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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  AWESOME CAR - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By brian brewer - August 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN AWESOME CAR THAT WILL TATCH THE LADIES EYES ITS A GREAT CAR AND IT FUN TO DRIVE.

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  Just Like a Marriage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By samsmazda - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Buying this car is like a marriage-- there are pluses and there are minuses. The fun to drive factor is off the charts. The engine makes you feel like you are Indy-500-ing to work each morning. The seats are snug but comfortable. You get a day off any time it snows (rear wheel drive, yknow). The spouse approves because it has four doors. BUT: you have to check and add oil often, and like being married to a hot spouse, you have to endure a lot of envy and attention. Heh, heh. If you test drive it, youll buy it. But read www.rx8forum.com before you test drive it.

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  Luv it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chet Lowney - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love just about everything about my RX-8. Especially the suspension. I traded in my 2003 Acura RSX-S because of its harsh ride over poor pavement. This is so much better and more comfortable on top of its sports car performance. Its not as fast but the manual option of my automatic is neat. P.S.: Im a 73 yr old former RX-7 owner.

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  Awesome 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dgall - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best! I had another so-called sports car before this one, and there is no comparison. This car is everything I was hoping for and more. Great looking and a great driving experience. What more could you ask for?

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  See for yourself - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Squarebush - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this vehicle is in a class of its own. Design, handling and interior are just some of the great features that make this car unique. I have never owned a vehicle that makes strangers just walk up to you and tell you how awesome my RX-8 looks.

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  n|a - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By minis - August 18 - 10:00 am

  small engine but it gives out 200 percent of the power and agility

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  Just right - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Anthony321 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my r-x8 on 5/04.A mature sports car. If youre a 17 year old and think a sports car is speed and thats all,this is not the car for you. If you understand what a great sports car is about,then the x-8 is worth a test drive. True, it is slow "Off the line" and thats where it ends. HANDLING (on par, if not better then Porshce,I know Ive drivnen Porsche) SUSPENSION,BRAKING,COMFORT,INTERIOR and especially a head turning exterior. Oh yeah, room ROOM-and more ROOM,you can fit 4 6Ft. adults in the Rx-8 and the x-8 is not longer or wider than a Porsche 911 !!! Bottom line, if you want to stand out, the proof is in the pudding, test drive it!

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By mstrongin - August 2 - 9:10 am

  Went to buy an 05 Miata (great deals - $5K to $6K off of MSRP) for me and my wife as an extra car. Wife was dead set against any of the two seaters without side airbags (which left out the Miata and S2000 - my other choice). I hadnt even thought of the RX8, but she like the look so we test drove it. Loved the ride & the practicality of the back seat. Also really liked the Black Cherry/Tan leather combo of the Shinka (in SoCal, tan interior makes more sense). Dealer had one with no add ons (exactly what I wanted) and sold it for under invoice. Great bang for the buck. A buddy bought a Porsche 911 S. Yes its cooler, faster & more exciting -- but its close to $100K and back seats are useless.

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  Trouble - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By anne - July 27 - 9:16 am

  This is a beautiful car and has a very clever design (I think I was won over by the suicide doors). Not exactly comfortable in the back, but it works. However, this car has been in the shop more than my 65 bug was. The first 6 mo of owning this car was so frustrating with frequent recalls and the car would stall easily. Then we had about 12 months of bliss. Now, at the ripe old age of 2.5 yrs, the car has been in the shop 6 times in 5 months. It has left me stranded (and not because the car was not warmed up). The dealers cant find anything "wrong" with it. I plan to get rid of it in the next month or so b/c I just cant have such an unreliable car.

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  right thurr - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By andru - July 23 - 10:00 am

  this cars the shizzle. its the best thing iv driven yet, and im an indi 500 racecar driver so that says something. i like the leather interior and the handles on that thang