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2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

4dr Cpe Auto Sport

Starting at $15,775 | Starting at 16 MPG City - 23 MPG Highway

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$15,775 average Retail
$26,435 original MSRP

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Overview
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Safety
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Printable Version

2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

The four-door 2009 Mazda RX-8 gives enthusiasts more to love than ever with aggressive new styling front and rear, full-size seats for four, and a new, top-of-the-line R3 trim level that adds exclusive performance-enhancing details. Other trim level choices include the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Producing 152 lb-ft of torque, the rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX-8 is powered by a 1.3L rotary engine that has 212 hp and redline of 7,500 rpm with the six-speed automatic transmission, while the six-speed manual transmission version is good for 232 hp and a redline of 9,000 rpm. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 16 mpg city/22 mpg hwy and 18 mpg in combined driving. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, front side airbags and front side curtain airbags, while stability control comes on all but the Sport trim level. As Mazda RX-8 photos depict, the coupe is equipped with a pair of rear-hinged "suicide" doors to the backseats. The base Sport features 18-inch wheels and performance tires, a rear lip spoiler on manual transmission trims, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

Benefits of Driving a 2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 offers a unique driving experience in the automobile world. Not only is the twin-rotor 1.3-liter RENESIS rotary engine the only one of its kind, but no other car in the class offers four doors. Add to the mix an attractive entry price, and the RX-8 easily competes with the Infiniti G35 coupe, Nissan 350Z coupe, and BMW 3-Series coupe.

What's new for 2009?

For 2009, Mazda's RX-8 gets a restyling that is more 'evolution' than 'revolution.' The front fascia has been updated, with a deeper grille and more aggressive headlights, while the back end features larger exhaust pipes. Inside, the RX-8 gets new seats as well as a revised center console.

Model Strengths

Unique, high-revving RENESIS rotary engine, free-flow door system with room for four adults, excellent handling.

Model Review

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is the perfect compromise between a pure sports car and a sports sedan. The high-revving rotary engine sounds like nothing else, and the free-flow door system allows four adults easy access to the front and rear seats. The rear seat features a handy fold-down center section that allows long items like skis to extend from the trunk into the cabin.

Printable Version

2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

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2009 Mazda RX-8

Source: Carlist.com

It's a compact - very compact - sports coupe, with a tiny back seat, but it packs a wallop of a performance punch, and at a price a bit lower than that of some other cars that like to tout their performance credentials. The RX-8 comes with a rotary engine - basically one that has rotors inside that circulate and combustion chambers but no cylinders. For 2009, the RX-8 gets a few styling modifications, as well as some technical revisions.

The RX-8's design speaks to its performance - sinewy and aggressive. One of our favorite features about its design, though, remains intact: the "clam-shell" doors that provide easy access to the back seat. The doors open from the center outward, and there is no middle pillar to impede entry. So getting back there is pretty simple.

Sitting back there, however, is not particularly easy for adults of average size or above. But if you're just putting kids back there, they'll be fine. It's in the performance arena where this car really shines. The 1.3-liter engine produces a robust 232 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission that shifts quite smartly. An automatic transmission is available, and the engine with that gearbox makes 212 horsepower.

Handling on the RX-8, which comes with rear-wheel drive, is superb. Take it out on some curvy roads and you will be rewarded handsomely. The electric power steering is directly responsive, and the wide, low tires also contribute to the strong on-road performance. You'll feel some of the road, to be sure, but only enough to remind you that you're enjoying an invigorating ride.

Even when you are cruising along a highway, there's a refinement to be admired. The downside is that fuel economy is disappointing; 16 mpg city, 22 highway, according to EPA. The interior has quality materials and is quite comfortable (for front passengers anyway).

Our tester had the optional R3 sports package, which in addition to a firmer suspension included Recaro front bucket seats, a Bose audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and keyless ignition. On the outside, the sport package offers a rear spoiler, 19-inch aluminum wheels and high-performance tires. The dashboard controls are a bit cluttered, but fairly easy to use. The RX-8's price tag can mostly be justified by its performance and its uniqueness.

The tester, which was loaded with just about everything, went for $32,580. Mazda continues to churn out impressive products. A few months ago, we tested the new version of the Mazda6 midsize sedan, and found it to be better than its predecessor. The CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers are fun, functional and follow the "Zoom-Zoom" credo that Mazda is known for. And the MX-5 Miata remains a favorite of roadster lovers.

Printable Version

2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Passenger Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Rollover Resistance	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	No consumer rating Rate & Review

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Std
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Air Bag	Std
Side Head Air Bag	Std

Road Visibility
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std

Security
Alarm	Opt
Anti-theft System	Std

Printable Version

2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	36,000	36
Drivetrain	60,000	60
Roadside Assistance	36,000	36

Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
12-Month / 12,000 Mile Vehicle Limited Warranty* 7-Year / 100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty** Whichever comes first from the certified pre-owned retail sales date. *Whichever comes first from the original new retail sales date.
Age/Mileage Eligibility	5 model years or newer
Lease Term Certified	No
Point Inspection	150-Point Detailed Inspection Autocheck® Vehicle History Report
Return/Exchange Program	No
Roadside Assistance	24hr Roadside Assistance for the life of the Powertrain Limited Warranty offers confidence on the road around the clock.
Special Financing	Yes, see your Mazda dealer for details.
Transferrable Warranty	Yes
Warranty Deductible	$0