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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  Mazda Speed Custom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By R. Richardson - January 13 - 4:33 pm

  Other than premium fuel/20MPG average, this is a tight, agile, eye catching rocket that seats two like a glove. Lower torque on the low end is offset by electric motor-like acceleration at high rpms. No problems so far. I have the Mazda speed customization, plus stiffer suspension, custom exhaust and 19" 245/35/19 93Y tires.

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  NOT good - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Anne Koch - January 8 - 11:43 pm

  I owned this car for 26 days when, like many of the reviews I am now reading say, it stopped cold. Not only was I uninformed about the fact that this can happen secondary to "flooding", I was not told of a safety recall at the time of purchase. 6 days later I am still waiting to get my car back from the shop. My last car I had for 12 years without a problem, this one for less than one month and it breaks down and leaves me stranded. VERY frustrating. It also does not drive very fast (the automatic). At times when Im merging on the freeway, I feel like Im driving a big boat. I much prefer the Toyota Corolla I now have as a rental car!

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  Worse car I ever owned - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Ron - January 6 - 10:03 am

  Car looks great, however its 4 years old and I have replaced: engine, transmission, extensive work on front end, towed 3 times for no start, headlight assembly (twice), rear taillight assembly, motor mounts (twice), oil leak around oil pump, and paint peeling. Now its back in the shop for no start, and AC problems, also oil leaking again. Most problems happened before 40,000 miles. Most unreliable car I have ever owned.

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  A fun car if you know how to drive it. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tw_direwolf - January 4 - 4:34 am

  Ive had my 2005 RX8 Grand Touring for just over a year. The worst ive had to do put it in the shop for was because someone (previous owner) bypassed a fuse and shorted a brake light out. Have already been informed of some problems i currently have and know how to fix them. Even with the known problems the car still runs great, gets decent fuel economy ,16-21 mpg, and is extremely fun to drive. I wouldnt trade it for anything. Do plan on doing an RX7 FD Twin Turbo engine swap to it when i get to around 110k miles and rebuild its stock engine (miatas are fun with rotary engines too.)

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  Oiled Out! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Disgusted In FL - December 28 - 10:00 am

  My experience owning this vehicle has its ups and downs. On the down side, the car burns too much oil. After an oil change, the oil light comes on 1000 miles into the oil change. I was told this was normal by the dealership on two occasions when I took it in for service. They told me to "add oil" to it and it would be fine until the next oil change. I have had more oil changes on this car in the one year that Ive owned it. This car is too overpriced for what you get.

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  A blast to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rjenk - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The RX-8 is an absolute blast to drive. Steering and handling are exceptional. There are so many little features and design aspects that are included that youll find things months after purchasing...many that will make you say "now why didnt someone think of that before?" This is truly a family sports car. The unique doors makes it easy for rear riders to get in/out.

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  Cooks RX 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jim Cook - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I had an 1978 RX-7. This car shares only the RX. Its an awesome vehicle.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NEWireless - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After 10 years of driving "sport sedans" (BMW 533i, Audi 100, Audi A6) this car is a remarkable improvement in fun and handling while maintaining the ability to travel comfortably and conveniently with my children. Love the look, feel, and driving experience. Car pulls strong and smooth right up to the red-line. The Renesis engine is amazing. With the right snow tires, this car is proving to be a great year-round driver here in Boston, MA

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  You have to pay to play - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Pepe - December 14 - 11:33 am

  The car is a perfect compromise for someone wanting a light, agile sports car, but still needs some practicality for family or friends. It could have a little more oomph off the line (like the Mustang) but the weight and handling balance would most likely suffer (like the Mustang). I dont know of any car that is easier to drive fast, or combines powerful braking, easy heel-toe shifting, communicative steering and a very friendly (high revs are rewarding not anxiety causing) engine. There may be better cars in any one of the above attributes, but I can only afford one car, and this one is IT.

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  beautiful blue - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jimboo - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for two weeks now. What a trip I have never seen so many people stare at a car unless it was a Viper. Handles great, I am always looking for a reason to get in and drive.