End of the Mazda RX-8
05-06-10, 07:45 PM
#17
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05-06-10, 09:05 PM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
The Mazda3 seems to be a success, but, yes, the rest of the U.S-market line is questionable. And the Tribute, more than any other model, is simply drowned out by its Ford Escape brother.
As I see it, though, the RX-8, despite its superb chassis, was not a major success not only because of the shortcomings of the Renesis rotary engine, but also because a lot of potential buyers did not consider the half-rear doors (despite their usefulness) worthy of a real sports car.
As I see it, though, the RX-8, despite its superb chassis, was not a major success not only because of the shortcomings of the Renesis rotary engine, but also because a lot of potential buyers did not consider the half-rear doors (despite their usefulness) worthy of a real sports car.
Last thing about the Mazda lineup, I now sell Mazda's for a living and yes the 3 is very popular, but the car we can't keep in stock and is extremely popular is the CX-9. People go crazy for them, it is such a great value, having three row seating, all kinds of technology features, and is just so easy to drive, with the handling and feel of a normal car! People just love them!
05-07-10, 06:22 AM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
The 3Gen RX-7 was not without its shortcomings either. Its ultra-light weight and almost perfect balance (almost like a Lotus product) gave it superb handling and road performance (the twin-turbo definitely had more spunk than the present Renesis rotary). The RX-7 unibody, of course didn't have to accomodate the weaknesses of the present design with half-doors and without B-Pillars. But the ultra-lightweight construction of the underbody aluminum chassis/suspension steering parts had a flaw on bumpy roads (besides the very loud road noise from lack of insulation). Hitting a pothole or serious bump in the road could, and often did, bend or break some of those parts....this was a rather widespread owner complaint. It was strictly a car for smooth roads.
If a new RX-7 does debut soon, as rumored, of course, Mazda will have had some 15-16 years to learn from the old RX-7 (and, of course, the experience of the RX-8). We'll see what they come up with this time.
If a new RX-7 does debut soon, as rumored, of course, Mazda will have had some 15-16 years to learn from the old RX-7 (and, of course, the experience of the RX-8). We'll see what they come up with this time.
05-07-10, 06:30 AM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Last thing about the Mazda lineup, I now sell Mazda's for a living and yes the 3 is very popular, but the car we can't keep in stock and is extremely popular is the CX-9. People go crazy for them, it is such a great value, having three row seating, all kinds of technology features, and is just so easy to drive, with the handling and feel of a normal car! People just love them!
05-07-10, 12:34 PM
#23
Lexus Champion
Ouch. No love for the RX-8.
Automotive journalists, including Jeremy Clarkson, give it rave reviews. It's interesting to see the opinion in the stands sometimes doesn't echo that of the professionals. I'm actually surprised to see how many negative comments there are on this car, especially being in a car enthusiasts forum.
Automotive journalists, including Jeremy Clarkson, give it rave reviews. It's interesting to see the opinion in the stands sometimes doesn't echo that of the professionals. I'm actually surprised to see how many negative comments there are on this car, especially being in a car enthusiasts forum.
05-07-10, 02:55 PM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
I never had an interest in RX7/8, when shopping for my last 4 sports cars owned. RIP.
But I have friends that owned both 1st gen and 2nd gen RX7's, both had good experiences for the most part.
But I have friends that owned both 1st gen and 2nd gen RX7's, both had good experiences for the most part.
05-07-10, 02:55 PM
#26
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I'm sure they won't, but Mazda needs to give up on the rotary for the new RX-7 and go with a turbo piston engine. I wouldn't doubt that the 'quirkiness' of the rotary, with its known shortcomings in the RX-8, are keeping many potential buyers away from the entire Mazda lineup in one way or another.
If they had the Speed3 motor in the RX-8, I would have owned my first Mazda instead of going with an S2000 at the time
If they had the Speed3 motor in the RX-8, I would have owned my first Mazda instead of going with an S2000 at the time
05-07-10, 06:53 PM
#27
I liked the RX8, and had been looking to buy one before I finding another 3000GT Non turbo(1997 for $3030).
Sigh, I think that the low HP/TQ, and low MPGs... doomed this car.
I may look for one, if one of my two 3000GTs die(1994 has 230K miles, the 1997 has 117K).
Sigh, I think that the low HP/TQ, and low MPGs... doomed this car.
I may look for one, if one of my two 3000GTs die(1994 has 230K miles, the 1997 has 117K).
05-07-10, 10:45 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
The Mazda3 seems to be a success, but, yes, the rest of the U.S-market line is questionable. And the Tribute, more than any other model, is simply drowned out by its Ford Escape brother.
As I see it, though, the RX-8, despite its superb chassis, was not a major success not only because of the shortcomings of the Renesis rotary engine, but also because a lot of potential buyers did not consider the half-rear doors (despite their usefulness) worthy of a real sports car.
As I see it, though, the RX-8, despite its superb chassis, was not a major success not only because of the shortcomings of the Renesis rotary engine, but also because a lot of potential buyers did not consider the half-rear doors (despite their usefulness) worthy of a real sports car.
