Mazda RX-8 (03-10) - Review Review by David Ross on 12 May 2006 Last Updated: 24 March 2009 Mazda isn't afraid to do things differently - as the RX-8 proves. It breaks traditional coupe convention by having two rear-hinged doors to make access to the back easier plus it's powered by a unique rotary engine. In terms of design it truly stands out - both inside and out - while the cabin is fairly practical too. There's enough room for two in the back and a half decent boot, making the Mazda a useable coupe. It's great to drive with well weighted steering and minimal body roll, however while the rotary engine sounds good, it has to be worked hard to get meaningful performance and lacks pulling power. As a result fuel economy is poor. In August 2008 a revised model - called the RX-8 R3, was introduced with sharper looks and uprated suspension while the lower power engine was dropped from the line-up. 4 out of 5 Other Mazda reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4 out of 5 Safety The RX-8 doesn't have a Euro NCAP crash safety rating but it comes with plenty of standard safety kit including six airbags, traction control and stability control. On the security front there's an alarm, immobiliser and central locking. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info 3.5 out of 5 Reliability Rotary engines used to suffer premature wear problems, but Mazda claims to have resolved this. However regular maintenance is essential - if oil consumption is not monitored regularly and the level falls too low, the engines rotor tips will wear out, which will prove very expensive in the long run. Otherwise reliability should be good. The R3 model comes with a larger oil capacity and an easier to access dipstick. Car check problem points Body No problems reported. Engine/Gearbox Rotary engines were tarred with a reputation in the 1960s of living fast and dying young thanks to high oil consumption and poor maintenance allowing the rotor tips to wear out. The latest rotary engine in the RX-8 still needs TLC in its early stages with oil level checks about every 500 miles until it has travelled a few thousand miles and then less often afterwards. Look for a full Mazda service history and ask the previous owner how frequently oil levels were checked. Other No problems reported. Spot car problems with a Parkers Car Checklist Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Mazda RX-8 cars for sale We have 61 models like this for sale. Find Mazda RX-8 cars for sale Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling