- CNET Editors' Rating 6.0/10 Good Editorial policies >>
- Average user rating from 13 users 8.8/10 Excellent Read user opinions >>
The good: High-revving rotary engine; room for four.
The bad: Below-average fuel economy; few high-tech options.
The bottom line: The RX-8's video game looks and rotary engine give it a technology edge, but its lack of cabin gadgets keeps the focus on driving.
Specs: Body style: coupe; Trim levels: Automatic; Available Engine: Gas See full specs >>
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 07/14/2005
- Released on: 10/01/2004
Short on options
Inside, the Mazda RX-8's cabin is comfortable and contemporary, without a hint of wood grain or the faux-fiber and brushed-steel accents that seem to dominate current interior designs. Front bucket seats are firm and supportive with enough side bolstering to keep occupants in place during aggressive driving.
Controls are fairly intuitive and grouped within easy reach, although there are a few more buttons than necessary. The stereo has both a seek and a tune function, in the form of a rocker switch and a knob below it, where one switch could easily do both tasks. The same is true with the moonroof, where open and tilt functions are separately switched.
The control that does work flawlessly is the six-speed transmission lever. It feels like it's connected directly to the gears beneath it, providing short, precise connections with each gear. A soft, yet direct clutch action works nicely with the transmission to make the most of Mazda's modest 159 pound-feet of torque.
There's little in the high-tech touch-and-feel department to thrill and amaze gadget aficionados. You won't find a Bluetooth interface for cell phones or keyless starting lurking inside the RX-8, but you'll find a well-equipped sports car with solid performance that's priced just above compact sedans. For those who want more, a Grand Touring package adds a 300-watt Bose stereo, heated and powered leather seats, a moonroof, HomeLink, xenon headlights, fog lights, and stability control. The package also adds $4,250 to the window sticker.
The technical highlight of Mazda's RX-8 is its rotary power. The tiny 1.3-liter engine produces 238 horsepower, enough to launch the light Mazda from 0 to 60 in a little less than 6 seconds. Although there's enough power on tap, the modest torque won't snap your head back. In fact, this is an engine that requires just the right gear selection to maximize its efficiency.
The rotary sensation isn't about stump-pulling torque or tire smoking--it's about enjoying the turbine whine and smooth acceleration. For most adult enthusiasts, this is not a difficult taste to acquire. And the six-speed manual transmission has close ratios to match the RX-8's engine speed with the requirements of spirited driving.
Mazda has given the low torque a boost by using a fairly high rear-axle ratio. At highway speeds, the little rotor is humming at 4,000rpm, a speed that invites an upshift in most new cars. But the higher engine speed is neither harsh nor obtrusive to driving enjoyment; it just extracts a fuel economy penalty. The RX-8 gets an EPA rating of 18mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. By comparison, an eight-cylinder Corvette gets 18mpg and 28mpg for city and highway, respectively.
Accident avoidance
The Mazda RX-8's greatest contribution to safety is its ability to avoid that lumbering SUV driven by an avid conversationalist. The vehicle's perfect balance is complemented with independent double-wishbone suspension up front and multilink in the rear. Big antilock disc brakes with vented rotors and electronic-brake assist bring the 3,029-pound coupe to a quick stop, and the electric-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is precise. If a collision is unavoidable, the RX-8 protects its occupants with a steel safety cage and dual-stage front air bags supplemented with side air bags mounted in the seat backs.
There are lots of sport cars vying for attention in today's market. The average buyer in this category wants a combination of high style and performance. Mazda delivers a nice balance of those attributes at an affordable price along with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty for peace of mind.
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User opinions
WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW How would you rate this product?
-
8/10 Excellent July 20, 2005
"great car with some extra care needed" Read more >>
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7/10 Very good July 21, 2005
"bold look...rotary engine?" Read more >>
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9/10 Spectacular July 20, 2005
"One of a kind; a marval of engineering showcase" Read more >>
- WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEWSee all 13 user opinions >>
