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:

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By New Jersey RX-8 - April 19 - 10:00 pm

  Very fun to drive except for the horrible gas mileage. Everyone says its a sports car but for a car that cant turn a sub 14 second quarter mile, 14 mpg is pretty sorry. I will concede it does carve corners as well as probably anything else out there for the price.

• 

  Worst car ever - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Seriouscoin - April 17 - 12:56 am

  Not a fan! The only thing I liked was the look, and getting on the gas around 5k RPM. Tons of problems later!!

• 

  Way under-rated auto/Fun to drive car! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By De Groot - April 16 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 6th car, 5th brand new car. I had to give up a manual, knee problems, and give up a car I just loved, an Infiniti G20 1996. I wanted something that would be different so I wouldnt compare, something fun so I wouldnt miss the G20. Ha! I got it! This car is fun enjoyment. And its a car I fit into. I never thought it would accommodate my 64" frame. You feel the road and it really hugs the road. At highway speeds its as smooth a ride as the G20. The handling is sure and real responsive. My favorite stretch of Highway 1 was no disappointment with this car, handling the switchback and tight curves with a sure footing. This car seems capable to give more than it is asked to give.

• 

  Looks are not everything - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By speeede - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable looks. Its so fresh, I couldnt get looks like this in an nsx. You have no idea until you drive one how much people stare. Gas, however, is abysmal. I have 1000 miles and I average about 12 mpg, all city. Not granny driving, but not indy either. I am 62", way too tall for the sunroof. Cloth on rear inside fender walls is an AWFUL choice, will fall apart by end of year. I recommend automatic since 1st gear is very low power in the manual. Bose radio sounds dull and stock.

• 

  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pbw - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Spent a lot of time looking for a new car, including Z4,330CI,SLK320. THe Rx8 was a more exciting choice. Really pleased with the car. Get loads of nice comments from strangers. It really likes to move swiftly.

• 

  Too much fun! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By M&M - April 6 - 4:53 pm

  We are completely pleased by the performance, practicality, and quirkiness of this car. Perfectly balanced and, with snow tires, a blast to drive in the winter. Gas mileage is a stinker, but it seems to be getting better as the engine breaks in. The sound of a rotary engine is wonderful: Very Jetson-like at low revs and silky-smooth all the way to redline. The manual transmission shifts easily, the clutch is light. All the bits and pieces that make this car wonderful add up to a swift, stable, safe car that even novice sports car owners like us can drive with confidence. Everything works together really well.

• 

  Fun sports car for fairly mild $$ - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tkmmusic - April 3 - 9:46 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Even makes going to the supermarket enjoyable. Very reliable, definitely sporty (but not brutally so) -- as a matter of fact, other people that have driven it or have ridden with me have all commented on its smoothness. It also has a surprising practical side -- you can carry quite a bit of stuff in it when necessary. Im very happy with it.

• 

  Best Car I Ever Had! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotaryboi4ever - April 3 - 5:03 pm

  I bought my RX-8 this past July and I really love it! Being a mechanic, I think that the rotary is way more reliable than a piston engine. The gas mileage kinda hurts, but its worth it to me. Only problem I had with it was the A/C amplifier going bad, but it was an easy fix. Out of all the cars I have owned, this is the best one ever! The 8 is definitely my favorite one to drive, and I always admire other ones I see on the road.

• 

  I love my Mazda RX-8!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lori S. - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My RX-8 is extremely fun to drive! It makes driving a pleasure once again, you just feel great in it. This car gets noticed by all. Its an exciting fun time. I can still take passengers, unlike my 2 old RX-7s, so more than just one person can ride with me in it. I was so happy to see the RX-8 come onto the scene and knew I had to test drive it, but I waited until I saved the money since I knew Id want to buy it right away. "This car is AWESOME!!".

• 

  sweet spot - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Vincent DeLeo - March 27 - 1:46 am

  Im a proud owner of the rx8,I only wish it had more off the line,but i guess you cant get much out of the tiny engine,but let me tell you my sweet spot,getting on an exit ramp in 3 gear,hitting the gas to my 9000 redline,wow its really a sweet spot,your doing 40 off the ramp and before you know it your doing 90,ill tell you one thing for such a tiny little engine,it really can move.I got my car in august of 03,i was one of the first ones to have it.since then theres been a few recalls,and a few quarts of oil added,but hey,get this bad boy supercharged,and im trading this one in,yeah baby,i cant wait for that to come out,and we all no it will.