpm for an excessive length of time, some parts around the exhaust system can melt, causing damage to other components. The excessive heat can damage the fuel tank, causing it to leak. Dealer will inspect and replace exhaust system parts as necessary.
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