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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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jennysay - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The good news is, its a head-turner. The bad news is, its a head-turner. First two traffic tickets in the last 10 years came in the same week. (the cops didnt seem to notice me in a Tahoe) Love the car, yet disappointed with the gas mileage.

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  so sexy!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By wy - November 17 - 9:03 pm

  I just bought my car with barely 30000 miles and I love it!! I have always owned sports like cars but this one, hands down, takes the cake!! I was sketchy about buying a mazda because the last mazda i owned (a mx3) gave me alot of problems :( true this car may not be good for grocery shopping etc, but if you let her warm up and rev the engine before you kill it (not that hard rt??) she is a sexy lil thing to drive and I love her!!

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  No regrets; no problems; all fun! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rod L. Richardson - November 13 - 7:30 am

  Aside from premium gas and modest mpg this has been a great car. I customized to a full Mazda Speed Version + others suspension/computer mods. Comared to a std/ RX8 a real head turner. No mechanical problems. Big Racing Heart tires/very low profile makes the agility of this vehicle striking. Floats well over 120mph; probably due 150+; Canadian computer adds about 50 horsepower. Red. Just went to the 2008 Auto show in KC, Mo. Nothing except Vettes/Viper to compare. Not for everyone. Takes an astute enthusiast to see the subtle wonders of this speedster. If you can afford to do the Mazda Speed Package it makes it a totally different car + racing wheels, suspension etc. Add $15,000. Std 6 speed.

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  Loving the rx8 in St. Louis! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Kris - November 5 - 2:53 pm

  I got a great deal on this car after about 2 years of research. I read everything on the oil consumption, oil weight discussion, and common problems of the vehicle. Ive found that the 2007 has ironed out most of these problems and Im having a BLAST driving it! I walk out to the garage still expecting to see my rusted out s10 I upgraded from, just to fall in love with it all over again. I have the same problems with the heated seats buttons and accidentally turning them off, the cupholders in the front are poorly placed and rarely useful because of this, but other than that, Im pumped. It handles the STL winters no problem too.

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  Hot Ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MartyH. - November 2 - 2:03 pm

  I got this car as used one w/ 33k on his back. But it was worth it. First impression wasnt that good about accelerations, but as I learned about rotary engine, that was pretty standard for auto/manual transmission. Which I choose for comfort and pedal shifters kinda looking like in most expensive sports cars. Fact is that fuel economy is that what you expect from sports car... you have to take the power somewhere if you have 1300cc in ultra light sexy looking racer with handling of formule1. I am looking forward for new RX9 in future, for now I may just get newer version w/ six speed transmission.

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  really fun to drive - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By shooz - October 16 - 1:40 pm

  First new car Ive ever owned, now 8k miles. I live in LA and its terrific to get around town with some style, nimble on the freeways (although it has large blind-spots), and way too much fun in the canyons. Fine in rain but lousy in snow. Engines quirky but really fun once you get used to it. Doesnt feel underpowered, but I know Mazda changed the gear ratios in 2009, I dont drive below 2800 RPM when in traffic, and Id never consider this car as an automatic. Precise gearing/steering + sport suspension means your girlfriend probably cant do her make-up while riding shotgun. As designed it drinks oil, about 1 quart every 1k miles, no biggie. Im 6 and have just enough headroom.

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  The only car like it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NOPI4U - October 16 - 7:36 am

  I purchased my 2004 RX-8 in February of 2007. The car had 25,000 miles on it and a decent price. I was already in love with the rotary engine before I invested in the car so, I already had a good idea what I was up against. Without a shadow of a doubt, the car performs well. Ive managed to squeeze out many 5 second 0-60 times and surpass all of my expectations with my MT. I have only had one quality issue with my RX-8. The clutch had scattered a few springs and thus, was not disengaging properly. This caused wear in the synchros that eventually led to the end of the transmission. After a new clutch and a new tranny (compliments of Mazda), the car is absolutely perfect.

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  The RX8 Rocks - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By MaryAnn Allison - October 3 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my RX8 for almost 2 years. It is both automatic and manual. It looks great and handles like a dream. Looks like a sophisticated sports car and has a back seat. Ive never had anything malfunction so far. The gas mileage is poor but it is worth it. 100% satisfied

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  Just get one! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RotoZoom - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for the Zoom Zoom factor and got a bonus. Normally when taking a long drive for a couple hours I get back pain, pain in the left hip and legs. This is due to some medical conditions that I cannot change. The second day I had the car, my son and I took it for a short spin in the country. After about 6 hours and 450 miles we returned. When I got out of the car, I felt like I had just gone around the corner, no pain! Get the GT package for the seats if nothing else. Seating is not bad in the back either. I had a couple of friends that are 61" in the back the other day with no complaints. More room than my RX4.

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  MidLifeCrisis - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Brad Hornsby - September 30 - 1:36 am

  Great car for a mid-life crisis. Sporty, yet the children can also ride with you. And any teenagers will love to be seen with their "old man" in this car.