2005 Mazda RX-8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Overview
For the 2005 model year, Mazda added a Shinka edition to the RX-8 lineup. It was equipped with leather seats, a power sunroof,...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Mazda RX-8 really enjoy its fun driving experience, sporty handling, and unique design. They love how it corners like a race car and the smoothness of the rotary engine. However, many drivers express concerns about its fuel economy and the reliance on intensive maintenance due to the rotary engine's quirks. While it looks stunning and is a joy to drive, it's not the most practical choice for everyone."
Love the looks and the "freestyle" back doors. Great fun to drive. Not great off the line but handles like a dream. Quality seems well above average. Gas mileage not that great but not bad for a sports car. I have the automatic but it has manual shift option that gives the feel of a manual. I would recommend taking one for a test drive and make up your own minds.
April 22, 2009Good: Performance, handling, braking, fun to drive. Bad things: Bad on gas... Interior could be much better... Mazda dealerships are terrible - I actually think that they put defective parts every time you take your car there ...so next time something else breaks. No too many problems, but I had to change my water pump at around 50K..?? ... right after I had to replace my cabin filter... ??? ...right after... you get the point.
July 27, 2008I have had my RX-8 for over a year and I could not ask for anything more. The car handles like few out there. The performance of the car only adds to the experience and is great to drive around the city.
January 16, 2008What owners say
Love the looks and the "freestyle" back doors. Great fun to drive. Not great off the line but handles like a dream. Quality seems well above average. Gas mileage not that great but not bad for a sports car. I have the automatic but it has manual shift option that gives the feel of a manual. I would recommend taking one for a test drive and make up your own minds.
April 22, 2009Good: Performance, handling, braking, fun to drive. Bad things: Bad on gas... Interior could be much better... Mazda dealerships are terrible - I actually think that they put defective parts every time you take your car there ...so next time something else breaks. No too many problems, but I had to change my water pump at around 50K..?? ... right after I had to replace my cabin filter... ??? ...right after... you get the point.
July 27, 2008I have had my RX-8 for over a year and I could not ask for anything more. The car handles like few out there. The performance of the car only adds to the experience and is great to drive around the city.
January 16, 2008I love this car! It's one of the most fun to drive cars I have ever been in. I test drive cars for fun and this one was so amazing that I bought it! Its not really the acceleration that gets me, its the handling, it takes corners like a champ and nothing throws it off balance. This is a car that anyone can drive fast, its just so forgiving, it seams to say, "Is that all you've got?"
September 6, 2008My baby, love of my life, 05 Mazda RX8 Sport AT. Got her in September for my 21st birthday. She only had 13,300 miles. Now has about 17k. Best car I've ever owned.
December 13, 2007I 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.
August 8, 20222005 Mazda Rx8 6speed MT, Good handling, enough horsepower, four doors, Mazdaspeed Suspension Setup, HKS Legamax Exhaust, Mazdaspeed bodykit and spoiler, K&N Air Filter, Poineer Double Din Head Unit, Mazdaspeed Rims, Brighestone RE 01 R tires, I love it.
June 9, 2009This car is a complete blast! It looks incredibly beautiful for starters, but then it corners so hard it'll snap your neck, out-brakes a Lamborghini, and revs to 10,000 rpm with four doors and four witnesses. There just isn't another car like this one made anywhere. I love this car.
August 5, 2008The car is a lot of fun to drive, and a good replacement for my old WRX. The rotary engine has a very linear power band, but really kicks in at 4k rpm all the way to it's red line at 9k rpm. It's so smooth it literally feels like you're driving a vehicle with an electric motor. Handling is also very sharp, and the body stiff providing exceptional grip in high speed corners. The other huge bonus is the fact that it looks like a coupe, but is in fact a 4 door saloon. These things are a ball, I love driving it.
May 15, 2008think this car is not a very good looking car but it is a lot of fun. It really doesn't feel all that sporty around town but let that engine wind up and you'll have a ball. It was great fun without being uncomfortable, or even all that expensive. I'm not a fan of rotary engines normally, but this was a pleasure.
March 11, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,435 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 238 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $33,030 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 238 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $32,470 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 238 hp NA | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,995 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 212 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |







