Overview & Reviews

Most people know that Mazda builds sporty cars. But for some, it's the company's history of building true sports cars with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda RX-8 was one of these models, and it enjoys the distinction of being the only one with a four-door configuration, providing reverse-opening rear access doors and a genuinely accommodating backseat. Sold from 2004-'11, the RX-8 didn't change much during its lengthy run.

The heart of the Mazda RX-8 is a 1.3-liter rotary engine with a thrilling 9,000-rpm redline: that is, if you can find one with the six-speed manual transmission. The available six-speed automatic was limited to 7,500 rpm, yielding about 10 percent less horsepower. With either transmission, torque from the rotary engine is very modest, and shoppers should note that this engine is known for both significant oil consumption and poor fuel economy. But with its perfectly balanced weight distribution, sharp steering and svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 is one of the best-handling cars ever made.

User Reviews:

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  Complete garbage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By efwilson4 - December 2 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car and saw where Mazda of North America warrantied the engine until 100,000. Well they lied. Mazda admitted to utilizing a loop hole to deny engine replacement. This car is garbage and Mazda will do anything but stand behind it. They charged me $1,100 dollars to replace coils, wires, plugs, decarbon the engine before saying I needed a new engine. The car runs worse than when I took it in. This my 4th rotary car and my last. I recommend something else. DO NOT BUY! Just search warm start or low compression.

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  Rattle Trap - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By PilotGM - October 9 - 11:26 am

  Have driven car approx. 2000 miles, vehicle has more squeaks and rattles than my sons 03 Hyundai, very poor quality. I have purchased 3 Mazdas since 12/04 and this one is terrible. Considered trading it back in after a month but would lose $10k after putting $15k down. Will not deal with Mazda or dealer who I have purchased my last 3 cars again. Have always had great luck with Mazda but not this time.

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  Trouble - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By anne - July 27 - 9:16 am

  This is a beautiful car and has a very clever design (I think I was won over by the suicide doors). Not exactly comfortable in the back, but it works. However, this car has been in the shop more than my 65 bug was. The first 6 mo of owning this car was so frustrating with frequent recalls and the car would stall easily. Then we had about 12 months of bliss. Now, at the ripe old age of 2.5 yrs, the car has been in the shop 6 times in 5 months. It has left me stranded (and not because the car was not warmed up). The dealers cant find anything "wrong" with it. I plan to get rid of it in the next month or so b/c I just cant have such an unreliable car.

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  BoomBoom not ZoomZoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Shabam - July 16 - 1:13 am

  I loved my RX8 when I bought it. 2 weeks after purchase I had to replace the purge valve. 1 month later replaced the ignition coils and wires. 1 week later check engine light came on. Had to replace the engine. Recall for oil dipstick allowing water in oil. Guess what, Ive got water and metal shavings in my oil. I see engine #2 coming up. All this in only 6 months! Extended warranty highly recommended for this vehicle. Love driving it when it runs! This is not the Mazda for me.

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  Lot of engine for a little car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By victor - June 27 - 1:33 pm

  Ive had my RX8 for three years, and I still get comments about it every now and then. Its a unique car, considering the rotary engine. Let me start there: The rotary has a great range, getting up to 8,000 rpm. It really starts to sing once you get above 4k. You can tell Mazdas engineers spent most of their time and money on the engine. Inside, you get most of the typical features for this kind of car. The gauges look really cool, but thats really the only thing inside that was engineered. The backseat is comfortable enough, and surprisingly roomy with the four doors. This car is a blast to drive, but it can be a rough ride, especially with the Bridgestone OEM tires. Somewhat rattly.

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  Another RX-8 Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Anne - March 19 - 12:30 am

  Here is another RX-8 that had to have the engine replaced. This car is an outrage that they ever put this car into production! My husband owned a 1984 RX-7 and loved it. We were so disappointed. It been in the shop since we got it. The engine light has never been off. The deal told us it was sand in the engine, then this and that and final we demanded a new engine. Has been OK for three years and now the engine shuts down once it get hot..about 90 miles. SO now we just drive it 15 minutes to the van pool. Mazda you should have recalled this car..never by another Mazda and tell my horror story. My other car is a 2002 Toyota 4Runner..the best truck on earth..no kidding!

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  Uses Oil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Tanya - March 15 - 12:36 am

  Our vehicle uses 1 quart of oil every 600 miles - ridiculous! The oil is only supposed to be changed every 5000 miles, but it is frequently changing itself. Mazda Corps selling practice are very deceptive. If anyone knew how much oil this car burned no one would ever buy it. And, to boot it gets 15 mpg! This is worse than my truck!

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  RX7 Touring - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Franky - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Leased this vehicle for two years and returned back to the dealership as soon as the lease up. First, the gas mileage is like and worst than a $100k sport car. Second, the car is so under power and you have to push to 5000 rpm in a daily driving like passing on the highway, not in racing with somebody. However for couple thousands under invoice and thousands of incentives kick-in, it is not a bad car at all. It is a best buy for someone who wants a super handling sport car with 4 doors but dont mind of gas mileages and the durability of mechanical parts. Lease could be the best idea.

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  Bad Transmission Issues (Do not buy!) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By David Conger-Eldeen - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  I have had problems with the transmission one month after I purchased the RX-8. It was replaced in January 2005. I have had a love/hate relationship with the car since the first problem. The real problem is the service or lack thereof. It is a known problem. If it werent for the poor customer service from Mazda as a whole, I would love this car and be very patient. However, they quickly jump to conclusions, insult your intelligence, etc. I am taking them to arbitration after 20 months of run-around and degradation.

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricky G - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 1500 miles on the car, and already it is a nightmare. The problem is, there is foam in the oil. I took it back at 1K. Dealership/manufacturer didnt have a clue. They changed the oil. At1.4K, the foam was back. Also, the engine shut down on me prior to this. The oil light stays on constantly. The dealership/manufacturer dont know how to repair it, so theyve asked me to drive it till they figure it out. And, of course, keep making payments till it breaks down completely.