2005 Mazda RX-8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Mazda RX-8
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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
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
by Anonymous
May 17, 2012
I love the sports car look, feel and handling of this car. Still get compliments on the looks of the car. Sound system is great. Corners like a race car. Has tons of zip. The six-speed transmission shifts smoothly and easily, although I have seldom had to use the sixth speed. Zero to fifty can be done while still in third gear. Other than routine maintenance, I haven't had to do anything in the way of repairs.
I don't like driving it in Winter and I don't like to mediocre gas mileage with the high price of gas right now. Tires are also pricey for this vehicle with not a lot of miles.May 17, 2012
by Scott J
Apr 07, 2012
Excellent car and great fun, you'll get through lots of fuel, but you'll have a smile
on your face. Keep an eye on the ignition coils though and don't buy a second
hand one without a compression test! Also looks amazing :DApr 07, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 29, 2010
best car ive ever driven,fun and fast,get lots of looks with the sleek design,easy shifting,has not needed any repairs,gas mileage is ok,all around great car,handles great in city and highway,drive it like you stole itAug 29, 2010
by Sean K
Aug 27, 2010
this rotary beast has great acceleration and even better braking, it is a drift kind aswell. it only cost me 13.7k and it only had 25k miles. the appereance is flaweless too. it is sound and quite but a road king.Aug 27, 2010
by Imanuel K
Nov 24, 2009
Peformance :
- acceleration = pretty good
- braking = it can brake very nicely
- handling = it can turn perfectly
appearance : pretty good for the sports car
interior : it has a nice seat and the accesories in the
interior are beautiful
exterior : it looks so sportyNov 24, 2009
by Yannick B
Oct 22, 2009
To start, the design is unique and really encompasses the unique Rotary engine through the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Drive this car if you want to know how a car is supposed to handle. Regardless of the weather, the vehicle rides like its on rails with no understeer.
The cost of ownership is rather cheap. These vehicles changed very little and came out in 2004 so its easy to get your hands on an inexpensive one. Small fuel tank. Fuel disappears with a motor with such torque curve high in the RPMs. Eats oils. You will no reach 3000 miles without having to add oil due to the rotary motor. Could use a little more horsepower.Oct 22, 2009
by Jesse B
Sep 25, 2009
Performace: I turboed it with the greddy turbo system and it dynoed at 255 whp 198 torque so its got plenty of power to play with =]
Havent had ANY problems with it yet, its an awesome car and its built amazingly
uses alot of gas (i get 12-17 mpg) and uses alot of oil (rotary engines are built in a way where they constantly burn a little but of oil)
overall, this car is freakin AMAZING and i love and look forward to every single time i get to drive it.Sep 25, 2009
by Pierre G
Sep 07, 2009
Acceleration is ok but handling is awesome
Some rattles appears after 40 000km, but really minor
Gaz consumption is not so bad but is not to par with other competitors in the same category
This car is a blast to drive !!!Sep 07, 2009
by Daniel P
Aug 24, 2009
PERFECT ALL AROUND!! great handling its a 50/50 weight car. tops out around 156 at least thats how fast i've gone so far. Looks slick, curves bring out the best. Gas mileage not so great but not horrible somewhere around 20 to the gallon i think. sound of the engine is amazing people always comment on it. It's affordable and great car for the summer!!Aug 24, 2009
by Chuck B
Jul 09, 2009
performance - handled like a bigger miata
build quality - quality was great
cost of ownership - gas mileage was lacking but i knew that going in to the deal. Had to add about a quart of oil between oil changes.
favorite car though.Jul 09, 2009
by Bill H
Jul 04, 2009
Fun to drive, although very thirsty. Next to my motorcycles this is my vehicle of choice. Great for driving in my local mountains, with good tires it handles beautifully in the twisties! I don't drive it enough though and garage it over the winter so it has become an expensive toy...Jul 04, 2009
by Longinus W
Jun 09, 2009
2005 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.Jun 09, 2009
by Yaseen M
May 03, 2009
It is one of the best cars on the market, don't listen to what everyone says until you have driven one. Awesome and practical. I am a family man and this is my main car driving 250 miles per week.May 03, 2009
by Brent H
Apr 22, 2009
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.Apr 22, 2009
by Matthew K
Mar 24, 2009
Really fun car to drive. Silky smooth motor gives great acceleration, and the handling is stupendous! So far nothing has gone wrong.. solid build quality.
The 4 door configuration of this car is genious, giving a coupe like apperance with the benefit of seating 4 easily.Mar 24, 2009
by Anthony J
Sep 06, 2008
I 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?"Sep 06, 2008
by Joshua S
Sep 03, 2008
This was my first car. got it when i was 16.
It has awesome pick-up.
it looked gorgeous and it was really fun to drive.
i loved the rotary engine at the time but wanted a new car so i got this over a used rx-7.
handling was superb since this is rear wheel drive you can drift.Sep 03, 2008
by Travis R
Aug 05, 2008
This 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.Aug 05, 2008
by Thomas D
Jul 27, 2008
Good: 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.
Jul 27, 2008
by Lauren D
Jul 15, 2008
This is one of the best cars ive owned. Its cheap to buy and fast! The down side is it drinks petrol for fun and it is in quite a high insurance group! It is fun to drive!Jul 15, 2008
by Yaseen M
Jun 13, 2008
One of the best drivers cars on the market. Very good performance and excellent handling. Always putting a smile on your face as you go past 5,000 revs all the way to 9,000! AWESOMEJun 13, 2008
by Jeff J
May 22, 2008
Sweet little car. No problems to report yet. Getting to point A to Point B quicker than most!!!May 22, 2008
by Shawn E
May 15, 2008
The 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, 2008
by Matt P
Mar 11, 2008
think 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.Mar 11, 2008
by Jennifer S
Feb 07, 2008
Handles smoothly, does well in the 1/4 mile, great performance, beautiful carFeb 07, 2008
by Matt D
Jan 16, 2008
I 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.Jan 16, 2008
by Windsor L
Jan 14, 2008
Not a straight line performer, but who cares?
Great on corners, RWD, hi-revving, and driveable in the winter. Awesome interior, although Bose is a bit lacking. Relatively cheap in price compared to other cars in the segment. Built in Japan.Jan 14, 2008
by Tara B
Dec 13, 2007
My 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.Dec 13, 2007
2005 Mazda RX-8 Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,375 to $33,030Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & 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
