Mazda RX-8 Review: 2005-2010 Model Features and Changes

The Mazda RX-8 represents the new generation of rotary sports cars, uniquely emphasizing both performance and comfort. The sports car design combines the beauty of a 2-door sports car with the functionality of a 4-door sedan. The unique clam shell doors have a large opening, so entry and exit isn’t a problem. Under the hood, you’ll find a naturally-aspirated rotary engine that delivers great performance when you need it—available in both AT and MT rear-wheel drive systems.

But how has this sports car improved over the years? What’s changed? Let’s take a look between years 2005-2010 to find out.


 

2005 Mazda RX-8

2005 MAZDA RX-8

BROWSE LOW COST 2005 MAZDA RX-8 MODELS

The 2005 Mazda RX-8 is a member of the model’s first (2002–2008) generation, with the model code ABA-SE3P and an average fuel economy of 9-9.4 km/l.

 

Engine

The famous naturally aspirated Renesis rotary engine features two rotary systems in both high power (250hp/22.0kgm) and standard (210hp/22.6kgm) versions. There are two upgrades from the base type, luxury “Type E” equipped with genuine leather power seats and cruise control, and “Type S” with 250 hp and 6-speed Manual Transmission and sports suspension.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The interior is sporty, with an activematic steering shift switch (AT car) that can be operated quickly with your fingertips and a triple meter panel with blue indirect lighting. Safety is paramount in the 2005 Mazda RX-8, with 4W-ABS and EBD (Electronically Controlled Braking Force Distribution System) integrated in all vehicles along with a traction control function. A special model, “Sport Prestige Limited II”, has also been released, with improved interior texture and two new popular body colors, “Galaxy Gray Mica” and “Phantom Blue Mica”.


 

2006 Mazda RX-8

2006 MAZDA RX-8

BROWSE LOW COST 2006 MAZDA RX-8 MODELS

The 2006 Mazda RX-8 is a member of the model’s first (2002–2008) generation, with the model code ABA-SE3P and an average fuel economy of 9-10 km/l.

 

Engine

There are three options which include the 250hp 6-speed MT, the 210hp 5 speed MT, and the new 215 6-speed AT. In addition, there are two options to upgrade from the basic RX-8: The luxury “Type E”, which features genuine leather seats and improved cruise control, and the sport “Type S” with 18-inch wheels and additional sports suspension.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The interior can also be updated with the “Sand Beige Leather Package”, with Sand Beige leather seats, leather steering & parking brake lever, and advanced keyless entry. Safety Technology such as 4W-ABS and EBD (Electronically Controlled Braking Force Distribution System), engine brakes, and a DSC (Disc Slip Prevention Mechanism) that controls the braking force of each of the four wheels are also included to keep your precious cargo safe in any weather condition.


 

2007 Mazda RX-8

2007 MAZDA RX-8

BROWSE LOW COST 2007 MAZDA RX-8 MODELS

The 2007 Mazda RX-8 is a member of the model’s first (2002–2008) generation, with the model code ABA-SE3P and an average fuel economy of 9-9.4 km/l.

 

Engine

To be specific, the transmissions for the 2007 Mazda RX-8 come in three options: the 250 horsepower (6-speed MT), the 210 horsepower (5 Speed ​​MT), and the 215 horsepower (6-speed AT). You can further customize this fan favorite with the sporty “Type S” which adds 18-inch wheels and a sports-focused suspension, or the luxury “Type E” with advanced cruise control and genuine leather seats.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

2007 also marks Mazda’s 40th year of the rotary engine with a commemorative edition limited to only 200 vehicles. It draws from previous Mazda rotary models, with exclusive leather & Alcantara seats reminiscent of the “Cosmo Sport”, classic exclusive body color Marble white and exclusive ornaments. The interior is equipped with a driver’s 8-way power seat & electric lumbar support function, aluminum pedals & footrest, water repelling glass (front glass, front door glass, door mirror), and advanced keyless entry and engine start system.


 

2008 Mazda RX-8

2008 MAZDA RX-8

BROWSE LOW COST 2008 MAZDA RX-8 MODELS

The 2008 Mazda RX-8 is a member of the model’s first (2002–2008) generation, with the model code ABA-SE3P and an average fuel economy of 10 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2008 Mazda RX-8 has received several new upgrades, from exterior to engine. The updated rotary engine adopts a new water pump and oil pump, honing the gear ratio of the 6-speed manual transmission for better acceleration and general performance.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The newly developed direct mode allows you to select any gear with a switch on the steering wheel without switching to manual mode when temporary acceleration and deceleration is required. The exterior has also improved, adopting a new front bumper, a headlamp unit with integrated side markers, a side blinker with integrated air outlet, and a round 4-lamp rear combination lamp with built-in LED. The new sports grade “Type RS” will be equipped with special aero parts, gunmetal-painted 19-inch aluminum forged wheels, RECARO bucket seats, and Bilstein dampers. The 6-speed manual “Type S” includes designs tailored to 18-inch wheels while the luxury-oriented “Type E” that has an in-dash 6-series CD changer and an electric genuine leather bucket seat.


 

2009 Mazda RX-8

2009 MAZDA RX-8

BROWSE LOW COST 2009 MAZDA RX-8 MODELS

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a member of the model’s mid-cycle refresh (2008–2012) generation, with the model code ABA-SE3P and an average fuel economy of 9-9.4 km/l.

 

Engine

The 2009 RX-8 contains a 1.3L rotary engine, 6-speed manual with OD transmission, and achieves 232 hp at 8,500 rpm. The Type E is the RX-8’s automatic offering with a 6-speed active AT, followed by the sporty “Type S”. For a look to match the sporty suspension, a 6-speed manual “Type RS” is included.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 concentrates on elevating the basics, adding rain sensing front windshield wipers, auto light system, water repellent function (front door glass/door mirror), and advanced keyless entry and start system standard on all models. This base model becomes the “Type G”, adding to the lineup a luxury-oriented “Type E” that uses an in-dash 6-series CD changer and an electric genuine leather bucket seat. The “Type RS” comes with special aerodynamic parts, a gunmetal-painted 19-inch aluminum forged wheel, a RECARO bucket seat, and a Bilstein damper. A total of 7 body colors are available, including two new colors, silver “aluminum metallic” and gray “metropolitan gray mica”.


 

2010 Mazda RX-8

 

The 2010 Mazda RX-8 is a member of the model’s mid-cycle refresh (2008–2012) generation, with the model code ABA-SE3P and an average fuel economy of 9.2-12.8 km/l.

 

Engine

The automatic transmission in the 2010 RX-8 includes shift paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear changes, making it a great choice for drivers who want the handling of a manual but need the ease of an automatic. As with previous years, it contains a 1.3L rotary engine, 6-speed manual with OD transmission, and packs 232 hp at 8,500 rpm.

 

Interior & Exterior Features

The 2010 Mazda RX-8 improves on the concept of the rotary sports car by refining their basic model. Many features now come standard, such as 18-inch wheels,  leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chrome dual-tailpipe treatment, and LED taillights. The interior sound system comes with Bose technology and 9 speakers for crystal clarity with music and directions. Like the previous year, the optional R3 sport package adds a sport suspension, rear spoiler, a different front bumper and 19-inch aluminum wheels with high-performance tires. The theft-deterrent system also protects your investment by shutting off the engine when it’s reported stolen.

BROWSE LOW COST 2010 MAZDA RX-8 MODELS


 

Could Mazda RX-8 Be the Coupe for You?

Find out if the Mazda RX-8 is really the car for you by comparing it with other Mazda coupe models. Check out our other list and comparison articles below and find the car of your dreams with BE FORWARD!

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