Media Opinions on Mazda's New RX-8...

Thought it would be interesting to share them and ask other members to add ones that they have experienced over the RX-8's life....


"Mazda has produced a knife-edge handler with an efficient screaming power plant that's clearly a halo vehicle for a performance-car company" - AutoWeek, February 10, 2003


"In this controlled environment it can be said without equivocation that the RX-8 is a delight to drive, and easy to drive fast - quickly." - AutoWeek, November 2002


"The idea of a 2 plus 2 sports car isn't new, but a four-seat four-door sports car breaks new ground." - Motor Trend, January 2003


"Much like the MX-5, the RX-8 almost reads your thoughts and carries your desires before you even move the controls" - Car & Driver 2003

 

The RX-8 would undoubtedly be a contender if we were looking for a coupe. It manages to combine sports car performance, typical coupe-like sleek styling and day-to-day usability that others cannot match. That it manages to do this without losing its fun-to-drive characteristics only adds to its appeal. Only the high fuel and oil consumption detract from its appeal, otherwise it's a very tempting proposition....Kyle Fortune cars.msn.co.uk

 

The best bit of this car, though, is the price: £22,000 is remarkable value for money, especially as my car had an interior that was not only nicely trimmed but also equipped like the innards of Cheyenne Mountain...Jeremy Clarkson driving.timesonline.co.uk

 

It came, it revved, and it conquered one of the strongest COTY line-ups in years. Hats off, please, to RX-8. John Carey, Wheels Mazgazine COTY (Car of the year 2003) FEB, 2004 issue Australia.

 

A refreshingly original effort which is both a delight to drive and a fitting flagship for a brand that is being rejuvenated from top to bottom after years in the doldrums. Full marks.
...drive.com.au...

 

Ultimately it's the rotary engine that charms and seduces.

Such is its rapid, free-spinning flexibility that it frequently bounces off the speed limiter. A subtle buzzer kicks in from around 8500rpm but it can barely be heard over the zinging, almost electric power tool-like shrill of the twin-rotor engine.

A rev limiter will ultimately keep your wayward passage in check at 9200rpm so you don't cook the engine.

If this isn't enough, the engine's platter of performance comes back for more, time and time again.

In the RX-8 the synthesis of rotary and Mazda are complete. Mazda has polished and preened Dr Wankel's pioneering work and made the rotary its own.

Sportscar lovers can rejoice.

From theaustralian.com.au motoring section

 

Sticky!

 

Forget the rest, the RX-8 will go down in history for two reasons: its Renesis rotary engine and freestyle doors, perhaps better known as suicide doors -- a name marketing types cringe at in this safety conscious new century.

Innovation is nothing without practical application, and it's the engine's scintillating performance and the cabin's astonishing versatility -- what they deliver -- rather than what they are.

This painstaking attention to detail helps the RX-8 deliver on its core values of performance and passion. But more importantly, none of the under-skin innovation intrudes on the driving experience, or the car's practical appeal.

The RX-8 successfully blurs the line between flexible work-a-day car and weekend warrior -- and answers many enthusiasts prayers for a sportscar you can really live with.

From...carpoint.com.au..2003

 

The rear end exhibits a modicum of mid-corner adjustability, though the car's primary balance is for safe, easily fixed understeer. The RX-8 is one of the most exciting sub-$100,000 cars we've driven in a long time -- more fun than the scintillating Nissan 350Z, and laced with more soulful character than any car we can think of.

From..carpoint.com.au

 

The RX-8 works because it drives better than competitors like the 350Z and the Audi TT. In the RX-8, Mazda has created a wonderful sports car and a worthy successor to the RX-7.

From....NYTimes.com/edmunds

 

Although the RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanor on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel, but it won't beat you up on daily commutes. The rotary engine requires high engine speeds to make its peak power, but the delivery is ultrasmooth and noise levels are kept well in check. Overall, the RX-8 is one of the best examples of a car that's fun to drive while still remaining livable on a day-to-day basis.

From....NYTimes.com/edmunds 2003

 

It looks sensational, and with its four doors is rather practical too. This really is a coupe that you could use as a family car. The interior is spacious with plenty of storage space, the instruments and controls are all well positioned in a style familiar to Mazda's more recent offerings like the 6. Prices are low and equipment is high, making the RX-8 an appealing proposition. A smart and able all rounder, the RX-8 really is one of the few coupes out there that you can buy with your head and your heart.

From Autoexpress.co.uk...2005

 

It would be easy to say this is a car without faults, but that would be lazy!
Some people might find the engine doesn't give the hard edged punch they require from a sports car - the Mazda might be just too smooth for them, and the relatively low bottom end torque might irk lazy drivers.
Fuel consumption is much better than before, but nowhere near what you'd get from a BMW six.
And although ride quality is good, it's STILL a sporting car, with low profile tyres that cannot absorb as much bump-through as fatter ones.

But what it does have is superb build quality, fabulously easy-to-use performance, a lithe and agile chassis, great brakes, and importantly, comfortable room for four adults.

Throw in great looks, and I, for one, am sold!

From wheels24.co.za...South Africa

 

in South Africa the car works out to be about $75,000 USD btw amazing driving that thing in the mountains there

 

If you've recently bought a Nissan 350Z then don't test drive an RX-8 and disassociate yourself with anyone that owns one. It will only make you cry. RX-8 pricing is as keen as the razorsharp handling. The competition is left in the RX-8's dust on all fronts. The most obvious car to compare it to is Nissan's 350Z which is a fantastic drive but doesn't come close to the RX-8 when the chips are down.

To sum up the experience with the RX-8 all I can say is 'Does anyone want to buy a low mileage kidney for $60,000?'.

From car.co.nz New Zealand

 

I had been waiting impatiently for a chance to drive the RX-8 since it was first introduced for the 2004 model year. I’d read the reviews, seen the car in dealerships and on the road and generally lusted after it from afar. So when my turn for a week-long test drive came up I was salivating with anticipation.

But when I slipped behind the wheel it was as if I were entering the Twilight Zone; the drive home as I familiarized myself with the car was enjoyable enough, but I was surprised that it wasn’t the instant love affair I had expected it to be and resigned myself to the realization that perhaps we wouldn’t be a match made in heaven after all.

The RX-8 must have sensed that. Somehow, it convinced me to keep an open mind until I had a chance to take it outside the city limits and open it up.

The rest was history. We left the urban confines and headed northwest, through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and the day turned into to a bonding experience that has to be lived to be appreciated. When I got back, I didn’t care a whit about the clutch making me stretch my leg too much. I didn’t care about the anemic air conditioning or anything else. I was in love. Or at least lust. And the feeling lasted through the rest of the week.

Then I had to give the RX-8 back. Love/lust turned to mourning.

Zoom zoom. It’ll do it every time!

From...canadafreepress.com, July 2005

 

But its thirsty nature wouldn't turn me off buying one, if I were in the market that is. I had one of the best mornings I can remember, grinning from ear to ear as I dusted off the island's serpentine backcountry roads. The RX-8 is a blast to drive, somehow managing to be edgy and comfortable at the same time; an ideal balance for everyday driving.

From...Canadian Auto Press 2004

 

Alfred Hitchcock's words "There is no terror in a bang, only in the anticipation of it" came to mind as I sipped my coffee looking over the Mazda RX-8 that waited for me in my garage.

Having already interviewed the RX-8's Chief Designer, Ikuo Maeda, at the car's introduction, my anticipation to drive the car firsthand has been building for over 24 months.

.........And you really can fit four full-size car zealots in this thing. With occupants in place upfront, those allocated to the rear can easily jump in--no front-seat sliding required. The rear seats are just as resolutely bolstered and roomy as the front seats. We're not talking Skydome room here, but it's better than the G35 or new Mustang.

After waiting 24 months, I've found that the Mazda RX-8 is also more entertaining to drive on a twisty road than either of those 2+2s. And if you need to include three other passengers, for the price, the RX-8 comes as close as you can get to a sports car experience.

From...straight-six.com. Canada

 

In total, only 2,150 units of the Shinka will be sold - some may still be left. The RX-8, however, is here to stay, but unfortunately not necessarily with that gorgeous "purple" hue. No matter the colour, Mazda's practical sports car offers that little extra something that even makes driving to work eventful, and that, to me, is critical for transforming a short-term love affair into a long-term romance - back seat make-out-ability notwithstanding.

From..Canadian Auto Press...November 16,2005

 

So you see, Mazda is special to us. Not only that but they also create very enjoyable cars. The RX-8 may not be an RX-7, however it is everything that was best with the 7 except for the Turbo. Mazda took those elements and honed them to perfection and transformed the car into what is now my new benchmark for handling, braking and driving dynamics for the sub $40,000 price range.

Even though the RX-8 has experienced some teething problems, which Mazda has addressed, this car is still a safe bet in the low to mid-priced sports car category. Just be sure to check your oil level on a regular basis.

From...Auto123.com Canada 2005

 

Given the unique performance aspects of its rotary engine, exceptional handling characteristics and four-seat capacity, the Mazda RX8 delivers tremendous value alongside exhilarating performance. From the first twist of the key, drivers know that they are in command of a GR8 RX8.

From....Canadian Auto Press ...June,2004

 

It might sound like a strange thing to say about a €41,000 car, but the Mazda RX-8 is easily one of the best value cars around. Firstly, it is nothing short of fabulous. You get the stunning good looks, four seats, buckets of standard equipment and a smooth engine for the price of a fairly entry level BMW 3-series. When you consider that the Audi TT and Nissan 350Z are more expensive than the RX-8, you realise that Mazda have a winner on their hands. The RX-8’s twin-rotary engine develops 192 or 231bhp depending on the model. The handling is first class too. It is brilliant fun to drive. Surprisingly, this car is really comfortable and perfectly usable as an every day car. It is in short - amazing

From....CarBuyersGuide...Ireland

 

This car has been a huge hit for Mazda all across the world and for a powerful 4 seater sports car, it has done remarkably well in Ireland, with over 200 units sold in its first year. Initially, there were some doubts about the car's unusual design with those two small forward-opening "suicide doors" behind the main ones. However, people have discovered that these make the car a very practical four seater, with room for 2 adults in the back. It’s great to drive, having lots of power, well balanced handling and comfortable suspension. However, fuel consumption can be high and oil use needs to be watched. Reliability is excellent.

From...AutoPoint..Ireland

 

And the latest RX has another ace up its sleeve: a roomy back seat that adults can enter gracefully through a pair of rear-hinged half-doors. Is it any wonder we've declared this “the best RX ever”?

From...Car & Driver...January,2004

 

The RX-8 doesn’t provoke facial distortion or nosebleeds at full gallop, but it has plenty of other sports-car virtues. The chassis is as stiff as a double shot of Dewar’s, the steering is laser accurate, the suspension hits the sweet spot between firm and punishing, and the weight distribution is about as close to perfect as perfect gets. We’re talking about the ingredients that distinguish automotive athletes from the plodders—traits that make the car an extension of the driver’s will.

Consistent with previous Mazdas wearing RX badges, the RX-8 is propelled by an engine lacking pistons and valves. Mazda put itself on the U.S. sales map with the rotary engine back in 1970, and the RX-8’s 238-hp (197 with an automatic transmission), 1.3-liter twin-rotor Renesis is the latest edition. Like other naturally aspirated rotaries, it’s a little short on torque but long on smooth and a pleasure to live with.

There’s more. Not only does the RX-8 deliver exceptional sports-car pleasure, but it’s also capable of delivering it to more than two. The rear seats can accommodate two adult-size passengers, in comfort, and the rear demi-doors, à la Saturn quad coupe, make the RX-8 easy to climb into and out of. Wow. A practical sports car. What’ll they think of next?

From...Car & Driver...January,2005