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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  Mazda RX8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By mablest - June 25 - 1:46 pm

  I wanted an RX7 my entire life so when they came back out with the 8 I was quick to snatch one up. I didnt test drive any other sports cars, I just purchased an RX8. I find that it doesnt have the pick up that the RX7 had but its still fun to drive and the fact that I can haul my children around and still have a sports car is just icing on the cake!

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  awesome - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By na - June 21 - 1:36 pm

  This car is amazing. Fun to drive as long as you got the gas money.

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  Zoom-Zoom in Yellow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bartow - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The perfect middle-age crisis car in "Lightning Yellow." The high RPMs of the rotary engine make this car sooooo much fun to drive. It corners like it is on rails and though not so fast on the straights it proves itself in the twisties!

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  great car - IF IT STARTS! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - June 19 - 9:30 am

  Warning: if you are thinking of buying this car be warned: it will not restart if it is turned off cold. This is a widespread problem, and Mazda is fully aware but refuses to do anything about it (it is a problem with the rotary in that to start the engine needs a burst of gas, and until its burned off, e.g.: warmed up, the car WILL NOT RESTART and must be towed). Otherwise: a great car. Fast. Great handling. Wonderful design. But very bad gas mileage! But I could live with that, IF I COULD BE ASSURED THE CAR WOULD START. Its already left me stranded once, and Mazda will only pay to fix it once, and then youre on your own. Shame on Mazda

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  Fun Mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blackfox - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Just took a Trip 700 Miles got 24 MPG as advertised. Car is fun to drive and very comfortable.

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  Perfect for a driver with the right circumstances - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Jonathan Baker - June 14 - 7:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 RX-8 Seven months ago. It had 62,000 miles on it and the engine had about 15,000. (At least half of the cars I looked at were on their second engine.) It is slightly modified with a cold air intake, aftermarket exhaust and 19” wheels with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo summer tires. I bought the car shortly after I started commuting to work by train minimizing the impact of the poor fuel mileage. Should I have to return to a lengthy commute here in Los Angeles, the car will be up for sale in an instant. My city mileage in the 17-18 range. I can’t give a useful hwy figure because all my non-city driving is blasting through mountain roads. That of course is where this car shines. It is spectacularly agile and balanced and there is nothing like having the throttle control of running in 2nd or 3rd gear at 6000- to 7000 rpm and still have a couple thousand more at your disposal. The car is completely neutral in the turns, and the Hankooks (which isn’t a brand I would normally consider) are the stickiest tires I’ve ever owned. So far, the car’s ability easily exceeds my talent. There is no question this is a sports car. You have to be engaged with it for the fun to happen. It won’t come from just a pressed throttle. With little in the way of torque, you have to work to access the power which is then quite rewarding. You sit low, both brakes and throttle respond quickly and effectively. The steering is no match for the non-assist rack I had in a Miata, but still surprisingly communicative given that it is electrically assisted. When not used as a toy, the car is benign if thirsty partner. I have put adults in the back though not for long distances. The usual rear seat occupant is an oversized backpack that carries work, lunch and gym items and the rear door makes it quite accessible, though things can get a bit involved in cramped parking situations. The navigation system just shows how much displays have improved in the past 10 years, and the database seems convinced I live in in Massachusetts, so I love the fact that I can make the screen disappear. I do find it a great companion in the mountains however, where seeing the shape of the next curve informs me of the appropriate approach speed and what gear to take it in. Like most RX-8 owners, I keep a quart of oil and funnel in the trunk, though thus far only use the better part of a quart every three fill ups. Don’t check your oil in the dark. As the dipstick receiver much like the engine itself, is very low back by the firewall and hard to aim for when you can’t see it. I was skeptical about the digital speed display at first, but rather like it now, especially as it allows the tach to be large and centered. The steering wheel has just the right amount of buttons and the dash controls are both easy to find and operate intuitively. Visibility is good, particularly though the wrap-around rear window. The taut leather seating surfaces do a good job of imitating vinyl, but still keep me in place in the mountains. The Bose stereo is adequate, though I wish for a simple auxiliary input. A previous owner installed an iPod connect cord which, though an adapter plugs into my iPhone 6. Unfortunately, the connection only works when it feels like it. As mentioned, my vehicle had a modest amount of modification. I don’t know how much of a significant difference the intake makes, but it sure looks good when the hood is open. Likewise, I’m not sure how effective the exhaust is beyond broadcasting to the world whenever I’m in the 6000 to 9000 rpm range. The just-short-of black 19” wheels look more bad-ass than is probably appropriate for this 50-something year old and the low profile tires definitely add some harshness to the ride, though as mentioned, they redeem themselves in my self-indulgent mountain excursions. It is those mountain drives that give this car a reason for being. Frankly, if you don’t have reasonable access to lightly traveled twisty roads, you won’t get to use it for what it’s best at and I’d recommend a different choice. The occasional freeway cloverleaf just isn’t enough.

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  Rotary Engine-MAJOR PROBLEMS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By raya4 - June 13 - 7:58 am

  I bought the car on a whim because of how much fun it was to drive without doing much research. After buying the car almost EVERY mechanic I knew told me that I made a terrible choice. These rotary engines in these cars suck. My engine blew at 80k miles and mine lasted longer than most. Buying this car was a waste of money.

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  40th Anniversary 6 speed - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Dartul - June 4 - 3:46 am

  Just bought this 2 weeks ago and have already put 1200km on it. The car is absolutely beautiful and amazing to drive. Handling is better than anything I have ever experienced and it has some get up and go once you hit the power band... all I can say is wow, thank you Mazda for this amazing car.

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  RX8, cute but unreliable. Dont buy! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Diana - June 1 - 10:43 pm

  The RX-8 is a gas guzzler, the brakes squeal, its temperamental, if you turn if off without letting it run long enough it may flood itself after which you will have to have it towed to the dealership. It burns oil fast and sometimes it doesn’t start the first time you turn the ignition. There were problems with the oil pan, panels popping up, the under carriage fell down; the solenoid even died causing me to lose power steering on Highway 95. “Just bring it in again if you have any more problems” is what they continue to say. My response is that I shouldnt have to keep taking off from work to take in a new car. The car is unreliable and is not worth the time and expense!

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  Rotary is Not For Everyone - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By WR Jones - May 22 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car as a disabled adult that needed a car with room and access for my wheelchair, the rear doors are ideal for quick storage of the chair. There are few cars sold with two doors and access for those who use a wheelchair, combine that with an auto transmission made available, Mazda allows me to drive a great sports car. Slapping the stick over to manual and using the six speed paddle shifter is the closest you will get to driving a standard stick if you use hand controls, a simply amazing experience. The difference between auto shift and manually shifting is dramatic, the car jumps to life, surprising many who have taken a ride in the car, including myself!