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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  RX-8 is Great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Slice - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Mazda did a great job in the re-design of the RX-7. Interior is not cheesy, but rather elegant/sporty. Leather is a nice touch.

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  Mazda RX8 Bang For the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Brett Carner - May 27 - 5:06 am

  I looked extensively for a daily driver with a sport car mentality. The Mazda RX8 was a hands down choice. The rotary engine is far ahead of the engines still today. It is a little thirsty on fuel economy if you get on it. Handling is excellent, rear view visibility is poor. Appearance and quality is very good, considering the price. If you are looking for a mid range sports car this is the choice. Mazda has an excellent warranty 5/50 and so far service is also above par. It is a fun car to drive.

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  RX8 - Unreliable Gas Guzzler - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By martinD - May 21 - 4:36 pm

  Very poor gas mileage. On hot days, I often need to switch off the AC just to get it to move from the lights. Tires were shot after 16,000 miles and so expensive. Heating is very poor at the feet.

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  i love the mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By deerules - May 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is tight!

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  Miles-n-Style - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Miles-n-Style - May 16 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this car is steal when compared to the other sports cars with eye appeal. I love the contours and shape of the exterior. Shes such a classy/sexy little vixen. She has spunk, allowing you to explore smooth exhilerating velocity which invites you to explore all her deep dirty secrets. Ease of back seat entry and comfort. Ease of manipulating the interior climate and audio theater allows me to concentrate on the road and the unfortunate drivers of lesser vehicles. I find the rotary accepting of low and high rpms. Often, I find myself shifting from 1st to 3rd to 5th and bypassing 2nd and 4th. One word description: SWEET!

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sarah Cobbs - May 8 - 5:20 am

  This is a fun car to drive, and looks great, but is very unreliable. I constantly have service lights on. Whether its an engine light, a oil light, or a tire light, without fail there is always a problem. Also, this car does not like to remain idle. After about 30 seconds in dead stop traffic my entire car begins to shake. I actually had the car stall at a busy light due to this problem. Therefore, if you travel into a city on a daily basis and have to deal with traffic, I highly urge you NOT to purchase this vehicle.

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  Theres Nothing Else On The Road Like It - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By 1GR8RX8 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car to own so much in a vehicle for an affordable price and lots of fun on the road!!!

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  I love it until I get inside - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RXH8R - May 5 - 6:00 am

  Boy! I could not believe I was going to have to pay over thirty grand to get leather...as a result, I didnt get the leather. Instead, I got crappy cloth seats. Plastic panels inside are cheap and the interior rattles like crazy. Stereo looks interesting but forces the use of a Mazda radio for the rest of your RX8 life...oh and the CD player skips like crazy. Use the cupholder and your center armrest evaporates. Door armrests are so low that only an Urangotan could use them. Reverse is a challenge for my wife. Tall people must contend with the low windshield. Visibility is poor due to the rear pillars. I hate driving this car but people love seeing me in it.

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  An Amazing Little car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LovingtheRotary - April 24 - 2:16 pm

  Plain and simple - this is a car for those that LIKE being involved in driving. If you want things bank-vault quiet, and dont like hearing the rippp! of the buttery smooth rotary engine; if feedback from the tires and steering bothers you; if youre more concerned with saving gas than enjoying the irresistible urge to use the 9,000 RPMs worth of power - get an Accord or a Hybrid econobox. Oh and by the way, if you DONT want to be noticed, this is NOT your car! Otherwise this machine is an deliriously addicting combination of engineering refinement, race car design suspension, sweet high revving engine, comfortable high class interior, and drop dead looks, and affordable to boot!

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  Its a Kick - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8tive - April 20 - 3:13 pm

  Mazda RX-8 is nothing but fun, capable of putting a smile on your face in 5.7 seconds. Excellent balance, redlines at 9K, great wrap around bucket seats. Goes through tires quickly, too small for a married man with kids (me), trunk space with spare tire installed is a joke... shouldnt be called a trunk.