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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  discouraged and disappointed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Baker - November 14 - 12:43 am

  Issues from the start - car has fuel flooded about 9 times. 3 times acts like security or something will not let engine start, let set 30 minutes, no problem. If you were stupid you would think you forgot to push the clutch in. Back brakes have made noise since purchase even after replaced. Mazda normally insults your intelligence about how to operate their sports car. My response - no problems operating a Z3, or Corvette. One of those love/hate cars. Most of the time fun, part of the time frustrating. Going back to a Corvette.

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  automatic - poor low end accelleration - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rralicki - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I whish you would put the HP vs the cu. in.. The Mazda automatic is 40 hp lower that the standard transmition and you can fell the difference. Popular Science states that they had to de-tune the engine to save the torque converter. It is fun to drive and I like the shifter on the steering wheel, but you must be at 2500 rpm or better to zoom, zoom,zoom.

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  Nice car but............... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8notgood - August 20 - 10:40 pm

  Lovely to look at. Lovely to drive in cool weather (automatic). Had to put sandbags in the trunk to make to drive in a straight line in 1 inch of snow. Lots of rattles (eventually gave up bringing it back to get them fixed....). In very hot weather (80 F +), performance becomes very poor in traffic - often have to switch off AC and fan to get it to take off from lights. Heat for feet in cold weather very poor. I used to love this car, now looking foward to the end of the lease.

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fntasa98 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I am having the exact same problems as "Lemon by GJT." Ive had the car for almost a year & it has been in the shop 8 times already. It shakes, dies, wont shift gears properly, & makes sounds that are not normal. I love the look of this car, but its performance is horrible. The dealership cant fix it & I really hope they will buy it back. It is great to hear feedback from the people that are having the same problems. "Lemon by GJT" or anyone who is having this problem, if you read this, please email me at fntasa98@aol.com. I would like to know how to get the dealership to buy the car back & how you went about the entire ordeal. THANKS!

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  Stay Away From This Car!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By CAL - January 7 - 3:10 pm

  Beautiful car, inside and out, except under the hood. Mazda really goofed when they decided to bring back the rotary engine. Very big mistake on their part. Loved the car for the first 30,000 miles then the nightmare began. Rough idle and cut off at stops. Had it towed and Mazda claimed everything was fine... what a joke. Mine was in the shop 9 times in the past 6 months for this problem. All Mazda does is add and change out the engine mounts. Good luck to you innocent people who still have yours, traded mine two weeks ago for a 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder. Could not be happier to be rid of my RX-8 headache. Beware!!