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:

• 

  Practical Sports Car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By new mazda lover - January 28 - 9:50 am

  I looove my RX8. It seats 4 adults and it so fun to drive. This is my first Mazda and I regret not buying this car sooner. Its worth every penny!

• 

  practical sports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Steve Dibble - January 27 - 12:13 am

  Ive owned M3,Z3,MR2,WRX,911,RX7 and several British sports cars. The Rx8 betters them all in some ways and betters some of them in every way. Who needs more power? Perfect compromise between ride and handling and it looks fantastic. I test drove all of the current sports car competition and there really was none - unless you must have a top that drops.

• 

  Most fun for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gheist - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Most fun car Ive ever owned. Comment from my friend: "I havent had such good handling since riding in an NSX." Not too punishing in daily driving, and handles like a dream. Accelerates decently when pushed, but I didnt buy it to be a stoplight racer. The front drink holders are in a somewhat awkward location where drinks can be bumped while shifting. The handbrake could be smaller and less pronounced. Minor fit and finish detail flaws which the dealer has already promised to fix.

• 

  Only the best - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zukman - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my rx8 20 days ago and I think this car meets and exeeds my expectations. Suprisingly spacious and comfortable. My doughter has no complaints about the back seat at all. I have never driven a car that sticks the corners like this car, no matter how hard you push it wants to go faster. As far as straight line performance if you turn up the rpms not many cars are going to hang with you. Plain and simple its worth every penny and then some.

• 

  Awesome car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8=Awesome - January 23 - 3:03 am

  I bought my 04 RX8 in Feb of 2009 with 33k miles on it. Its now almost Nov 2009 with 41k on it. This car has been absolutely amazing (despite gas mileage). The rotary engine is a very high maintenance though, I was told by a Rotary Specialist, to let my car warm up to where it is idling at 1k rpm, and let it idle for 15-30 seconds before shutting it off (of course never shut the car off when its cold), and I have not had one single issue. The handling is great, I got a K&N short ram cold air intake which makes the biggest difference, so much louder then stock, you would be surprised. Got an extended warranty til 2014 (highly recommend that). This car is great if you maintain it properly.

• 

  Some people will never be happy. I am! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By hornhighaces - January 14 - 1:43 am

  I have no complaints from this vehicle. As a former RX-7 owner I knew what to expect from the rotary. The 8 is not the replacement for the 7. It is a sports car, but remains "civilized". I have had a single problem with the exhaust, which was covered under warranty. I expected a few issues being the first year of production and bringing the rotary back after 8-9 years. If you are whinny and do not like to pay attention to your vehicle, buy a Honda. This is a car for people who love cars, not for people who are easily inconvenienced. Check the oil, let it warm up, dont drive a rear wheel drive sports car in snow, 9k RPMs will use gas. Common sense stuff that seems to annoy people.

• 

  RX-8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By cody87hoke - January 9 - 7:30 pm

  I love my car, I just got it 4 weeks ago after I got out of airborne, and its awesome. The interior is really sport, the Bose sound system is awesome in it, its pretty quick for such a small motor, for the money you cant beat it.

• 

  May not start after short distance drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By worried - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a cutie but if you drive short distances, this may not be the car for you. It may not start if it hasnt warmed up or been driven for less than 5 minutes. One suggestion Ive just read is to rev it up to 4000, and turn the key off while its reving. Excess fule will be removed from the fuel pump and in

• 

  Pure Driving Machine - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Oleboy - December 21 - 4:50 pm

  This car is excellent for people familiar with rotory engines. Knowing up front that the car needs the oil checked every fillup and let it run for at least five minutes before you turn it off. That is really the only obligations you have from regular cars,that I am aware of. This is no problem for me. The sound and unique. The car is not lightening quick but is very fast once to speed. Handling is a dream,at any speed. Nice leather seats and all the stuff that comes in a loaded vehicle. It has a great warranty and the redesigned rotory eliminates the problems (internal leaks) from 04 to 06. It drives great. Get brocure from dealure and test drive one,thats the best way to decide on any car.

• 

  Works For Me - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By razpewton - December 21 - 2:00 am

  The ONLY negative characteristic this car possesses is its gas mileage. Phwew!