Mazda RX-8's performance faults spoil the fun

The Mazda RX-8 is a rear-hinged 2-door 4-seat coupe available at three trim levels: Sport, Grand Touring, and R3. The "base" Sport package includes 18-inch wheels, performance tires, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, a 6-speaker CD stereo system, and an auxiliary audio jack. There is also a rear-lip spoiler, but it is only available on manual-transmission models.

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.

Mazda RX-8's performance faults spoil the fun