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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  Dream come true! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Drek4 - July 12 - 4:13 am

  Just purchased this awesome machine a little over a month ago. This car is real fun to drive and really stands out by it`s looks and rotary motor. Only thing I don`t really like about it is its fuel consumption but other than that it`s a sheer pleasure to drive. I read a lot of people need to add oil, but have done 2500 mi without needing to add a drop. The best place for it is on the highway, mind you curving roads are fine if you don`t mind the bumps. Suspension a little firm on this car. The Bose sound system is just fine and has a great surround effect and the front seats are very comfortable for 2 hour + rides.

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  not bad, if you can spend the money - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By chris - June 28 - 10:03 am

  First off this car is a blast to drive. Handles very well. I average around 18 mpg in mine and it is on premium fuel. I personally havent had any reliability issues, but I go easy on the rotary. Plenty of aftermarket parts available for it and turns heads everywhere. Overall a great car if youre willing to spend a little more on gas and maintanance.

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  I love my RX8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Maria - June 24 - 11:30 pm

  The best thing about my RX8 is that it is soooo much fun to drive. I love the feeling of being pinned back in my seat when I step on the gas. Everywhere I go people stare and wonder, "what kind of car is that?". I love my car! The body of the car is perfect. Ive never seen anything like it. Anybody can have a Mustang, and a lot of people do, but you dont see the RX8 everywhere. The only thing I wish is that it had better fuel economy. With the premium gas thats recommended, it can add up. But, you dont buy this car to worry about how much money you have to put in the gas tank. The car hugs you in. I feel like Im in a person size capsule when I drive. Its perfect!

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Basketvol - June 21 - 8:20 pm

  Great car! Excellent handling. Fun to drive. No problems after one year. Good price for value. If you want a reasonably priced sports car, you cant go wrong with this car.

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  For the empty nester - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By rvanparys - June 21 - 7:30 pm

  Kids all gone? Maybe its time to have a little fun... The RX 8 certainly can fill that bill. I chose the car because I wanted a fun to drive car. The four doors were the selling point since we have an Old English Sheep Dog who loves rides... Unfortunately the dog can only sit in the front seat which means she stays home when my wife and I hit the road... That said, there is ample space for grandkids and adults for short trips... Handling is great and the automatic performs flawlessly. Not as fast as a 6 speed but then I am not into racing. Fit and finish is good and seats comfortable on long trips. There is a little more road noise than I would like but you can still hear the Zoom Zoom!

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  Excellent and Poor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Leo - June 20 - 4:13 pm

  Car was an excellent experience until recently, it started to stall in hot weather. After looking in the internet to see if this was unusual I was surprised to see that persons in hot climates, with or without humidity have had major issues with the engine. Mazda seems to have done all it could to fix the issue without having to replace the engine but in some cases the harm done to the engine has been too great and an engine replacement is needed - if you have this issue get to the dealer before the warranty expires or you will be stuck. I now have a new engine at 56K miles and all is well. Aside from the engine issue, the car had been the best I have owned.

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  RX-8 - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Steve - June 16 - 11:23 am

  I have now owned this vehicle about a month. The handling is one of the best features of this vehicle. The acceleration and tracking in corners is way above what I expected. I am currently getting around 18 MPG city driving. I am a 49 year old adult and would highly recommend this vehicle

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  Perfect car for me! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ex FC 13BT owner - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love anything with Rotary Engine. This new 13B-MSP is by far the best rotary engine ever, well best engine ever IMHO. Great in every aspect. I can "feel" the passon of Mazda engineers from this car. Thank you!

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  Dont buy an rx8 Mazda will not help you - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lou - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Hello I purchased an 04 rx8 in April 2010 I have 135,000 miles on it now worst investment ever. There are recalls after recalls and if the car has more than 100,000 miles Mazda could care less unlike Toyota who fix their mistakes Mazda wont. Lets start with the airbag recall $1200 to fix Mazda wont fix it for me bad harness, crack in clutch pedal $600 Mazda wont fix it, lower ball joint I replaced roughly $50 Mazda wouldnt. All of these items are recalls. Also lousy fuel to power ratio and extremely high maintenance and cost. Go to a search bar and type Mazda rx8 complaints and recalls pages and pages will come up.

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  Rotary Lives - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RotaryRocket - June 5 - 4:33 pm

  I have owned 2 Mazda RX-7 FC3s and One FD3s and I love these rotary rockets. Since Ive learned of them I switched over from pistons. Yes, people have their preferences, but i enjoy driving a different engine. I love it to death. Sure it has lower torque than a 350z and eats up a bit more gas but its a risk I take and dont even question cause I enjoy the pure driving experience I get from driving it. Its great on twisties and city driving in NYC. I love the car, dont get me wrong I like 350z, G35, Vettes and Mustang but the rotary is so nimble and agile. Its styling took me a while to get used to it but its unique and has been compared to Italian cars design by Road and Track.