The 2009 Mazda RX-8 out-performs all the comparables on the market with an affordable price, a powerful rotary engine, race inspired design and incredible agility. It's no wonder that critics everywhere are calling it innovative, sensational and phenomenal. Though the Mazda RX-8 looks like a coupe, it features an inventive 4-door system that camouflages the two rear doors. Also, this model year has brought about exterior changes for the RX-8 like a more chiseled body and 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch wheels available on the R3 trim level.

Mounted under the hood of the RX-8 is a 1.3L RENESIS rotary engine that produces up to 232 horsepower and 159-lbs per foot of torque. A smooth shifting, 6-speed, manual transmission comes standard in all four trims but a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is available on the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, and traction control give the RX-8 more adaptability to different environments than any other sports car available. Sport tuned suspension is standard on all four trims, while a foam-injected front suspension cross member is standard only on the R3 model. Self-leveling headlamps give drivers better visibility in dark or foggy conditions and the standard rain-sensing wipers on the Grand Touring trim turn on automatically when moisture is detected. With 16 city MPG and 22 highway MPG, the RX-8 sits somewhere in the middle of the pack for sports car gas mileage, with even the V6 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse faring better.

Buyers will notice a number of exterior changes from previous years' models, like a more assertive front design that gives the RX-8 the look of flaring its nostrils like a bull ready to charge. The front grille is clad in black, while the LED taillights are now a circular design. Inside, the Mazda RX-8 seats four comfortably and the Grand Touring edition features heated front seats, power driver's seat, and classic leather upholstery. One of the most innovative features of the interior is the center console that separates both the two front seats and two rear seats which allows for extra storage space that a sports car normally wouldn't have. The 2009 RX-8 is fully equipped with the latest safety features as well. Active safety restraints, side impact protection, and full airbag coverage provide passengers with more armor than most sports cars can boast.

With a starting MSRP of $27,085, the 2009 Mazda RX-8 is competitively priced. Buyers will be happy knowing that they'll get their money's worth in this model. With an extensive list of bonus features, safety unlike other sports cars and power to boot, the RX-8 is also proves to be nicely equipped for the price. However, if that doesn't seem like enough, the exterior and interior design breaks the mold of typical sports cars and provides both ample seating and storage.