DecodedCarsMazda RX-8
7 model years from 2005 to 2011, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2011
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Latest engines
- 1.3L 2-cyl
- Best MPG
- 18–19 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2005 (46)
The 2011 RX-8 in brief
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a subcompact car offered with a 1.3L 2-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,109 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 14% worse than the 2011 subcompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
The Mazda RX-8 has 7 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2011.
Its most efficient year was 2011 at 19 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 18 to 19 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the air bags (50), fuel/propulsion system (26), steering (18).
2008 has the most recalls (5); all years together count 8 campaigns and 124 owner complaints.
How the 2005 RX-8 compares
The 2005 Mazda RX-8 is a subcompact car offered with a 1.3L 2-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,073 lb.
2011 RX-8 pros & cons
Full 2011 details →What's good
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 41 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 19 MPG combined, 14% below the 2011 subcompact car average of 22.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Show all 7 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 19 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,109 lb | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2010 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 19 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,109 lb | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2009 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 19 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,051 lb | Not rated | 4 | 3 |
| 2008 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 19 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,051 lb | Not rated | 5 | 14 |
| 2007 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 19 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,051 lb | Not rated | 5 | 20 |
| 2006 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 19 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,051 lb | Not rated | 5 | 34 |
| 2005 | 1.3L 2-cyl | 18 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,073 lb | Not rated | 5 | 46 |
Alternatives to the 2011 RX-8
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2011 Ford Focus | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →