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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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vegasjonesn - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Cant find a car that is this much fun for $28,000. I can fit the kids in the back and my golf clubs in the trunk.

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  Just a few things shy from perfection - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andrea - December 20 - 2:06 am

  Great car. Not impressed with the recall and the flooding problems. Needs a better place for the dipstick, you have to stick your hand down in the engine to get to it. I thought the interior would be more impressive ... my Dodge Neon was about the same when it came to the fanciness. A lot of people lean on that center console to get out because the car is so low, and because it slides open and its on tracks, it often pops off of track. Maybe get a lift open one instead? The speedometer is a little difficult to read, maybe make it bigger. Gas mileage isnt impressive ... otherwise this car has been very good to me, *knock on wood.*

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  Engine is a disaster - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By lav1 - December 10 - 3:40 pm

  Going to trade my RX-8 tomorrow. Been in for rough idle and cutting off (in traffic) 9 times in 6 months. Mazda has no fix for this unreliable engine. They can only add engine mounts and brackets to the engine... yeah, makes no sense to me either. Beautiful car, horrible engine!!! Stay away from this car until they start putting a reliable engine in them. First 30,000 miles were wonderful, but beware - once you turn 30001 it goes down hill from there. Cold and hot outdoor temperatures play a big part in the rough idle as well. Again beware of this car. Dont lose money on it like I have.

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  Great car, poor mileage - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By surfdude - December 6 - 7:13 pm

  This car is fantastic! The most fun car to drive Ive ever driven. It can hit up to 8000 RPM without any trouble, in fact, its healthy for the car to do this, as it cleans out the engine. Incredible handling: you can literally go around a 90 degree turn at 40 mph without any trouble! While the car doesnt have the acceleration of a corvette or a 350z (5.9 from 0-60), its handling is better than a 350z and rivals that of a corvette. Reason is a 50/50 rear-to-front weighting of the car. There is no 500lb engine under the hood, as the rotary engine isnt a typical heavy engine. Thus, there is no front heavy, back sliding that occurs in a typical car in turns.

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  my opinion on the 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By angies8 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car 1 month and have put about 1000 miles on it. It is a very nice sports car. Since it has a few miles on it I am exploring the upper rev band and its plenty fast for me. It has a few blind spots in and you have to pay close attention with lane changes on the freeway.The air conditioner is also weak for a high temp area. I am concerned since with depreciation now Mazda has announced it will buy back the first 3000 rx8s from dissatisfied customers because of the misstated horsepower numbers.I think I will keep the car and accept the $500.00 offer along with the free maintanence offer instead. But I have until Oct 1 the make up my mind.

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  21 again - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SinCityRX8 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Its been 17 years since I had a sports car, almost forgot how much fun it was to drive one. Ok, ok, so there is some debate on whether its a sports car or not, but sure drives like one. Great styling too, and is a head turner. Hearing and seeing the rpm at 6000+ is just a music to my ears. Gas milage? Been having too much fun to notice, but am sure will notice it sooner or later.

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  check it out - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By chris bager - November 15 - 2:00 am

  so far I have no complaints..If things continue I will be a happy camper..As you can see above I am very satisfied so far and hope this will induce others/

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  A Steal - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Paul Bray - November 12 - 3:13 pm

  This car is an absolute steal. I was sold on the 350Z and ready to buy, but felt that I needed to compare to at least one other car. After test driving both, even though it was a cosmic shift, I couldnt buy the Z. The RX-8 is one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven - its my first rotary, and the smooth, almost electric feel of the engine is beautiful and highly responsive. Take a look at the low reviews - they are primarily from people who seem to have trouble red-lining a car that can go to almost 9K rpms. If youve ever driven a stick and/or have normal hearing, this isnt a problem at all - and one reviewer with red-lining problems also complained about fuel economy - correlation?

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  Truth - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By chad - November 4 - 2:26 pm

  Here is the truth about the 2009 rx8. Fun to drive if you can afford to drive it how its meant to be driven all the time. The heavier your foot is the more oil it consumes, gas mileage is way down there, and if you dont drive it hard you risk flooding, fouling and carbon build up. Run mine hard all the time and still need to clean the spark plugs every 6,000. Trust me it helps! As far as drivabilty goes best piece of machinery I have ever driven! Handling and forgiveness is great, top end is good too, there is an extreme lack of torque though. As far as comfort, seats hold you in, but they are a little hard. This car offers the most fun for your dollar, unless you are a straight line driver.

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  Drive one -- if you dare - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By alabammer slammer - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The most affordable Sports Car in America. Fast, fun, and certainly gets the looks. The RENESIS rotary sound best between 6000 & 9500 rpms, and gives you the impression it is begging for more. 6 speed tranny is silky smooth. Visit www.rx8club.com to learn what other owners such as myself have to say about their awesome rides.