Is the Mazda RX-8 a Good Car?

The Mazda RX-8 is a coupe with tremendous power despite its remarkably compact 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine. This evolved powerhouse delivers approximately 230 hp to the rear wheels. A stepped-up version of the Mazda RX-7, its rotary engine will be used in an electric version.

Sleek and Powerful, But …

Mazda’s design for the RX-8 was notable for its similarity to European coupes, a small yet potent sports car. But while its profile and power pleased many, the RX-8 proved to be a costly ride when it came to running costs, particularly at the pump. The blame, for many observers, lay with its rotary engine, ironically the feature that made its predecessor such a fun drive.

The RX-8’s engine was a needy, problematic headache reminiscent of other sports cars with cranky motors (i.e., the old Toyota Supra). A victim of its own power, the engine built up tremendous heat, which affected the seals and produced considerable heat dissipation. Ultimately, what worked so well in the Mazda RX-7 didn’t translate into the RX-8.

Other Problems

Even in its heyday, the Mazda RX-8 came in for criticism just as praises for its speed, power, and agility were being sung. As far back as 2004, Consumer Reports was calling its 18-mpg fuel efficiency “disappointing,” a foreshadow of inefficiency that frustrated otherwise avid Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 fans.

Despite the popularity of naturally aspirated engines, it proved to be an unwise choice for the Mazda RX-8, which produced inadequate torque of 156 lbs-ft. The consequent slow acceleration (compared with competitors) disappointed drivers who, understandably, expected more giddy-up in the RX-8’s take-off than it could provide.

The surprising sluggishness with which the RX-8 shifted through the gear spectrum made it feel as though you had to “stand” on the accelerator to build up any appreciable speed. In other words, the Mazda RX-8 couldn’t live up to expectations for such a uniquely designed sports vehicle.

Upside

And yet, the Mazda RX-8 is simply too intriguing, too sporty, and powerful to simply write off. It is, after all, an evolved version of the RX-7, once one of the most popular sports coupes on the market, a car Hotcars.com called “a gem.” Its weight distribution and low profile made it very popular among do-it-yourself drivers and would-be “grease monkeys.”

If you’re not familiar with this car, you might be surprised to find that such a compact sports coupe came with four seats. As such, it was useful as an around-town vehicle as well as a sports car good for high-powered revving and high-speed cruising.

A Mazda for You

If you’re in the Indianapolis area, head on over to Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda to find a car that’s right for you. Ray Skillman’s credo is that there’s more to car-buying than just pairing you with a great vehicle. We bring more than knowledge to selling great Mazdas-we bring the passion that comes from making people happy with their new ride, whether it be an RX-8 or another great Mazda product.