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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  Road Warrior - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James Pulley - May 17 - 6:36 am

  I purchased the 2004 RX-8 I have now in 2006 as a used car. There have been some nitpicky items but overall I am happy with the decision. As a note, just this past weekend I turned 100K on the clock, so this car has seen more than its share of miles. As to the nitpicky items? I am a tall guy, with both longs legs and long torso, so I get hit on the headroom and on the legroom, particularly with the dead peddle, which I remove for longer road trips - theres an extra five inches of leg room that thing eats up! The laughable part, my SUV with 260K on the clock regularly gets 25-27mpg on the highway. The best I have ever achieved in the RX8? About 23. But heck, its a sports car!

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  One word - Unique - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By the_hurra - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for two weeks now, and it is great fun to drive. Doesnt hurt that my golf clubs fit in the trunk without a problem too. Its more practical, and a way better value than any other car in this class. A little more civilized than the RX-7 was.

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  this car sucks - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rollo - April 21 - 2:00 am

  embarrasingly slow gas mileage stinks interior is noisy and poorly assembled needs a spare tire, maybe the worst car i have ever driven in the snow and i am on my sixth rear drive manual sports car

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  Great Car for Most Purposes - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stonejaw - April 18 - 5:46 am

  The RX8 is very fun to drive! Great road feel and superb handling. If you want to drive this car where there is snow - get dedicated snow tires! This is not a 4x4 (that are all in the ditch because they start well but dont stop any better) but I regress. With the Potenzas that come with the car RE040(very noisy and rough riding) forget about driving in the winter. However, put some Pirelli Wintersport 210s on and have fun! I have taken it skiing in Colorado numerous times including blizzard conditions and heavy snow and it came through just fine. Also since the tires are an integral suspension component treat yourself to some Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions - will get you home.

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  Dangerous to test drive. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By zenmouse - April 12 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my 2005 RX-8 about a week ago, switching from my Audi A4. I never intended to buy the car, but my girlfriend was buying a Mazda 3, and I figured Id give the 8 a spin while I was at the dealership. Hands-down, its the most fun car Ive ever driven. Its light and agile, rockets you faster to 60 than an s2000, and has incredibly good looks. The rotary engine has a beautiful powerband (and sound), and the 9,000 rpm redline is unbelievable! The four-door functionality is definitely a deal-clincher, as it makes this beast actually practical. My only gripe is the mpg which seems like it should be higher for the size of the engine. But if mpg is what I wanted, Id have bought a Civic.

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

  fun to drive great car

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  In the shop more than on the road - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Paul - March 31 - 3:23 am

  I bought my RX-8 in 2004 and I had more problems with this car than any other I have ever owned. Besides the fact that it needs to be serviced every 3,500 miles, it was in the shop a lot more than that. From fuel line problems to the electrical system (reflashing the engine computer), you name it, this car cost me time and money than you wouldnt normally expect from a Japanese car. Fun car to drive, a little underpowered, but gas mileage is horrendous and the service record was no better. I would never buy another Mazda again.

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  2nd To NONE - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By 2rx8 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  My first RX8 was totaled in an accident (hit by red light run side driver door impact). Fire/EMT said side airbag saved serious head injury if not my life. When seeking replacement car I didnt hesitate to get another RX8. Ive not been disappointed in the past 6 years and dont want to part with my RX8. Previously had RX7 and had problems with restart on cold engine, but never with my 2005. The only thing Ive had to replace is the battery and tires. Love this car! And I have a Viper so I have real comparative performance. Not that the RX8 is anywhere near a Viper, but when I dont drive the Viper I dont at all mind my RX8.

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  Ugh, this stupid car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Hannah - March 11 - 2:50 am

  Ok, Im 16; got this car for my birthday, have guarded it with my life and taken excellent care of it. But no matter what it always stops running -- has been towed twice because it quit in my drive way. So many recalls its not even funny, airbags went bad, along with its computer. Oh and it rattles so bad. Its currently for sale because I want a vehicle that will start anytime.

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  RX8 NEWCOMER IS ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sch - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THE RX8 IS A TRUE AUTOMOTIVE LEAP IN TECHNOLOGY, FROM THE COMPUTER MAPPING SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS ALL ENGINE FUNCTIONS TO THE MORE OBVIOUS, AWARD WINNING ROTOR ENGINE DESIGN. I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND ANYONE INTERESTED, THAT CAN APPRECIATE A BALANCE OF ROAD HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS, THAT MAKES THE RX8 A BLAST TO DRIVE! THE THING IS PRACTICAL TOO... AND THATS WHAT CONVINCED ME IT WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE OUT THERE. THE FRAME TECHNOLOGY TO RETAIN THE RIGIDITY W/O A DOOR PILLAR BETWEEN THE TWO DOORS EXEMPLIFIES THE TIME AND MONEY THAT WENT INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS FINELY CRAFTED CAR. ALL I CAN SAY, IS.... ENJOY THE HELL OUT OF HER!!!