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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  Mazda RX-8 A practical sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Greydog9 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. It drives like a much more expensive sports car. The car is small but with plenty of room inside. Im 63" and used to drive a Town Car.

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  BEWARE OF THE SHORTFALLS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ENGINEER - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The RX8 is a great looking auto and it handles quite well - BUT: 1. It drinks fuel like a Hummer. 2. Its way underpowered with no real torque to boast of (especially the automatic transmission). 3. The air conditioner is all but useless in the South. 4. It has dangerous rear blind spots due to its cabin design. 5. Get the spare tire but then forget any luggage after that. 6. Rear passengers can barely see over the window sills - claustrophobic!

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  2005 RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JROD33182 - September 26 - 9:20 am

  Did not think the tiny rotary engine would be so quick. On the test drive I noticed right away the car loves the road, sticks like glue at high speed.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By riqqie - September 20 - 11:53 am

  This car is great. It is amazing to drive. It grips the road and corners like a dream. It isnt the fastest car from a stop, but it more than makes up once you get moving. If you plan on buying though, do some research. The rotary engine should not be driven like a normal piston engine. It requires high rpms to run correctly. If you try to baby this car, you will have problems (carbon build-up, flooding). The best advice Ive seen about this vehicle is drive it like you stole it. BTW, get the manual transmission, it gives you a lot more horsepower than the automatic version. Make sure you check that the engine recall was taken care of before you buy and you shouldnt have any problems.

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  Great car with issues, bad company. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Babcock - September 19 - 4:03 am

  The car is very fun to drive, its handling dynamics are excellent. Interior is well done with everything nicely laid out. Good storage for a small car. Back seat room is good, adults seat comfortably. Truck space is good for a sports car but small opening. Over all this is a very livable sports car. Now the bad, gas mileage is the worst I have ever experienced in any car. I get 11mpg city while driving normally. I have had the car to Mazda who tells me that it is normal mileage and they will do nothing about it. Mazda’s service is very poor and the company does not likes to support this car. Mazda has given others a hard time on warranty work or refused to acknowledge problems.

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  My Blue RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TBelle - September 16 - 10:00 am

  OMG i feel like a kid again~ I race everyone i see, this car is such a blast to drive, Handles great~ My Rx8 is as much fun as my Vette was as a kid~ im so Happy with the blue ~ I have the only one in town that color ~

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  Best Car Yet?! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By nomi85 - August 30 - 3:50 am

  Mazda Rx-8, a simple way of saying "everything Ive wanted and more". Before the Rx-8 I drove a Mercedes S500, Honda S200, Lumina SS, Mustang, and the Bmw 330ci. None of these cars but the Rx-8 gave me complete satisfaction when it came to driving, comfort, and (my favourite) style. When on the road you may not be the biggest car, the most powerful, or even the most "bling" or done up, yet once youve driven by these other cars have felt a sense of defeat, a sense of "must bow to the prophecy of the Rotary Engine" (LOL) . Basically I love it, youll love it.

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  High tech traditional sports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By cactusrose - August 22 - 8:16 pm

  A sports car. Rear wheel drive, light snick-snick gear box and a hunger for the twisties. And you get to check the oil, and warm it up before buzzing the engine, just like an old Triumph. Yet if you know how to look after a rotary, unlike an old Triumph this car is tediously reliable, at least it has been for me. The car has a slightly overdone exterior, but draw your own conclusions on the looks. Yet from a practical perspective the interior is like the Tardis (check with a British friend for the definition of Tardis) and very well finished. I wasnt going to buy a car like this, but one test drive had me hooked. I havent looked back - buy this car!

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  Can you trash it? - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Street Breed Rx8 - August 16 - 2:50 am

  I drive my 05 GT every day and take it to the strip every weekend. Its a great automobile for the person that likes to go a little faster with a little more style. Amazing grip on the black top. Aggressive look, cant go wrong with a 9,000 rpm redline. When you first start the RX-8 the motor makes the best sound in the world. I thrash my RX-8 every day of the week. The Greddy turbo is a great turbo to add to the RX-8 upwards of 70hp gain. and it makes you forget about the absence of torque. Top end never fails. Had it stock up to 143 mph. No problems with maintenence so far. However be careful where your feet are. a couple wrong moves and the RX-8 will flood in a heart beat. Best car ever.

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  Enjoying it every Second - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jay - July 30 - 9:33 pm

  It took me long time to choose what my next car was going to be. My choices were TSX, Volvo S40, and RX-8. I almost went for TSX due to its reliability and low maintenance costs; the s40 was too pricy after all the options and RX-8 was over $30k. I really didnt wanted to go over $30k, however when I finish the final deal with TSX it was just $1,700 under RX- 8. Then my good conscience kicked in, "I want RX-8"!!! So I dropped the deal and went on to buy RX-8. I am enjoying it every second there after. I would have regretted it immensely if I would have gone for TSX.