Although I have never owned one , I have had 3 Mazda estates so have talked to the mechanics when in a dealership.
The RX-8 was killed by new proposed (now actual) EC emissions regulations which it could not meet. The engine had a legendary thirst for both petrol and oil, but was as smooth as a turbine, which encouraged the use of high revs.
Like others I really like the looks, and Mazda's build quality is pretty good.
The major negatives in my opinion are : firstly you don't normally need anything other than service parts but IF you do they are mind-expandlingly expensive , and secondly the main dealers are renown for being unhelpful in the extreme.
