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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  Quiet Kicks - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Fun at the Wheel - March 15 - 10:30 am

  I have owned a sports car of one type or another for the last 25 years. The RX-8 rocks. I have had mine to 155 mph and it feels like its glued to the road. Its humorous for the Toyota dudes and the Mercedes sweeties to challenge it. The only thing that comes close is a Mustang GT until you get into the first turn. Then you will see them in the rear view. The Porsche, BMW sports models are plusher but more sluggish in the turns. The Hondas are not in the same league and Nissan Zs. The car can handle a turn like no other. Some complaints regarding the car are the gas mileage (find another car that gets good gas mileage and can go 175+.) For under 30k new you cant beat it.

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  2004 Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Joseph Torres - March 5 - 9:50 am

  Handling of this car is great. It is priced right and has a great design.

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  Awesome 4 Seat Sports Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Xer - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  Fun to drive with phenomenal handling, good acceleration, comfortable ride along with head turning exterior appeal makes this car a true winner. Interior cockpit seating for 4. Stability control with traction control. Standard front air bags along with side air bags and side curtain air bags front and rear. Rotary engine sound. Car insurance same as a 4-door sedan. Zoom- Zoom! The interior is comfortable and the cockpit seating is a plus. The kids love the car and there is room for all four of us. The trunk storage space is limited, but fine for this type of car. Gas mileage is good for a sports car. Im getting at 20+ mpg city/highway driving, 24 mpg highway running at 70 mph.

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  Not so zoom, zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rab8 - March 1 - 3:50 am

  Having owned a RX2 & RX7, I was first in line to buy the RX8 - it has been a mixed bag, though, from day one. Like so many, it has had to return to the dealer over and over and it has been tweaked and had more parts replaced than a plastic surgery freak. It has been more trouble than any car I have owned (15) and yet I want to love it anyway because at heart Im an unabashed rotaryhead. Mazda has broken my heart on this one - I cant recommend it to anyone except those who love dysfunctional, undependable, expensive cars. Sigh.

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  What a car!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug 8 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RX-8 for around 6 weeks - the first one in Ft Worth. It really gets some double takes, and is a blast to drive. As a form RX-7 owner, I have found this to be an improvement over an already great car. The real bonus for me is that I can get the whole family on board.

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  Great littlesports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DHL - February 24 - 4:06 am

  This is a great car:looks good, drives and handles very well. Takes me back to the days of the Britsh Sports cars like Tr-3, MG, etc. Mileage is disappointing but who buys a sports car for the mileage! Comfortable on long trips. For crowded Southern California Freeways and other stop-and-go driving the automatic transmission is a blessing.

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  Its great and almost practical - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug - February 21 - 1:46 pm

  Purchased w/10K miles on it. Have had no problems, just regular visits for O/C, etc. Car has been great (now 20K Mi). You need to get over 4K RPMs to appreciate the car, handling is great and its plain fun to drive. Have used winter Dunlops and aside from high drifts, it drives great on snow. Trunk is deceptively large although back seat is only usable if the front seats are in mid position. Mileage is average and engine burns about 1qt every 1000 miles. For the price its a great value, particularly with the 4yr 50K warranty. A good sportscar option less pedestrian than eclipse or Z. Have owned Acuras, Jags and MBs, this is fun & saves $!

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  Great value, great fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bob - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car used 15 months ago. For the money, its hard to imagine a car that offers the combination of spirited driving, mechanical quality, and inspired style. I also see no more than two RX-8s per month driving in the Chicago area. Its sweet to drive a rarely-seen car among all the bland brands. The car has a cool factor that usually comes with cars twice the sticker price. The only negatives? The paint chips easily and the gas mileage stinks. I knew that going in, though.

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  first drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rich w - February 18 - 2:00 am

  after reading other driver reviews i was so paranoid about gas mileage that i clocked my first highway drive carefully. 130 miles all highway at about 70-75 mph. 19 miles /gal which is sort of a relief. i shall return with a more informative update with more miles behind the wheel. but it does not take long for the visual factor to take hold. compliments,stares and comments. really cooool!!!!!!

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By lissavior1 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  After having an RX-7 20 years ago, I was excited when Mazda introduced the RX-8. I purchased my RX-8 in September and it has far exceeded my expectations. This car is fantastic! The handling and acceleration are everything you can hope for in a sports car. The design and styling are sharp. The only warning is the pesky issue of short trips. As I found out, you cant just move the car around your driveway without properly warming it up or taking it around the block or the plugs get spoiled and have to be replaced.