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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  Best of all worlds - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Michigan Mom - February 4 - 5:00 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive: very responsive and agile, but also comfortable. Fit and finish are excellent, especially for a $30,000 car. The backseat easily accomodates medium-size adults or a car seat or booster seat. My kids (2 1/2 and 5) love riding in it. I also drove the Volvo V40 and was disappointed by the quality of the interior finish as well as the power. I also considered the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series, but they get really expensive when you load them up with options. With the RX-8 you can get all the options and a thrilling ride at a reasonable price, and also stand out in the crowd.

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  i would not buy one again - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8joe - February 4 - 6:53 am

  when i got my rx8 home, i was looking for the spare tire. lo and behold there is no spare tire.. it is an option. which cost me 477 more. the saleslady forgot to mention that the rx8 uses oil. actually she forgot to mention many things about the rx8. and most importantly she left out the part about these cars are prone to flooding. if you do not let your engine warm up. will i buy one of these again? no... in fact as soon as i can i am getting rid of it.. nothing but problems since ive gotten it..

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  My RX-8 Review - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Mr Rotary - January 20 - 10:13 pm

  This is a very fun animal to drive. Performance could be a little bit better on the engine side: theres no torque or power at the lower RPMs until you hit 5k or more. Too bad theres no turbo, I miss the old RX-7s. As with all rotary powered cars, fuel economy is awful. Interior design is really good but the chairs cant recline all the way when I want to lay down and theres no lumbar support. The reason for an 8 on reliability is because I had to bring it in for three different recalls and this thing EATS OIL! Rotary engines consume a lot of oil, I had to add oil to it every 3k miles.

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  Another dud from Mazda? - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By smpc12580 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 750+ miles driven on this car. My Observations are: 1. Poor gas mileage. Between 14 & 16 in city driving. And I drive like granny! 2. Some interior elements do not keep up with the price tag. Too much plastic used on the interior. 3. Extremely fun to drive. 4. Engine sound is unique; however, cruising its silent like a good night of sleep. 5. Above average acceleration.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J.R - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my RX8 and its still the first Ive seen in California...Face it the car turns heads! Other than the lower that advertised HP I have no complaints about the car.

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  Buyer beware... - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MR. ED - January 15 - 4:06 pm

  A couple of things interested buyers should know. The bridgestone tires wrapped around the 18 in alloy rims are horrible in snow! Get winter tires or a 2nd car. MPG is another problem. The 05 RX-8 had a couple recalls already. The 2 back seats in the car are for children! Not for adults, unless your under 52 you will not be comfortable. At low cruzin speeds the cabin noise is over whelming. But the fact is the RX-8 is still a pretty fun car to drive. If you dont mind the shortcomings.

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  Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Glenn Lappe - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car for 2 weeks now. Love to drive it as much as I can. It calls my name during the night. Mazda did a great job on this one!

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jim nowell - January 10 - 4:50 pm

  Plenty of zoom zoom and room for a 64" man. Gas mileage is about 17mpg in town or on highway. Must be my lead foot. Shifts smooth and has plenty of get up and go.

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  Very fun, low on guts - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JHRacing - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I debated between an RX-8 (my wifes choice) and a WRX STI (my choice) for a new car to compliment our Outback wagon. Id have to give the RX-8 the nod for interior and exterior styling and a little more comfortable ride, but after a couple of months Im finding the lack of low-end torque quite a disappointment. The engine has no problem revving, but you have to flog it to the limiter to keep up with traffic away from a light. Not really what I wanted out of a sports car, and poor mileage to boot! Should have gone with my gut and the STI.

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  matts RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By eraser729 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  the car gets terrible gas mileage, but if you could care less then this is the car for you. it has amazing handling but it is a little slow off the line. I would expect that the man. trans. is a little bit faster with better acceleration. It is a beautiful car and I have gotten nothing but compliments.