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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  In it for the looks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Florida - August 6 - 3:20 am

  I wanted to own a great looking sports car at least once before I was too old and would look silly in one. I had been a committed Accord owner for 20 years (cannot say enough about their great reliability.) But I love the way the RX 8 looks and I get compliments on it. It is fun to drive, but that blast off that I got on acceleration, which really sold me on this car, was lost after taking it to the dealer in response to some recall notice a couple years ago. They adjusted something and it was never the same. Anytime I go to the dealer for odd noises, the only thing they do is say its my fault because I used regular grade gas. Car was recently idling with loud vibration. Coils! only 28K mi

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  RX-8: Get one - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stercus - August 5 - 9:46 pm

  Owning rotary requires some minor effort on the owners part, but the pay-off is worth it. This car drives like it is on rails. It does lack torque, but the top end performance is there once you wind it up. The rev limiter doesnt kick in until 9.5k so there is plenty of room to do just that.

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  Thanks Wankel! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kailua_chaos - July 19 - 5:26 am

  This is my second RX8 - my first fell victim to a drunk driver - Handles EXTREMELY well, except in water. A little iffy on gas mileage, except I noticed in mid to high RPM range, gets way better mileage. Great car to race from a stop despite most RWD performances. Very crowded engine bay so semi difficult to work on, but a simple design and easy to take care of. Overall this car is a very mutual car, what I mean is, if you treat it good, it will treat you just as good or better. Oil changes and refills can get annoying, but definitely worth the trouble Id say!

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  A standout in a crowd of same old... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Island RX-8 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since August 03. Having owned all sorts of sports cars coupes, e.g., BMW(2), MB(5) and a few others, I can, without hesitation, say this is one of the best Ive ever owned. It is smooth, well-equipped even without options, quick (but there are faster straight-line cars) and it handles like a dream. Only my Miata has quicker turn-in. The big plus is seating for four adults in a pinch; or plenty of room for two with exceptional luggage space. I can work very well as a daily driver and give breat fun on curvy roads or at an autocross.

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  Best Car for under 30k - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By dj_jbird - July 12 - 11:41 pm

  bought it just before i left overseas... Have only driven it for 6000 miles and I love it!.. Faster then Mustangs and anything close.. I beat Mazdaspeed 3s and 6s that have 264hp.. Rare as heck. 1000 sold for 2010 and Im the proud owner of one.. Love the windy roads with it, you can hit apexs flawlessly and if your tail slides out a bit you can fix it with one finger on the wheel (Ive done it). The interior is spectacular. I looked at WRXs 350 zs and nothing compares to the Rx8.. Dont drive fast in the rain because it tends to slide... and Snow or Ice forget about it... Rx8s are Summer sports cars that like parking in garage

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  Great but with problems - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Hatmandew - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with flooding. Once this car floods, it will have to be towed to the dealership. Other than that, I love this car.

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  Still love it, but a big baby! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JodyLa - June 29 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this car new in 05 and have put 20,000 miles on it so far. I love this car! My only negatives are constantly having to check the oil and if you shut the car off and it didnt warm up, you are in big trouble! Ive have to have it towed to the dealership because of this! Always let the car warm up before shutting it off!

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  Ilove this car!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Octavio - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Car I cant stop loving it

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GJT - June 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought our RX8 the week the first ones rolled into town. Loved everything about it except the weak AC. When the car idles at a stop light, the AC gets warm. However, the big issue is when temperatures get around 100 degrees, the car starts shaking and dies. Its been in the dealership for 2 months now and Mazda cannot fix it. They are doing a buyback of RX8s with this problem. Evidently it only affects automatics when they get very hot. We cannot even trade into another RX8 because they cannot tell with automatics will have this same problem. We will miss the car.

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  Dont judge this car by looks alone - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By rick salzer - June 27 - 2:50 am

  I own this car and it has not even come close to the expectations I had for it. It looks great. But that is it. Performance is poor, it is slow, and finally it has not been very reliable at all. The starter has been a constant problem in the cold weather. The electrical system has given me problems. The tire pressure monitoring system has given me problems. If I could do it over again, I would absolutely never buy this car again. After my experience with the manufacturer, I will never buy another Mazda for that matter.