2005 Mazda RX-8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$25,375 to $33,030

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(31 reviews)
2005 Mazda RX-8 Preview summaryImage

For the 2005 model year, Mazda added a Shinka edition to the RX-8 lineup. It was equipped with leather seats, a power sunroof, multi-adjustable power seats, heated front seats, traction control, stability control, and a CD changer, among other features. Like the base RX-8 model, it was powered by a 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine that produced 238 horsepower when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and 197 horsepower when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard features for the base RX-8 included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt steering column, steering-wheel-mounted controls, a tire pressure monitor, and an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player. The RX-8's performance and acceleration, responsive handling, styling, interior, and roominess (for a sports coupe) were among the positive points cited by drivers. On the downside, drivers noted that gas mileage could have been better.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Mazda RX-8

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User rating:
by Travis C
Aug 08, 2022
I wanted to give these cars 5 stars, but I just can’t. With their high revving rotary mated to a 6 speed gearbox, there are not many cars you can have so much fun in. It handles well and feels utterly unique. But the rotary engine is infamous for its ability to break. If you know how to work on cars and have the will to rebuild the motor every few years, you will love every second with this car.Aug 08, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2015
One of the best handling cars ever created! The car is a blast to drive. The car encourages you to race the engine to 9000rpm and more if it was tuned for it. Not nearly as fast Rx-7 but pretty damn good chassis, and would of been close with a better engine option such as a turbo or 3 rotor engine. Don't regret the purchase which I got for $5k below market value. I have tracked the car 3 times at Auto Club Speedway and Big Willow @ Willow Springs Raceway. I have installed Racing Beat Intake and Duct, MagnaFlow Catback Exhaust, LS2 Ignition Coils, MSD Wires, Koyo Radiator, Royal Purple Fluids, Exedy Stage 1 Clutch, and Hankook Ventus Evo12 Tires on Enkei RP03 SBC 18" Wheels.Apr 07, 2015
by Diego M
Jun 14, 2013
this car has many things that will make you fall in love with it. the looks. its handling, the rotary engine sound. this is a great sports car not the the best for a daily drive but its lots of fun and joy when your behind the steering wheel. this car needs lots of attention as of checking oil every week, not driving until is warm. small things like this. just make sure before you go for a rotary do a research about them. its a lovely car but it was not made for me drove it for 4 years 1/2. so if you ask me if i would recommended i would say maybe depending on the person......Jun 14, 2013

2005 Mazda RX-8 Pricing

Original MSRP
$25,375 to $33,030
Price range
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Average price on CG
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Mazda RX-8 price trends

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

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