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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  Two years and going - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dryer - November 29 - 2:40 pm

  Fun to drive, takes corners like it is glued to the road. Have to rev to get torque. Do not be afraid to wind it out. More power at higher speeds. Rides better than a Z.

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  2005 Grand Touring Automatic - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kifs - November 26 - 2:23 pm

  I sort of inherited this car with 2800 miles on it from a former Ford exec and I have the automatic with paddle shifters. The car is a hoot to drive fast and the only trouble I have had was a trim issue in the interior and the spring in the filler door. My car runs great, gets 16-18 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the road, with about 1000 mi per quart of oil. Its tight as a drum but only has 16000 miles since this is my second car and I only drive it from Apr-Nov. My dealer experience was underwhelming on the engine recall - what a bunch of clods - but so far just maintenance and cleaning. I keep waiting for the problems, but I really like the car.

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  Love My Rx8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tecatemn - November 14 - 11:30 am

  I have owned this car now for over six months. I have had only a couple of issues with it such as the center console, replaced once, seems very fragile. Also had a clip replace on the front spoiler. The car drives great very responsive with excellent steering. Not a powerhouse but by no means a weakling.

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  discouraged and disappointed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Baker - November 14 - 12:43 am

  Issues from the start - car has fuel flooded about 9 times. 3 times acts like security or something will not let engine start, let set 30 minutes, no problem. If you were stupid you would think you forgot to push the clutch in. Back brakes have made noise since purchase even after replaced. Mazda normally insults your intelligence about how to operate their sports car. My response - no problems operating a Z3, or Corvette. One of those love/hate cars. Most of the time fun, part of the time frustrating. Going back to a Corvette.

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  what - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mary beth - November 10 - 10:00 am

  breath taking so amazing so pretty not big and not to small so so cool

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Starke - November 9 - 7:23 am

  I absolutely love my RX-8. Its a blast to drive! The effortless acceleration and outstanding handling even make the daily commute exciting. Its not the best for a Nebraska winter, but Ill put up with that for the rest of the thrills.

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  Fun on Four Wheels - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 Lover - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Ergonomics are excellent.Smooth and more than adequate acceleration.The suspension and 50-50 weight distribution will have you searching for curves.Even though it is a sports car, it is quite comfortable for road trips for a family of four.The seats just seem to hug your body when you sit in them. There is adequate storage with the innovative use of the center console plus 4 cup holders. The trunk is very spacious for any car much less a sports car. The exterior of the car is awesome. It has beautiful lines with the flared fenders and rear spoiler. It never fails to turn heads wherever I go.

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  Perfect convenience/performance ratio. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SCD - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 4 months now as my daily driver. I am very happy with it so far, with exception to poor gas mileage.. I get 15-17 mpg (70% highway miles). Never got above 17mpg, regardless of how I drove it. EXTREMELY smooth power delivery. Very unique jet-like sounding engine, nothing like Ive ever heard. AWESOME. Radio is modular and has cool options like MP3 player or 6 disc changer swap, and a tape/MD add-on. Bose stereo system is decent, and can use more midrange and bass. Rear seats fit full size adults. Trunk space is surprisingly spacious, but lacks spare tire, but you get free 24- hr roadside assistance.

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  300 mile review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jimbotomy - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After 300 miles, this car is absolutely fantastic. It rides like a dream. The power available at all RPMs is amazing; I feel comfortable driving in fourth gear going from anywhere between 30 mph (at which the car can take all but the sharpest curves) and upwards of 70 mph (on back roads, making it hard to hit higher speeds). I have changed my route to work to the back roads because I enjoy the RX-8 so much. For those that think they may be too big for this car: Im 64", 285 lbs., and I fit comfortably in the drivers seat.

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  Fun little car, not too Reliable - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Brazuka - October 29 - 3:33 am

  I purchased this car in 2006 with only 11K miles on it. It is loaded including navigation. Overall I love the car, the way it looks, and particularly the way it handles. Throughout its life I noticed a steady decrease in power, and in gas mileage. Complaint about it several times to Mazda with no fix. The doors also rattle quite a bit after you have it for about 40k. The car now has 67K miles, it is at the dealership for a new engine; and somehow I am still responsible for the "bad" O2 sensor which probably was damaged by the overwhelm amount of gas going thru the cat converter. I also had to replace the clutch at 62k.