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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  RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By number1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome and great.

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  Original Owner for 3 years - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By SpookiusMortem - September 20 - 7:06 am

  I purchased this vehicle new 3 years ago this month. This is the only car I have ever owned where after 3 years of ownership, I still have that new car excitement about it. I doubt I will ever part with this car and hope it will become a classic. I live in an urban environment and get a good mix of metropolitan and highway driving. Driving an RX-8 in the city is a blast. Its nimbleness and cornering ability make it capable of getting places fast. My favorite thing about driving this car is being able to fly around a corner, and if you feel is start to slip, goosing the throttle a little and feel it grip through the turn as if it were on rails.

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  Long-time driver review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cfmillette - September 20 - 3:13 am

  I am an original owner with now about 29,500 miles on the 2004. Bought with a MazdaSpeed extra stiffening suspension set-up in 2004. I love the car and drive it hard. Its cornering capability for the price can only be matched by a Honda 2000. However, the RX-8 rides SO much easier on your backside that this comparison becomes moot. Do not worry about the "need" for constant oil level monitoring. Just put in a quart every so often. I have had no problems here. Yes - some minor recalls - but everything handled VERY efficiently by local dealership. Gas mileage is not great, but this comes with the territory I think. Cannot beat a 350Z off the line, but get into the mid-range RPMs!

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  BIGGEST MISTAKE - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Regret - September 17 - 1:40 am

  I had the car in the shop 8 times during the first year. The car would not start and none of the Mazda mechanics at the dealership could tell me why. I had to contact the Mazda corp. in California. They literally told me that the "RX8 is not to be used to drive short distances under 20 miles consecutively. It is meant for roadtrips and long commutes" I told them that they need to put that on their website and that it was a scam. So if you need to take it get groceries or drive to work under 20 miles one way, you are out of luck. HEED MY WARNING!!!!!! DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!

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  Love it, love it, love it! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andimal - September 5 - 6:16 pm

  Everything I would have expected out of a true sports car design...you know, old school (Sunbeam Tiger, Spitfire, Austin Healy to name a few). Agility, handling, feel of the road, top notch. Better than expected cabin noise, and I appreciate the automatic volume level adjustment in the stock stereo system. 18" wheels and limited-slip differential in the standard manual package is a bonus!

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  Awesome Mazda Rx8! - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Rx8 Fan - September 4 - 10:23 am

  Great car. What lured me to this pick was the fact that you can transport more than just two people if necessary, while maintaining a sporty look and feel ride. Love the hardtop. With my busy schedule, I dont have time to use a softop. Better durability, great moon roof. Excellent trunk space, and the family loves it too.

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  A Sports Car Like No Other. - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Nawaaz Ismail - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a RX8 6 years ago. It slipped out of my hands, and now Im proud to say that Im back in this car: A 2010 RX8 R3. Theres a lot of criticism on this car within the media. Mostly because of its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and higher than normal oil consumption. Not many people understand how good of a sports car it is. It has an extremely rich driving experience. Its one of the lightest and most nimble cars out there, and you can really appreciate that when you start pushing the car. The last 2 cars Ive owned before this were clearly more faster & expensive, yet this is the car that I truly connected with. Its hard to explain in words, but this car is irreplaceable.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pittdp - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive, yet practical. This car makes me want to take the long way home.

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  The joy of balance - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Liam - August 13 - 1:33 pm

  The true personality of this car can only be revealed when in manumatic mode on a twisting road using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Let the free wheeling engine wind up to 9000 RPM before changing gears and you begin to appreciate the true advantages of a rotary engine. Bought this car with 5000 miles on it - nicely loaded and comfortable to ride in. The 50/50 weight balance is a pure joy, no sudden spin outs - very predictable handling with solid braking and good feedback through the steering wheel. A very nicely put together package or design, utility, performance and fun.

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  Rotor head; GT 6mt - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By timqua - August 9 - 1:43 am

  I bought this car January 2005, getting a 2004 model which saved me 1k. It is a joy to drive based on shifting, cornering, speed at mid to high range RPMs, responsiveness and agility. Gas mileage is poor and range is sad. I filled the 15 gallon tank about every 1.5 weeks, until I parked it and use it only for joyrides. I replace about 1/8 quart of oil every other tank fill-up. Engine flashes were all performed without difficulty, I experience rough idling and occasionally idles to a stop if not allowed to warm well before driving. A rear taillight was replaced for condensation. Ive had zero mechanical or engine problems in 4 years. Truly a joy to drive.