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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  This Car Rox - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By DisneyDestroyer - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my new 8. The seats fit like a glove, the engine takes off and is hummmmmmmm smooth. The ride is easy, but the tires stick to the road like flypaper. As my cousin said, it has a high odam factor. As in people pointing at it as you drive by, going "Oh, D@MN!"

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  Excellent engineering work - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gabor - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Be sure to know what you want. Make no mistakes: the RX-8 is not a drag racing car. The engine has poor performance below 3000 rpm so your red-light take- off will not be spectacular. Probably a mediocre sport car will outperform in the 0-60 non-professional race. However, this is balanced by an unbelievable high-rev performance. You feel the car coming to life at 5000 and keep improving to the red line. The high-speed power and control is outstanding. Cornering is excellent and the response is very, very good. The run is much smoother than a V6 and the 1.3 liter Wankel is an engineering marvel. Interior is nice but you can get better in a G35.

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  hard on old bodies - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By trolkeeper - October 31 - 4:46 am

  It is a little too low to the ground for this old body. I would not buy it again only for this reason. Otherwise it is a great car. Beautiful to look at and every one comments on it.

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  Best Of A Very Strong Litter - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Robert E Wagner - October 30 - 9:46 am

  This car was not my first choice...initially. I gravitated towards two distinctly different vehicles; Honda S2000 and Subaru WRX. All are obviously high performance but compact sized. The reason for the RX8 choice revolves around a failure to compromise. The Mazda simply does everything well! It does not accelerate fastest, although it is unlikely that it can realistically be bettered by anything this side of a 06 Vette. Handling manners are impeccable. And, since I can drive (not merely steer), the use of accelerator allows real cornering finesse! No trick gauges (no ribbon tach!) and no extraneous bulges (hood scoops?) No pretense. Simply performance at my fingertips and toes!

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  My RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zukowwa1 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, but the gear ratios are so close it seems to have a few too many gears. It would be nice if there were some adjustment so that 4th & 5th gears could be used for city driving and 6th used for >50 MPH. The cost for fuel (due to the need for premium grade coupled with the poor gas mileage) is ridiculous. It is like driving a full-size SUV!

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  ZOOM, ZOOM, DOOM!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By norx84me - September 17 - 1:02 am

  Thinking of buying this car? Im stranded AGAIN after losing power on a major interstate & having to drift to a stop on the shoulder. I knew what was wrong because Id been through this before: the "glass bottles" sound rattling under the hood, the jerky take-off & the oil light that just couldnt be corrected. Yes...once again, the rotary engine was dead. This is the THIRD ENGINE IN 1.5 YEARS!!!! Engines are on back order from MAZDA til February, 11. Wanna hear the real horror? I traded my HONDA for this terrible piece of machinery!! Will I ever forgive my bad judgement in buying this car? With all the GREAT alternatives out there, why would you consider Mazda? Take it from me, DONT!!

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  A hi-tech car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By d2honeyz - September 6 - 8:53 pm

  Excellent, fun car, the only thing is the cup holders are in a bad place and the heated seat buttons get pushed on and off by mistake a lot.

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  Mazda RX8 w/Grand Tour Package - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sharks - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is an awsome car. It run very smooth and handles very well. After I purchased the car, I was informed that you have to check the oil frequently and also the car does not use transmission oil. You also do not want to shut the car off when it is still cold or else it may not start the next morning. You also need to check your tire pressure from time to time because there are sensors in the tires. For the most part this is a excellent car.

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  My blue rx 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Eric W Calamusa - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car needs a few goodies to give you low end power

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  RX8 6-speed cant handle the power - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By alamoman - August 14 - 11:46 pm

  We have had an 05 RX8 with the 6-speed for 18 months. The rotary engine is much improved over the old one. My wife loves to drive it and we both like the styling. I enjoy hearing a motor rev about 7,000 rpms. We have had to replace the transmission, starter, and spark plugs. Too high maintenance for me.