2005 Mazda RX-8: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.