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:

• 

  remi runs wild - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By remi red - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Get the best radar detector available on the market cuz youll need it. This car just wants to goooooooooo. So much fun to drive. Makes me want to get up to go to work in the morning. The guys at work want me to put spinners on it, but I get enough attention without. Everyone wants to race me to see what this car can do. I love it cuz I blow them away. Corvettes, eat my dust!

• 

  VERY well thought out car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Meowloud - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Ergonomically correct vehicle with just the right touches. Young street-racers are not welcome in this car! If you dont need the fastest 0 - 60, then this is the sports car for YOU!

• 

  its a blast - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By baze - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a Titanium Grey GT, and its a blast to drive. Its not too showy, but still gets looks everywhere. No problems at all. Check RX8Club site for good info.

• 

  mazda rx8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By renata4u - October 27 - 10:56 pm

  I have had a Mazda rx8 2004 which i named Christine since it wanted to kill me. I had to get a Lawyer to have them replace it. Now i have a 2007 rx8 and as the other one right at 26k miles all the emergency lights are on the dashboard and yes it is starting all over again. Jim Click does not stand behind the cars he sells and Mazda does not either unless there are Lawyers involved. Am I getting scared that this car will end up killing me ...yes I am.

• 

  Review Mazda RX 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jan Miller - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the car -- only annoying feature -- the tire pressure light and the fuel cap warning lights are on all the time. Even if I put air in my tires -- in a day or two -- the light is on and off again. Often after getting gas the fuel cap warning light comes on and I do have the cap on right. Warning lights too sensitive.

• 

  Glad I waited! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Randy Leonard - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I had been debating on what car to buy for several months and had decided to buy the Infiniti G-35, but after seeing the RX-8, the decision was made. I have the first one in the city I live in because the dealership just opened last Saturday. As a matter of fact, I was the first person to buy a car there. And I love the car! It has a lot of power and the look is great. Ive had several people ask me about my "fancy imported sports car". It also drives great and is one of a kind. No regrets here.

• 

  Smooth operator... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jogr - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I drove the RX8 and thought "Quality. Smooth. Effortless. Confident. Willing. Unique. Wow, its at 9,000." My girlfriend hated the RX8 on paper. Then she saw and sat in the RX8 and said, "OK, you should get one of these." Despit what Vreveron the Honda saleman says below, this car is quality. The seats are excellent. The shifter reminds me of Underdog, my Miata. The engine needs no explanation as it makes piston engines seem irrelevant. Its like an electric motor with noise: you cant feel how fast its spinning. The handling, while not like my modified Miata, is "wow, if I have to drive a sedan, I want it to drive like this!"

• 

  Good Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Taylor Salizzoni - October 2 - 2:00 am

  drag race 13.56 stock

• 

  Great Ride! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Brian Bogardus - October 1 - 10:13 pm

  What can you say except wow. Just a sweet looking car that is super fun to drive. We receive compliments everywhere we travel, from the tires and rims to the well appointed interior space.

• 

  Great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It handles as well ir not better that most other cars in its class. Looks great, nothing else out there that looks like it. It also still has room for the kids in the back seat. Great car, very satisfied. Gas milage is not quite as bad as people say.(I get around 20 mpg)