Major Options:  Sirius Satellite Radio, Navigation System, Rotary Accent Package (polished front/rear rotary accents)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  16.21 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The RX-8 trumps the Nissan 350Z and Ford Mustang in terms of overall refinement, but can't match either of those rivals in straightline acceleration. Likewise, the unique character of the RX-8's unconventional powertrain is offset somewhat by its middling fuel economy. Still, the RX-8 presents itself as an attractive alternative to the conventional sporty/performance car.

Ed Piotrowski The rotary engine that makes RX-8 unique is probably its biggest downfall. The fact that it can pack up to 232 horsepower in an engine that displaces just 1.3 liters is quite the engineering feat. Making best use of all those ponies is a different matter entirely, however. You need to keep the engine speed high in order to extract maximum power, and even then this sporty car just doesn't feel that quick. The rotary's fuel efficiency compared to a traditional gas engine is also below average, and needing to keep the revs high further reduces mileage. Overall, this is a great choice for the tuner crowd because they could easily add the turbo or supercharger this car desperately needs in order to bring acceleration in line with its handling. It'll cost plenty, though, because RX-8 isn't a cheap ride by any stretch. If its starting price were $5000 lower across the board, you could make a solid case, but as it sits, there are plenty of better choices in this segment.

Jennifer Geiger RX-8 is unique in the class because of its rotary engine and rear doors--it’s sports car nimble and rear-passenger friendly. However, this sporty/performance car’s lofty base price, portly, muscular styling, poor fuel economy, and awful visibility would personally make me shop elsewhere in the class.

Tom Appel Mazda's problem is an unhealthy dedication to this pointless powertrain. The RX-8's rotary engine scores the magic triumvirate of powertrain flaws: it's weak, it's thirsty, and it sounds kinda weird. RX-8 scores bonus futility points for having four doors but no interior room. This is all a shame, because the RX-8 is one of the sweetest handling cars I've ever driven.

Major Options:  Satellite Radio

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  13.94 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Jack Stewart The RX-8 is a good car for those wanting more interior room and power than a MX-5. There have been few cars that I have enjoyed as much as RX-8. The fun-to-drive factor overcomes many of the car's faults. Unfortunately, having too much fun results in poor gas mileage.

John Biel There's a fair bit of sophistication packed into the RX-8 and about all the equipment there is to be had on the 40th Anniversary model. Thus, this tester doesn't find it overly expensive at $32,435 delivered--especially against the "also consider" Nissan 350Z. But the RX-8 is cramped, its best performance is reserved for situations in which you'll probably drive the least often, and it's thirsty. That makes it hard to truly love this Zoom-Zoomy Mazda no matter what the price.