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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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mr 8 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  best feature about this car is its performance on those curves,it just hugs the road and you find your self looking for those curves,engine has great sound and over all great car.

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  Best Combo Car - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By BFane - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After acquiring a used 02 Miata and being impressed with the fun to drive and sports car characteristics, I was turned off with the tight interior. This drove me to consider a trade in and test drive the RX-8. It offered the same or better driving dynamics with more more comfort and even back seats my 2 teenagers can fit in. I also live in congested NJ and a stick is great fun lots of times, but also too much work lots of times. The auto was hard to find with sport A/T package but it is worth it to deliver at least the best sports car spirit for an A/T.

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  EPA NUMBERS? BAH! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By AVELECTRO - March 14 - 4:00 pm

  This is an excellent commuting and weekend fun vehicle. Mazda really knows how to use the Wankel to its best advantage. My mileage is way better than the EPA numbers: I am averaging 24 to 26 mpg in a 40/60 city/highway commute. Mine is an automatic 6-speed and I drive as if I enjoy the rotary experience. I sure do get tired of reviewers that claim this car is a gas guzzler only by looking at the lousy EPA numbers.

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  Feelin Like a Million Bucks! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By memrie - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is my first vehicle purchase since graduating from college in 02 and Im 100% satisfied. I bought the 8 not for the rotary, the excellent handling, or the 238HP but for how it made me feel when driving. And you know what, I feel like a million bucks everytime I see and get in my 8. I love the questions and compliments from random people about this car and have never tired of telling about it. The RX8 is the total package.

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  Has its weaknesses but still great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Hornet - February 18 - 7:43 am

  This car is a case of being more than meets the eye. If youre looking at 0-60 and the 1/4 mile, this isnt the fastest car in its price range, which seems to be what most people look at first in a performance car. However, nothing really stops better and only a few can actually handle better within this price range. Mazda did an amazing job blending comfort with handling, nothing compares when mixing these two things. I promise it is comfortable having the experience of actually driving from VA to CA in my RX-8. If you consider this car if possible test drive it on a windy road to see the beauty of it!

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  rx8 rules - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By friest - February 15 - 10:00 am

  the rx8 is a totaly asome car

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  Great RX-8 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By NEM - February 14 - 2:56 pm

  So far love this car. Wonderful handling and cornering, excellent acceleration, reasonably comfortable. Unique engine sound grows on you. Try this car out if you can find one and get ready to enjoy. Not great on fuel mileage, but it is a sports car. It can carry two in the rear seat for at least a couple hour trip, and there is space in the trunk so it is practical. Excellent Bose sound system too. A great combo of practical and performance.

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  A Balanced Sports Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Tom Reese - February 13 - 7:56 pm

  In sum, my RX8 represents great balance between style,performance, handling and fun. Great exhaust note, close ratio gear box. Stock Potenza tires are very noisy and wear quickly. Just installed Pirelli Wintersport 240 tires and they are quieter than the Potenzas. Lumbar support should be standard on all models. Do not use synthetic motor oil (Mazda should publish this in the manual). Use Mobil 1 synthetic in gearbox & differential and a K & N air filter - getting 24MPG Hwy, fully loaded - avg 70 MPH, using 93 octane fuel. No wind noise at the window, tight cabin - excellent build quality. 12K miles in 2 months without failure in any component. Velocity Red paint is flawless.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Shend - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The concept of ZOOM ZOOM is really apart of this car. I lov it, it cool The sport car I can carried my Daughter in Thank for all the fun

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  We Love IT!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PHAGE - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The number one requirement for my wife and my car is that she, 5ft 3in, has the ability to conveniently see out of all the windows and I, 6 2", need to have adequate leg room. This car is Sophisticated the right amount of power without the gaudy engine noise.