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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  Rotary Passion - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Daren S - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I an extremely happy with this purchase. All the desirable features of a sports car in a very nicely designed package.

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  zoom-zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mikehkatz - November 22 - 10:00 am

  the rx-8 is the most fun car i have owned. it takes turns like a rolercoster. ane it really does have that zoom-zoom feeling specially from first to second gear .

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  Excellent Deal - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By redleg65 - November 10 - 1:40 am

  Ok, I purchased a 09 with 503 miles on it: Used. I guess a guy bought it for a month and traded it, so I ended up with great deal for 19k out the door. Besides price the car is basically a Mazda 3 with a very nice body style. Having owned a Mustang GT, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Maxima, G35 in recent years, this vehicle tops bang for the buck. Style is key since laser radar is everywhere now a days, but cruising in this is awesome. Smooth and you get plenty of looks, just dont race anyone unless you buy the higher end model. Interior is tight, drives on rails: reminds me of my G35. Reliability seems to be good, 95% of it is made in Japan.

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  Living with a rotor... - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Will Dover - November 9 - 7:50 am

  A wonderful car - for a 2nd car. Fun to drive and reasonably practical (fits 2 kids in the back without complaining). Gas mileage a real nuisance, though.

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  thumbs up - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By agentg35 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  very quick, loves high RPMs, vehicle gets alot of stares and thumbs up! exotic styling.

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  This ride is hot! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By twinkfolife - November 3 - 10:00 am

  great ride. turns plenty of heads. drove it home last night. hit a possum though...geez! oh well, my car can handle a possum.

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  Inexpensive and Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ze6492 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the car - only complaints are its extremely noisy on the road - highway (tire) noise - and the radio volume increments need to be eliminated - either too quiet or too loud.

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  interesting - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By peter wilcox - October 24 - 11:23 am

  This must have been one of the first rx-8 produced! Ive had electrical problems, sunroof problems and hard starting concerns. All of course fixed, but the car has been tied up in the shop for at least 10 days!

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  Regrets -- I have a few. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Glenda - October 16 - 8:16 pm

  I have a 2004 RX-8 & its the worst car Ive ever had. I had an RX-7 for years & loved it; sadly the RX-8 does not come close for several reasons. The car has broken down (and been towed) 5 times in the last few months - the car floods itself! This past week the car began to shake violently - the end result being it needed new left and right motor mounts installed. The heat did not work this winter and 3 months later Im still waiting for a back-ordered part! The only saving grace not having heat was that I couldnt use the car in the first place because the slightest dusting of snow on the ground renders the car inoperable. Long story short, its fun to drive but TOTALLY unreliable.

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  Better than okay... not excellent! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By debrucer - October 6 - 6:56 pm

  I have owned sports cars all my life and my favorite had a 50/50 weight distribution (75 Alfetta GT). This car doesnt feel as light, or as peppy from what I remember. The only other rotary car I drove was an old MX2, right hand drive imported by a service man and traded through a local dealership. he had bought two, and had to sell one to pay for the EPA expenses to end up with one car. It was hot... this car is not so hot. Not nearly enough torque. Features are nice, variable speed/temp redline is pretty kewl, and rev-limiters in general, also kewl. if youre going to have a hot car you should drive it hard... and this car really isnt all that "hot". Im not "sorry" I bought.