2008 Mazda RX-8
The 2008 Mazda RX-8 was in Consumer Guide's test fleet for almost two weeks.

Model: 2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring; 232-hp 1.3-liter rotary engine and 6-speed manual transmission

Base Price: $31,070

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

Price as Tested: $34,254

Total Miles Tested: 582 miles

Miles Per Gallon: 16.2 miles per gallon

Editors' Notes

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.
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.
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 styling, poor fuel economy, and awful visibility would personally make me shop elsewhere in the class.
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.