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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  rx8 review - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tbird - February 21 - 3:10 am

  Great car, fun to drive. Never owned a rotary engine. Been impressed

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  4-doors and a 9000 RPM redline - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rx8Rocks - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Yes a 6-1" adult can sit comfortably in the back seat. This is not just a 4- door coupe. With only 238 hp at nearly 9000 rpm it will get up and go, but what it really likes to handle is the curves and with its 50-50 weight distribution it handles those curves very fast and safely. Just test drive one and youll know the meaning of Zoom- Zoom. This is not a car you buy for miles per gallon. What you get is gallons of fun driving it.

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  Like No Other - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ben Zoom - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Looks great; fun to drive; a head turner; outstanding performance; watch out S2000, BMW3, and Crossfire there a new kid on the block. Worth the money!

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  Rocky Start, - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ted Dyer - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The RX-8 is hands down the most fun Ive ever had in a factory street car. My experience was tempered by a bad rear main seal from the factory. After the first 500 miles I had oil everywhere. Warranty service was outstanding and all seems OK now. Mazdas email response from their website was weak-kneed.

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  Best car ever had. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Roland Reyes Burgos - February 9 - 12:56 am

  This car is unique. Rotary engine, fun to drive, its fast, 4 doors, 4 passengers and a lot of space in the trunk. What I can say! Look good and its fast like a sport car. 4 doors and a lot space like a sedan car. Plus you can take your friends for a fun ride.

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  " Sofie" - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Don - January 20 - 5:20 pm

  Great fun car to drive. MPG could be better. Has great get up and go for a 6/AT. My wife really loves her " Sofie."

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  Mid life cure - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By CarpeForem - January 19 - 12:13 am

  Fun to drive. Great handling. Top end more than I could have ever expected.

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  Warning - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By ziggy - January 16 - 11:03 pm

  I have unintentionally redlined this vehicle many times as the engine as far as I can tell does not sound like it is over revving even when the rpms are in the redline This forces me to inconveniently keep my eye on the tach more often than in a car with a conventional engine. I do not get the advertised fuel economy which was low in the first place when compared to a car with a conventional engine for the same h.p.

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  After 16000+ miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J. Melvin - January 16 - 3:43 am

  Understood that fuel economy was not a plus. This is overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of driving. Had to replace motor mounts after 10,000+ - miles. A/C a little weak for Texas climate. Wheels cannot withstand extended bumpy roads without bending. Rear glass should open with trunk (ala RX-7).

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  A nimble athlete - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By mark - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is more rare and more fun to drive than a mustang gt. The mustang has more horsepower but it is not quite as nimble as the rx8 is and this car is even more agile on winding roads than a corvette.This car is almost like a speed bike in its performance and the way it sounds when it accelerates and really gets going.Its a major fun machine to drive everyday.