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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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blu - March 14 - 10:00 am

  fabulous car, hot to drive , fun nice looking at decent price.

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  RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Michie - March 10 - 8:33 pm

  I love my RX-8. I think it has a great sleek design that really turns heads and the back doors were a great idea for those who want a sports car, but still have the comfort of a four door sedan. The car handles great & really grips the road, however it is very important to warm the vehicle up before driving in the cold weather otherwise you could possibly flood the engine. Also, you really need to keep an eye on the oil level because with the rotary it burns very hot. Other than that, the car is a ton of fun and really a head turner!

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  The perfect car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jmurphRX8 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. I previously had an 03 tiburon and this was a huge jump for. this is two cars in one, classy and sporty. The handling is amazing and the ride is smooth. The six speed shifts quick, really fun to drive. I love this car.

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  20000 mile update - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Stenn - March 3 - 3:23 pm

  When I bought it, I wrote here that it was an exercise in engineering theory and perfection, but not practical due to low fuel efficiency vs. high fuel costs. Well, 20K miles later, Im still infatuated with it, wouldnt think of driving anything else, and have gotten used to its MPG after an 05 Mustang driver told me he gets the same 15 mpg I do. Id MUCH rather have this than a Mustang!! I admit that 15 mph is around town and short highway runs, usually doing 100 mph+ to and from work, so of course its going to suck the gas. But the handling of this thing !! :) And the sound system cant be beat. And its still the most gorgeous thing on the road if you ask me.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By EDP - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The combination of performance and bells and whistles make this one of the finest cars Ive ever owned. Every thing about the car is first rate except the fuel economy (and the fact that it uses premium fuel). At this point, still under 1,000 miles and winter weather where the temps are rarely above freezing, the car is averaging about 15mpg. I have not taken it out for anything except short runs so it should do much better as time goes on.

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  2 years review - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By robrc51 - February 24 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned my RX8 now for 2 years. Overall the car is not a bad car. As a sports car I would rate the car, average. It does handle great on curvy roads but the rotary engine lacks torque. In order to accelerate you really have to rev the engine into high RPMs. The rotary engine also is terrible in gas mileage. It get between 15-19mpg….even my old V8 Corvette and Mustang got better gas mileage then the Rotary engine. In addition the rotary engine burns lots of oil. I generally fill between ½ to 1 quart each tank fill. The interior is outdated and could use a face lift.

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  My fourth RX - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JamesBaud - February 23 - 5:50 am

  This is the fourth rotary Ive owned (82, 85, 91 RX-7s) and Im pleased. The car looks awesome, has exciting acceleration, sounds cool, is surprisingly roomy, has a neat dash, and handles very well. Like my other RX-7s, cons include an interior that doesnt wear well (easy to scuff up--especially the leather, center console/cover tends to come loose, leather shift cover likely to crack), and poor gas mileage (no surprise). Also, the A/C in the RX-8 seems underpowered. A big pro is that these vehicles typically require little maintenance (no timing belt replacements, valve adjustments, etc.) so long as you keep the fluid levels topped off.

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  Perfection - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Matt C - February 19 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion, Mazda has reached perfection in engineering with the RX- 8. The options available, on top of the standard features, make the car one of the best out on the market today (in its price range). One of the things that most impressed me was how roomy the back seats are. While researching which cars to buy, I sat in the back of both the RX-8 and the Infiniti G-35. Now, no one has ever mistaken me for being tall, but I felt cramped in the back of the G-35, and my head hit the rear windshield. There was no such problem with the Mazda.

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  MAZDA IS BACK!! - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Bill Tolles - February 17 - 2:50 pm

  This rotary demon is impressive and fun to drive. Too many people (piston people) DO NOT understand the ROTARY engine. It is powerful, quick, and its super sporty (R3) suspension make it a demon on the roads. Horsepower is NOT a problem IF you know how to drive the RX-8. Not everyone is meant to drive the RX-8. The RX-8 must first pick you and then you and the RX-8 will bond and become one, only then will you truly appreciate the power, handling and excitement of Zoom-Zoom!! Once the union of car & RX-8 have commenced, then you two will be inseparable, and the road your friend. You will fear no curve, nor any Z monster encountered on the highways & biways of your travels. ROTARY forever!

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  Renisis Rocks - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Barielle - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my RX-8 for about nine moths now and the thing is a blast. I have read some of the reviews and, of those that are critcal,try to drive the car as it is designed to be driven. I first bought the third gereration twin turbo version, R1. This car was blisteringly fast, expensive,and a whole lot of fun. If you took a year learning to drive it you would only have to watch out for was 911s. The car was not practical for anything other than autocross type driving. Also, Mazda service was clearly off guard and provided poor service. The RX-8 so far has most of the benifits of that technolgy without many of the problem. The RX-8 seems to be a great sucessor to the 7 and I really love it.