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:

• 

  An excellent car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AndyABOM - August 19 - 10:00 am

  An exciting car. I love the handling and performance, although the HP is a little lacking in the automatic. The biggest suprise was the lack of headroom. I am about 56" and find my hair frequently brushing the top. The MPG is a little low, but matches pretty well with Mazdas estimates. She handles very nicely and takes corners in such a way that just makes you want to push your driving skills harder and harder. An exciting drive!

• 

  Two kinds of RX8 owners - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Apexman - August 10 - 1:23 am

  I have an 06 RX8 with the six-speed manual. I wouldnt even consider the automatic because its down on power (212hp for 06/197hp on 04 and 05 models- pathetic considering the manual has 238hp and redlines 1500rpm higher). Basic things to know before buying: rotaries consume more oil (check often) and gas than similar-sized piston engines. Standing-start acceleration is underwhelming but from 30mph and up, watch out! Rotaries need to be revved above 5000rpm to get the best performance. Run the car for at least 5mins to avoid flooding the engine. Handling on this car is phenomenal, a renowned Mazda trait. Car is not designed for snow/ice so dont bother driving in it.

• 

  Love it Hate It - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BK - July 31 - 2:50 pm

  This car gets looks. The engine isnt annoying. The problem is the car has a tendency to flood. Tow truck drivers tell you that youre not the only one. They are towing these quite often. That is the hate it part. The love it part is this is a fun car to drive. Then engine has poor low-end pick up, but one you pass 3,000RPM, the car is fun to drive.

• 

  I CANT GET ENOUGH - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8man - July 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. MINE IS DUE NOVEMBER AND COULD NOT FAULT IT. I BROUGHT FROM ALEX AT ORPINGTON MAZDA AND WAS IMPRESSED WITH HOW HELPFUL AND HONEST EVERYONE AT THE GARAGE WAS. I JUST CANT WAIT TO GET IT.

• 

  Fabulous Eight - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By 8ball - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely fabulous. The electric steering is perfect, the balance of the chassis is fantastic. Exquisite interior and exterior styling and build quality. Most satisfying is the engine and the short throw 6 speed shifter. The guages and dash layout should win an award. The various "little" details are also neat.

• 

  Car just great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gfschoone - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought brand new a 2004 rx-8 and had no problems, for 5.5 years. Not bad. had 75k on it when in 10/09 discovered the oil cooler line(s) was/were rusted. Common problem (they should have been anything but rust-prone metal), and they were recalled in Canada. Anyways, the car sat for 9 months ($2500 repair approx), and was started with not much problem. I temp repaired it with a hose clamp and drove it for a month now (still leaks a good bit) , but it drives nearly as good as in march 2004. You either love this car or hate it, and i do feel for those who "have towed it 8 times to the garage in its first year", but i have had NO reliability problems; peace; out!!!

• 

  A little bit of Viper... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By voister - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I absolutly love the body styling of the new RX-8. It looks similar to the Dodge Viper, especially the front. I chose the AT so that my wife could drive it and I am happy with the performance even though it has less horsepower than the 6-speed. Build quality is great and the interior is stylish. As others have said, gas milage is not great but hey, it is a sports car. Traded my Acura RSX Type- S in for it and have no regrets.

• 

  Best in class - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By bsillaman - July 14 - 5:00 pm

  After researching G35 coupe, and 350Z, I chose the RX8. Functional for my family of 4, but sporty. By far the best value for the money in the group. I rated the gas mileage an 8 because compared to other cars with similar performance it still gets good gas mileage. It is unfair to give it poor marks by comparing it to a compact cars gas mileage. This car is fun to drive but you really need to get the upper end of the rpms to attain a level of satisfaction. If 0 to 60 is what you are looking for, then this is not the car for you. It is a true great sports car when taking into account the incredible and I mean incredible handling and feel. The manual trans. is a pleasure to drive.

• 

  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricymac - July 14 - 10:00 am

  this thing corners like a dream and everyone looks. Yellow is the only color to have. Nice comfortable interior and it has captured the attention of almost everyone. Like all rotary engines it is gutless at low RPM but screams when you get into the higher RPMs. The mileage has always been disapointing in rotary engines and still is. They guarantee it for 50,000 miles, but say that this rotary will last longer than that. I hope so.

• 

  Almost Perfect - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GRGLV - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mazda built car and its the best yet. While those looking for a fuel efficient car should look elsewhere, this car has the best combination of comfort, performance and utility for those looking for a car that is truly fun to drive and somewhat unique.