2007 Mazda RX-8 Review
The RX-8 is yet another sports car from Mazda. First debuting in 2004, the RX-8 features rarely seen suicide doors. Even more unique is the lack of a pillar between the front and rear doors, as it uses the rear doors as sort of a virtual pillar. A specially tuned Shinka edition was made available in 2005. The RX-8 was nominated for “North American Car of the Year” in 2004 and it remained on Car and Driver’s top ten list from 2004 until 2006.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Mazda RX-8 shows that once again, when it comes to nimble, affordable, and fun to drive sports cars, they rule the road. With its small, yet capable Wankel rotary engine, the RX-8 has the look and feel of a true sports car. Combined with excellent safety and reliability ratings, the RX-8 is an overall fantastic car.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power initial reliability data is not available. Problems that affected the first two years of production include weak air conditioning, cold-starting problems, broken oil pan sensors, and engine stalling. The RX-8 was recalled four times between 2004-05 due to improper airbag wiring, loss of steering control, cracking heat insulators, and melting exhaust parts. Expect better than average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The RX-8 earned 4 stars in all government crash tests, except for the front passenger side, which earned 5 stars. IIHS data is not available. Anti-lock brakes, side airbags, and a tire-pressure monitor come standard. Stability control comes standard with the Touring models and is optional for the Sport.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Unique suicide doors
+ Nimble
+ Fun to drive
Cons
- Small engine
- Mediocre fuel economy
- Somewhat spartan interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The RX-8 compares very favorable to much more expensive vehicles. It costs $15,000 less than the Audi TT Quattro, and although it lacks its larger engine, AWD, CD changer, and leather seats, it does add side airbags. It costs $3,000 less than the Chrysler Crossfire, though it has a smaller engine and lacks traction control. However, you might want to consider the Honda Accord EX-L for $1,000 more. The Accord throws in traction control, a CD changer, leather seats, more cargo space, a moonroof, and a larger engine.
What Others Are Saying:
“I’ve just finished a week with a manual-shift RX-8 and found it to have a fine, and most unusual, combination of sports car performance and looks and compact sedan space. It is a unique machine, and Mazda is to be commended for developing the rotary-piston engine that is the RX-8′s heart and soul.” – The Auto Channel
“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.” – C|Net
“It balances form and function. It looks great, yet serves the needs of occupants with four doors to ease entry to the rear seats. It balances weight by placing the rotary engine rearward of the front axle and the gas tank forward of the rear axle. The whole package weighs 2,950 pounds. Nimble is a word that comes to mind to describe the tossable rear-wheel driver.” – About.com
Read more about the 2007 Mazda RX-8 at the Mazda manufacturer web site.
