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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  Run Away From This Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By gdcinthebigD - May 24 - 5:50 pm

  The RX-8 is a beautiful piece of sculpture but is useless for city living. I love the look of this car and the handling but didnt expect the gas mileage of a Hummer (11 miles per gallon). Mazda says the engine is running correctly. Plus the requirement to make sure the engine is warmed to mid-line before turning it off is ridiculous. In order to run to the store or the post office I have to drive 6 blocks out of my way or wonder if the car will start the next day. I researched this car to death and found little mention of either of these issues. Do yourself a favor - buy something with a piston engine.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Saverio - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Exhilerating performance, outstanding, smart, awesome, fast, efficient, hot, affordable, nice. a car like no other

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  A Great Buy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SlakkerJJ - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Did a lot of research before purchasing this car. The only negative things people were saying was gas mileage. I work about 15 miles from my house so that doesnt bother me but I could see how people would complain about it. But it is a performance vehicle and it does kick some serious butt.I love it and thought it was a smart buy.

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  Looks Great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By keithr - May 1 - 9:46 pm

  The RX-8 is a great looking car. I dont know that Ive ever had a car that got as many compliments! The ride is very tight and you feel the road a bit too much but the overall driving experience makes up for it. The only disappointment has been the fuel economy - 17 city & 21 hwy. For premium gas it should be considerably higher but I guess thats the price for performance.

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  Nothing but problems - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MBates1969 - April 28 - 4:36 pm

  Everything from not wanting to start on days at 50 degrees to starter problems. Cd player crapped out, brake sensors, air bag sensors, you name it. My girlfriends is currently sitting in the driveway with a failed starter. I guess the way you have to crank these cars to get them started really takes it toll on the part. When it drives, its great, but it just has way too many problems. Not worth the aggravation, in my humble opinion.

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  RX8 R3 Best car purchase yet! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By LoveMyRX8 - April 13 - 9:20 pm

  I love driving my RX8. True, its not as potent as my Speed3, but it is much more fun to drive. I could never take turns and corners in my Speed3 like I do in my 8. I never got to drive an older model, but the R3 is so incredible at handling, I couldnt imagine a boring drive in any RX8. One thing is for sure, the RX8 is my new choice of car and cant wait to see what other improvements/new models that Mazda will release in the future. Judging by the R3 final product, I know Mazda is headed in the right direction. Lets hope they stay headed that same way.

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  Turning Heads - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - April 3 - 3:03 pm

  Amazing. Took a while, but I finally tracked down a Titanium Grey with Red/Black interior. As far as I know, this was the only one for sale in Texas at the time. Means I get a unique vehicle. Have had many comment on how sharp it looks. Living in the Hill Country (Windy roads up and down hills is the norm), I truly believe this car was built just for my area. You have read it all, performance, comfort, everything. I cant think of a single thing I dont like. Well, here is my biggest complaint. Would be nice if the 6 disk CD changer played random accross all disks, not just 1. So there you have it. :-).

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  My new Go-Cart. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By ZewmZewm - March 27 - 12:00 am

  This roadster is the real deal. Forget about torque, 20 mph around a turn faster than a Vette. Ya baby! It is one solid automobile. Check the oil, join a club for the premium cause you will need em. I get 17 mpg in city driving - 22 highway with no a/c at 75 mph. I wish I could efford another 40th Aniv. Ed. to put in a garage on blocks cause I am gonna enjoy this one till it be dead. I have had for over 3 weeks and put on 1000 miles and put in 52 gallons of 93 octane and 1/2 quart of 5w/20.

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  The Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By WeskiNJ - March 26 - 2:00 am

  What many will consider as a replacement to the infamous RX7 is actually a stand alone design. The 2004 Mazda RX8 has 238 rear wheel HP. It also has the unique rotary engine. This isnt the same engine that powered the RX7, the 8s engine is based on the Wankel. Though it has 238 HP, it acts like it has 260, the rotary is much lighter than an inline or flat engine. Different from the 7, it has four doors. Stats are impressive, 3 10ths of a second off a Nissan 350Z or Porsche Boster, 2 seaters, .89 G on the skidpad,1 g more than a 350 & limted 144 mile per hour top-speed. Hope my review on "R-car" was helpful.

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  BAD NEWS DO NOT BUY - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sarah - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  Bought this gorgeous car new. At 20,000 miles it had been in the shop over 30x. At 30,000 miles and a new engine later they still could not resolve the problems going on with it. Yes it is a beautiful car and until this day I still think that there isnt another car looks as sharp but unless you dont care to pay out big bucks and never drive it I wouldnt recommend it. I do drive my cars I buy them to drive them not keep in the garage but I would still think at 30,000 miles a car should still have a lot of good usage left. Needless to say 20 grand in the whole I had to get rid of it because I need a dependable car.