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2005 Mazda RX-8 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Mazda RX-8 Review:
2005 Mazda RX-8 Review
Mazda's rotary-engine-powered sporty car is a 4-passenger 4-dr with rear-hinged rear doors that do not open or close independently of the fronts. 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 displaces 1.3-liters and has 197 hp when teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission, 238 hp when linked with a 6-speed manual. The automatic includes a manual-shift mode using steering-wheel paddles or floor lever. Manual-transmission RX-8s have 18-inch wheels, stiffer sport suspension, and a limited-slip differential. A Sport Package option for automatics replaces their 16-inch wheels with 18s and adds the stiffer suspension. ABS, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard. An uplevel Shinka model was added during the model year. Standard xenon headlights and a suspension tuned for ride comfort are unique to Shinka. Standard on Shinka and available for base models is leather upholstery, antiskid/traction control, satellite radio, and a power sunroof. A navigation system is available for all RX-8s. We have not yet tested the Shinka. Mazda says a revised 2006 RX-8 will arrive early in the calendar year.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.
News
Echoing earlier British reports, Detroit sources say RX-8 will add a two-door coupe and cloth-top convertible in spring 2006 as early-'07 models. Both are likely to be two-seaters on a cut-down RX-8 platform. Don't rule out unique styling--or the RX-7 name--to brand these as "true" sports cars in the original RX-7 tradition. We've heard talk of a larger, 1.6-liter rotary engine that could show up in all three models. Horsepower is whispered at 300 hp in normally aspirated form, and an even more-potent supercharged version is said to be in the works. Stay tuned.
As for the RX-8 itself, sources see no major changes for the next couple of years. A possible exception is availability of a stronger automatic transmission, either a 5- or 6-speed unit, so buyers who choose that option will get the same power as shift-it-yourself RX-8s.
As for the RX-8 itself, sources see no major changes for the next couple of years. A possible exception is availability of a stronger automatic transmission, either a 5- or 6-speed unit, so buyers who choose that option will get the same power as shift-it-yourself RX-8s.
2005 Mazda RX-8 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Steering/handling | Rear visibility |
| Instruments/controls | Cargo room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Adequate off-the-line acceleration with either transmission, but pace builds more slowly than expected, with substantial power available only over 4500 rpm or so. Manual shift has nice, short throws, but engagement was precise on some models tested, notchy on others. Smooth automatic downshifts quickly for passing, responds rapidly in manual mode to both steering-wheel paddles and shift lever.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Adequate off-the-line acceleration with either transmission, but pace builds more slowly than expected, with substantial power available only over 4500 rpm or so. Manual shift has nice, short throws, but engagement was precise on some models tested, notchy on others. Smooth automatic downshifts quickly for passing, responds rapidly in manual mode to both steering-wheel paddles and shift lever.
Fuel Economy
Manual-transmission test examples averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.5 with more city use and gas-eating performance tests. No opportunity to measure with automatic. Requires premium-grade fuel.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
Manual-transmission test examples averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.5 with more city use and gas-eating performance tests. No opportunity to measure with automatic. Requires premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Automatic-transmission RX-8 with base suspension and 16-inch tires not made available for testing. Firm suspension included with manual transmission or Sport Package can generate rapid jiggling motions over bumps and some structural vibrations on rail crossings. But even in this form, ride is not punishing and is far less harsh than Nissan 350Z.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Automatic-transmission RX-8 with base suspension and 16-inch tires not made available for testing. Firm suspension included with manual transmission or Sport Package can generate rapid jiggling motions over bumps and some structural vibrations on rail crossings. But even in this form, ride is not punishing and is far less harsh than Nissan 350Z.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Sports-car exciting. Little body lean, sharp response in turns. Electric-assist power steering nicely weighted, natural feeling. Brakes strong, with short pedal travel, good feel. Note that 18-inch tires have very poor traction in snow, even with traction-control option.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Sports-car exciting. Little body lean, sharp response in turns. Electric-assist power steering nicely weighted, natural feeling. Brakes strong, with short pedal travel, good feel. Note that 18-inch tires have very poor traction in snow, even with traction-control option.
Quietness
Less ruckus than in most sports cars. Modest wind and road noise; even 18-inch tires generate only moderate "slap" on tar strips, though they do sing on coarse pavement. Engine's smooth hum rises to a throaty whoosh as acceleration increases; cruises silently.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Less ruckus than in most sports cars. Modest wind and road noise; even 18-inch tires generate only moderate "slap" on tar strips, though they do sing on coarse pavement. Engine's smooth hum rises to a throaty whoosh as acceleration increases; cruises silently.
Controls
Tachometer dominates instrument cluster, incorporates digital speedometer. Controls work with smooth precision. Smartly arrayed audio, climate systems easy to reach, decipher. Accented in rotary-theme brightwork, cabin's overall appearance more upscale than prices imply. Dashboard, door panels nicely padded. Hard plastic sheathes console, but doesn't look cheap.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
Tachometer dominates instrument cluster, incorporates digital speedometer. Controls work with smooth precision. Smartly arrayed audio, climate systems easy to reach, decipher. Accented in rotary-theme brightwork, cabin's overall appearance more upscale than prices imply. Dashboard, door panels nicely padded. Hard plastic sheathes console, but doesn't look cheap.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tall doorsills add to closed-in feel for shorter occupants, and larger folks may feel cramped, too. Seats not expansive, but comfortable and have prominent bolstering for good support in fast turns. Steering column tilts, but some testers would find better positioning if it also telescoped. Driver seat offers optional height adjustment. Low seating, small inside mirror, thick headrests, chunky roof pillars make for poor outward visibility to rear and sides.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Tall doorsills add to closed-in feel for shorter occupants, and larger folks may feel cramped, too. Seats not expansive, but comfortable and have prominent bolstering for good support in fast turns. Steering column tilts, but some testers would find better positioning if it also telescoped. Driver seat offers optional height adjustment. Low seating, small inside mirror, thick headrests, chunky roof pillars make for poor outward visibility to rear and sides.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Best among true sports cars. Rear half doors ease access to small bucket seats for parcels or people, but passenger entry/exit a twisty exercise and getting feet past bottom of front seat is a chore. Head room adequate for adults, but leg room disappears with front seats more than halfway back. Toe room tight if front seat cushion set low.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 1.4 |
Best among true sports cars. Rear half doors ease access to small bucket seats for parcels or people, but passenger entry/exit a twisty exercise and getting feet past bottom of front seat is a chore. Head room adequate for adults, but leg room disappears with front seats more than halfway back. Toe room tight if front seat cushion set low.
Cargo Room
Emergency tire inflator standard in place of spare tire; compact spare is an option. Without spare, trunk has good usable space; Mazda says it holds two sets of golf clubs. Compact spare mounts at awkward angle at trunk's forward end, steals much space, is difficult to access. In either case, trunk opening is small, making loading awkward, though lid hinges don't intrude. Adequate small-item interior storage.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Emergency tire inflator standard in place of spare tire; compact spare is an option. Without spare, trunk has good usable space; Mazda says it holds two sets of golf clubs. Compact spare mounts at awkward angle at trunk's forward end, steals much space, is difficult to access. In either case, trunk opening is small, making loading awkward, though lid hinges don't intrude. Adequate small-item interior storage.
Value within Class
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.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
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.
Total Score
| Base w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Base w/Grand Touring Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 51 | 52 | 49.9 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2005 Mazda RX-8 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/26/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door coupe, automatic | $25,375 | $23,460 | $560 |
|
|
|||
| Shinka 4-door coupe, automatic | $31,700 | $29,295 | $560 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door coupe, manual | $26,875 | $24,844 | $560 |
|
|
|||
| Shinka 4-door coupe, manual | $32,470 | $30,005 | $560 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base automatic
Powertrain
1.3-liter 197-horsepower rotary engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front and rear bucket seats, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Shinka automatic adds to Base automatic:
Powertrain
Traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio w/one-year service, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, xenon headlights, Shinka suspension, 225/45ZR18 tires.
Base manual adds to Base automatic:
Powertrain
1.3-liter 238-horsepower rotary engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/45ZR18 tires.
Shinka manual adds to Base manual:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio w/one-year service, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, xenon headlights, Shinka suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
Base manual
|
$1,300
|
$1,118
|
|
Traction control, antiskid system, xenon headlights, fog lights.
|
||
|
Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Base manual
|
$2,975
|
$2,559
|
|
Sport Pkg. plus power sunroof, Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.
|
||
|
Grand Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Base manual
|
$4,250
|
$3,656
|
|
Touring Pkg. plus leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and mirrors.
|
||
|
Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$970
|
$775
|
|
Body cladding.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$2,000
|
$1,721
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Base
|
$500
|
$400
|
|
AM/FM/cassette
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$200
|
$160
|
|
Satellite radio delete
|
||
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Shinka (credit)
|
$-300
|
$-261
|
|
Required and available only in Alaska, Hawaii.
|
||
|
Collapsible cargo carrier
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$60
|
$48
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$40
|
$32
|
|
Cargo organizer
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$70
|
$56
|
|
Cargo tray
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$50
|
$40
|
|
Sunroof wind deflector
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$45
|
$36
|
|
Base requires Touring Pkg. or Grand Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
All-weather floormats
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$60
|
$45
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Alarm shock sensor
|
||
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Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$60
|
$48
|
|
Rotary Accent Pkg.
|
||
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Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$139
|
$111
|
|
Polished front and rear rotary accents.
|
||
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Door edge guards
|
||
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Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$45
|
$36
|
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Rear spoiler
|
||
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Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$355
|
$285
|
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Special paint
|
||
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Base
|
$200
|
$172
|
|
Limited-use spare tire
|
||
|
Base automatic, Base manual, Shinka automatic, Shinka manual
|
$395
|
$320
|
|
|
||
2005 Mazda RX-8 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda RX-8 4-door 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.
Engines
| Rotary | Rotary | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.3 /80 | 1.3 /80 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 197 @ 7200 | 238 @ 8500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 164 @ 5600 | 159 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 18/24 |
| 4-speed automatic | 18/24 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda RX-8 4-door coupe |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Mazda RX-8 Review:
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