The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has impressive handling dynamics and a roomy backseat, but loses points for its lack of low-end torque and fuel-thirsty, high-maintenance rotary engine.
In a class overrun by tiny roadsters and not-so-sporty sports cars, the Mazda RX-8 is a breath of fresh air. Distinguishing itself with a one-of-a-kind suicide door design, roomy backseat and impressive handling, the 2011 RX-8 has a lot going for it -- but only if you’re ok with doing a bit of routine maintenance work.
Test drivers report that the RX-8's performance faults spoil the fun. Not only does it run short on low-end torque, but its EPA-estimated fuel rating of 16/23 mpg is subpar among Affordable Sports Cars. Though the RX-8 is powered by a rotary engine that weighs less than a traditional internal-combustion engine and generates a high rate of horsepower with little displacement, it requires constant maintenance. Because the RX-8’s engine burns a lot of oil, Mazda recommends that drivers check its level every other time they visit the pump -- which will be frequent considering its poor fuel economy.
Still, sports car lovers on a budget will find the hassle of owning and driving the 2011 Mazda RX-8 well worth it. Its superb handling dynamics will get drivers behind the wheel
Shoppers should note that the 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a carryover from last year, so opting for the 2010 Mazda RX-8 may save you some money. The RX-8 is offered in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3. All feature a 212- to 232-horsepower, 1.3-liter RENESIS two-rotor rotary engine.
"Providing sports-car performance along with four-passenger capacity, the…Mazda RX-8 would be the ultimate in a practical sports car were it not for its SUV-like fuel economy and lack of torque."
"If you're looking for an inexpensive sports car, but need room for child seats or extra passengers, the RX-8 is worth a look. Additionally, the R3 model has turned the RX-8 into a true driver's car with a chassis that is up there with the greats like the Mitsubishi EVO. Still, we can't help thinking that the RX-8 needs something and that something is power."
Test drivers say that the RX-8 handles marvelously, but its lack of torque and subpar fuel economy detract from its overall appeal. Plus, its rotary engine requires constant maintenance -- making it unsuitable for anyone but enthusiasts. "The RX-8 is quirky, thirsty, torqueless, and not exactly mass-market friendly,” writes Automobile Magazine. "It requires effort and attention to go quickly, and while it's a forgiving, docile platform, it has no time for the lazy
The 2011 RX-8 looks sleek and aggressive. Although some critics haven’t warmed up to its four-door design, most agree that it’s definitely a head turner. "For design, we understand that some might not like the looks, but we do," writes CNET. "It's a very distinct car, in a good way." The RX-8 features four doors in a “suicide door” layout
A quirky control layout and inadequate cargo room mar the 2011 Mazda RX-8’s interior. However, its roomy backseat is a major plus in this segment. In fact, Automobile Magazine says, "The RX-8's rear seats remain a defining feature
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has yet to be crash tested. However, the highly-similar 2010 model performs well in tests conducted by the federal government. Included among the RX-8’s long list of standard safety features is an anti-lock brake system and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Mazda protects the 2011 RX-8 with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has impressive handling dynamics and a roomy backseat, but loses points for its lack of low-end torque and fuel-thirsty, high-maintenance rotary engine.
In a class overrun by tiny roadsters and not-so-sporty sports cars, the Mazda RX-8 is a breath of fresh air. Distinguishing itself with a one-of-a-kind suicide door design, roomy backseat and impressive handling, the 2011 RX-8 has a lot going for it -- but only if you’re ok with doing a bit of routine maintenance work.
Test drivers report that the RX-8's performance faults spoil the fun. Not only does it run short on low-end torque, but its EPA-estimated fuel rating of 16/23 mpg is subpar among Affordable Sports Cars. Though the RX-8 is powered by a rotary engine that weighs less than a traditional internal-combustion engine and generates a high rate of horsepower with little displacement, it requires constant maintenance. Because the RX-8’s engine burns a lot of oil, Mazda recommends that drivers check its level every other time they visit the pump -- which will be frequent considering its poor fuel economy.
Still, sports car lovers on a budget will find the hassle of owning and driving the 2011 Mazda RX-8 well worth it. Its superb handling dynamics will get drivers behind the wheel
Shoppers should note that the 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a carryover from last year, so opting for the 2010 Mazda RX-8 may save you some money. The RX-8 is offered in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3. All feature a 212- to 232-horsepower, 1.3-liter RENESIS two-rotor rotary engine.
"Providing sports-car performance along with four-passenger capacity, the…Mazda RX-8 would be the ultimate in a practical sports car were it not for its SUV-like fuel economy and lack of torque."
"If you're looking for an inexpensive sports car, but need room for child seats or extra passengers, the RX-8 is worth a look. Additionally, the R3 model has turned the RX-8 into a true driver's car with a chassis that is up there with the greats like the Mitsubishi EVO. Still, we can't help thinking that the RX-8 needs something and that something is power."
Test drivers say that the RX-8 handles marvelously, but its lack of torque and subpar fuel economy detract from its overall appeal. Plus, its rotary engine requires constant maintenance -- making it unsuitable for anyone but enthusiasts. "The RX-8 is quirky, thirsty, torqueless, and not exactly mass-market friendly,” writes Automobile Magazine. "It requires effort and attention to go quickly, and while it's a forgiving, docile platform, it has no time for the lazy
The 2011 RX-8 looks sleek and aggressive. Although some critics haven’t warmed up to its four-door design, most agree that it’s definitely a head turner. "For design, we understand that some might not like the looks, but we do," writes CNET. "It's a very distinct car, in a good way." The RX-8 features four doors in a “suicide door” layout
A quirky control layout and inadequate cargo room mar the 2011 Mazda RX-8’s interior. However, its roomy backseat is a major plus in this segment. In fact, Automobile Magazine says, "The RX-8's rear seats remain a defining feature
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has yet to be crash tested. However, the highly-similar 2010 model performs well in tests conducted by the federal government. Included among the RX-8’s long list of standard safety features is an anti-lock brake system and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Mazda protects the 2011 RX-8 with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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