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:

• 

  Unlocking the RX8s lost power!!!! WOW! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Emailists - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The only 2 real criticisms are it could have more power and its poor gas milage. BOTH of those can now be easily remedied. To meet EPA requirements that new car catalytic converters last 100,000 miles, Mazda had to richen up the fuel curve, which lowered gas milage and brought the horespower down. A number of companies now offer piggyback computers that easily attach and adds almost 25 horespower, giving a huge rush in power at 5000 RPM. The first unit to market is by canzoomer and early testing seems to indicate the RX8 is now as fast as the 350Z and Boxtser S

• 

  Love it..... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By DJamison - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the RX8, and I am enamored by this car. I find more and more i like about it each time it is driven.

• 

  My RX-8 comments - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Richxf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  So far the RX-8 has been an excellent driving experience. The interior is very comfortable with everything laid out very wll. I have the grand touring package with the navigation system. The navgation system can be a bit clumpsy to input the destination, but once past that, it works well in routing you to your destination. The engine is smooth, and accelerates very well, the transmission is a 6 speed short throw that is also extremely smooth in its shifting, the combination of these two makes driving a real pleasure.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By I Own One - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It really moves. I get lots of looks from passers by. It handles great. Very little wind noise. Hugs the road. Feel safe it in. Back seat for children fine but adults will be cramped. Trunk space adequate. Fuel is really bad. I dont do jackrabbit starts and I can actually see the gas tank level go down while driving. I use premium gas as instructed but would like to use midgrade since prices are less. Love my car. Zoom Zoom Zoom was meant for this car.

• 

  Most Def car of the year!!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Casimer Campos - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the RX8 this month and I love it. Fast and sharp in corners! I raced a 350Z yesterday and tho it has more horsepower I stood up with it and passed the 350Z when it came to the corners. Alot of people dont know how many RPMs this car runs at, most def. more than any other car I have seen on dealerships websites.

• 

  The LilCar that Could thats Not so Lil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ThaiXcel - March 15 - 7:26 pm

  I love this car! It might not be the fastest of the bunch, but if I wanted a fast car I would buy an ugly overrated Mustang thats all engine and nothing else. The response of the car, especially in turning is unbelievable, and the smooth performance of the unique Renesis rotary engine is like no other. You feel like youre in a jet. This car might not be for racing, but its definitely for Driving. The manual tranny is flawless and it takes turns like no other. After coming out of turns you almost want to apologize to the car for not taking the turn faster. Its styling speaks for itself and its interior quality is better than most, especially better than that fast, but poorly built Mustang.

• 

  A whole lot of fun. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By charliedog - March 14 - 10:00 am

  You cant go anywhere without someone approaching you and asking about the car. I feel like a salesman for Mazda. While passing everyone on the hiway people try to catch you to see what kind of car just blew there doors off. Somtimes you let them catch you, especially if its a cute girl.

• 

  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By martha phillips - March 13 - 5:06 am

  I have enjoyed every aspect of this car except the gas mileage. I bought the first model year, 2004, and its been perfect so far. No engine troubles, no performance issues. And the only interior issue is a little squeak the sun roof makes when its tilted open. Open it all the way and no noise. As promised, this car has been both practical and fun. Im thrilled. I drove it about 900 miles on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle and it was surprisingly comfortable for the long haul. One other interior issue is the heat. They could stand better heat insulation around the drive train as the inside of the car gets quite hot and is tough to cool down, even with the AC blasting.

• 

  My Dream Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James William Knox - March 9 - 10:00 am

  At 47 years of age I finally have a fun, sporty car! This car stands out and people notice. I can not count the stares, thumbs up, and beautiful car comments I have received. We spent a weekend out in the Hamptons back in June and to receive such compliments in an area where high end sport and luxury cars are so common was a big thrill. I LOVE MY ZOOM ZOOM

• 

  for all mankind - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By anhichiban - February 21 - 2:56 pm

  A beautiful and friendly car, the RX-8 makes its mark on the road. A unique body style that is subtle but stands out in the crowd. It is everything you expect it to be with the except of 2 major points. Lack of torque, so when you floor the gas, you still feel like your cruising unless you are in the higher RPMs. Even then you do not feel much acceleration. Secondly, MPG. Sadly I get a consistent 13 mpg with a 45/55 highway/city driving style. Mildly better than my fathers Ford Expedition. These are my only complaints.