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2009 Mazda RX-8 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2009 Mazda RX-8 Review:
5.
6.
Mazda RX-8 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Mazda RX-8 Review
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 receives fresh interior and exterior styling and a new R3 sport package. This four-passenger sporty coupe is unique for using a rotary engine, which replaces pistons pumping in cylinders with triangular rotors spinning in oval chambers. It also has rear access doors that don't open independently of the fronts. RX-8 comes in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models. Engines should carry over. RX-8 has either a 232-hp 1.3-liter rotary engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, or a 212-hp 1.3-liter rotary engine with a 6-speed automatic. The automatic allows manual shifting via floor lever or steering-wheel paddles. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and limited-slip differential are optional for the automatic-transmission Sport, standard otherwise. The R3 sport package will be aimed at enthusiast drivers. It includes different front and rear fascias, 19-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats, and a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension. Exclusive to the Grand Touring model is leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, and keyless entry and starting. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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2009 Mazda RX-8 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling | Acceleration |
| Control layout | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We've only tested a manual-transmission RX-8 so far. Though we've not had an opportunity to time it, RX-8 requires lofty engine speeds for maximum acceleration. Its low- and mid-range power is lacking, making it difficult at times to negotiate heavy traffic. Shift action is smooth and precise.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.7 |
We've only tested a manual-transmission RX-8 so far. Though we've not had an opportunity to time it, RX-8 requires lofty engine speeds for maximum acceleration. Its low- and mid-range power is lacking, making it difficult at times to negotiate heavy traffic. Shift action is smooth and precise.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, our manual-transmission test car averaged 16.2 mpg in mostly city driving. RX-8 requires premium-grade gas.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, our manual-transmission test car averaged 16.2 mpg in mostly city driving. RX-8 requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
RX-8's ride shows the expected firmness of a sporty car, but the suspension does a good job of filtering out any harshness. No opportunity to test R3 sport package.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.3 |
RX-8's ride shows the expected firmness of a sporty car, but the suspension does a good job of filtering out any harshness. No opportunity to test R3 sport package.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Firm, direct steering, along with great grip and balance make RX-8 a delight. It exhibits minimal body lean while cornering. The brakes deliver good overall stopping control, but the pedal in one test car felt overly sensitive.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 |
Firm, direct steering, along with great grip and balance make RX-8 a delight. It exhibits minimal body lean while cornering. The brakes deliver good overall stopping control, but the pedal in one test car felt overly sensitive.
Quietness
The engine produces a pleasant, mechanical growl during acceleration and recedes nicely into the background while cruising. Wind rush is minimal, but the tires roar over most pavement surfaces. Sharp bumps triggered some noise from the suspension in one test car.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.4 |
The engine produces a pleasant, mechanical growl during acceleration and recedes nicely into the background while cruising. Wind rush is minimal, but the tires roar over most pavement surfaces. Sharp bumps triggered some noise from the suspension in one test car.
Controls
The climate controls are simple to use, though they're mounted a bit low for easiest access. The audio system has lots of buttons, but they're all clearly marked. Not all of our testers like the digital readout of climate and audio information on the top of the dashboard. The navigation system doesn't incorporate any other functions, which is a plus, and its operation requires familiarization. When the console cupholders are in use, shifting the manual transmission is awkward.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.2 |
The climate controls are simple to use, though they're mounted a bit low for easiest access. The audio system has lots of buttons, but they're all clearly marked. Not all of our testers like the digital readout of climate and audio information on the top of the dashboard. The navigation system doesn't incorporate any other functions, which is a plus, and its operation requires familiarization. When the console cupholders are in use, shifting the manual transmission is awkward.
Details
Though RX-8's interior is composed of mostly hard plastic, appearance and quality of the interior materials is a cut above those of the Ford Mustang and Nissan 350Z.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.7 |
Though RX-8's interior is composed of mostly hard plastic, appearance and quality of the interior materials is a cut above those of the Ford Mustang and Nissan 350Z.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Most of our testers found it difficult to find a comfortable driving position. The sunroof housing cramps headroom for even average-size adults. Legroom is just adequate. The steering column tilts but isn't telescopic, which further detracts from comfort. The seats are supportive enough but only for those of average girth. Thick rear roof pillars severely compromise aft visibility.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.9 |
Most of our testers found it difficult to find a comfortable driving position. The sunroof housing cramps headroom for even average-size adults. Legroom is just adequate. The steering column tilts but isn't telescopic, which further detracts from comfort. The seats are supportive enough but only for those of average girth. Thick rear roof pillars severely compromise aft visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Mazda deserves kudos for the RX-8's rear access doors, however, legroom and headroom in the rear seat are best reserved for small children.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 |
Mazda deserves kudos for the RX-8's rear access doors, however, legroom and headroom in the rear seat are best reserved for small children.
Cargo Room
The trunk has strut-type hinges that don't intrude into the cargo area. The bay is surprisingly deep, but the opening is too small for loading anything larger than small duffel bags. Interior storage is very poor. The door pockets are virtually useless, and the center console is shallow and located in an inconvenient spot aft of the front seats.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.2 |
The trunk has strut-type hinges that don't intrude into the cargo area. The bay is surprisingly deep, but the opening is too small for loading anything larger than small duffel bags. Interior storage is very poor. The door pockets are virtually useless, and the center console is shallow and located in an inconvenient spot aft of the front seats.
Value within Class
RX-8 delights for its exceptional handling ability and slick-shifting manual transmission. The rotary engine that makes this car unique is its biggest liability, however. It feels underpowered and delivers subpar fuel economy. Interior comfort also fails to impress, and lofty sticker prices further diminish this sporty car's appeal.
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 6.2 |
RX-8 delights for its exceptional handling ability and slick-shifting manual transmission. The rotary engine that makes this car unique is its biggest liability, however. It feels underpowered and delivers subpar fuel economy. Interior comfort also fails to impress, and lofty sticker prices further diminish this sporty car's appeal.
Total Score
| Grand Touring w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 52 | 54.7 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2009 Mazda RX-8 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/18/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Sport 4-door coupe, manual | $26,435 | $24,453 | $650 |
|
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| Sport 4-door coupe, automatic | $26,435 | $24,453 | $650 |
|
|
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| Touring 4-door coupe, manual | $27,860 | $25,768 | $650 |
|
|
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| Touring 4-door coupe, automatic | $28,560 | $26,413 | $650 |
|
|
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| Grand Touring 4-door coupe, manual | $31,000 | $28,664 | $650 |
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| Grand Touring 4-door coupe, automatic | $31,700 | $29,309 | $650 |
|
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| R3 4-door coupe, manual | $31,930 | $29,521 | $650 |
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
Sport
Powertrain
1.3-liter 232-horsepower rotary engine (manual), 1.3-liter 212-horsepower rotary engine (automatic), 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, limited-slip differential (manual).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front and rear bucket seats, center console, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 225/45R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Touring adds to Sport:
Powertrain
Traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, xenon headlights.
Grand Touring adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/memory, heated power mirrors, keyless access and starting, Bose sound system, wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing wipers.
R3 adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/cloth upholstery, keyless access and starting, Bose sound system, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/40R19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Touring
|
$1,355
|
$1,165
|
|
Grand Touring
|
$900
|
$774
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose sound system (Touring), satellite radio.
|
||
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
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Grand Touring
|
$2,000
|
$1,720
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Sport
|
$500
|
$400
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$430
|
$344
|
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Collapsible cargo carrier
|
||
|
Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$60
|
$48
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$40
|
$32
|
|
Cargo organizer
|
||
|
Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$70
|
$56
|
|
Rubber floormats
|
||
|
Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$78
|
$62
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Alarm shock sensor
|
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Sport, Touring
|
$60
|
$48
|
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Door edge guards
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Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$75
|
$60
|
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Mud guards
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Sport, Touring, Grand Touring
|
$320
|
$256
|
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Rear wing spoiler
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Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
|
$360
|
$288
|
|
Requires automatic transmission. Std. R3.
|
||
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Special paint
|
||
|
Sport, Touring, Grand Touring
|
$200
|
$172
|
|
Limited-use spare tire
|
||
|
Grand Touring, R3, Sport, Touring
|
$395
|
$320
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Mazda RX-8 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda RX-8 4-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | -- |
| Overall Length, in. | -- |
| Overall Width, in. | -- |
| Overall Height, in. | -- |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | -- |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | -- |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Rotary | Rotary | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.3 /80 | 1.3 /80 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 212 @ 7500 | 232 @ 8500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 159 @ 5500 | 159 @ 5500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | NA/NA |
| 6-speed automatic | NA/NA | --/-- |
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 | 5/60,000 | 8-years/100,000-miles on RX-8. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Mazda RX-8 Review:
5.
6.
Mazda RX-8 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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