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Mazda RX-8

SE3P · Only gen (Renesis)2003–2012

Four doors, four rotors of fuel. Rotary's last stand.

10 reviewers · 19 videos

// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on daily drivability and value.

across 10 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
4 say · liveable

"you're getting a lot of practicality you're getting four seats"

Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 18:54
3 say · critical

"it has a rotary which means it's terribly unreliable has absolutely horrendous fuel economy"

Throttle House · ▶ 15:46
Value
4 say · liveable

"The prices of them in the classifides are tempting. And you've been looking at them for ages thinking, 'Yeah, yeah, I know why. You won't fool me. I'm not getting an RX8, but hear me out. You should.'"

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 13:32
2 say · critical

"you have to be willing to deal with the more intensive maintenance that you get with a rotary"

Zygrene · ▶ 12:46
// the categories
// 01

Performance

3.5/510 of 10 reviewersstrong consensus

it is a really you know rev happppy engine it revs all the way to 9,000 with no hesitation

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 8:23

The engine, funny enough, you sit so high in the RPM, you still find yourself wanting more, which is I thought was impossible in a rotary

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 6:39

it's pretty quick but it's not like fast fast

positive · TheStraightPipes · ▶ 1:48
// 02

Handling

4.5/510 of 10 reviewersstrong consensus

Oh, the chassis is amazing. It just feels like a bigger Miata with slightly better steering.

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 20:29

The chassis is phenomenal. Everything I want it to do, it's right there. It's right on rails.

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 5:51

The turning is so wonderfully crisp, the steering beautifully judged. There is a near Lotuslike quality to the way this car goes down a road and that is the highest of praise when it comes to a chassis.

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 16:27
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/510 of 10 reviewersstrong consensus

It's a really enjoyable power level, too. I mean, you can rev this thing out to 9 grand all day long

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 32:16

This is just it's a hoot and a half. It's really really fun track experience.

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 13:26

what Mazda have created here has to be one of the best driving experiences. Full stop.

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 14:31
// 04

Daily drivability

3.0/510 of 10 reviewerssplit

you're getting a lot of practicality you're getting four seats

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 18:54

the big surprise here is just how luxurious this car is. In addition to it being as good to drive and sporty as it is, I have great visibility. These seats are super comfortable.

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 24:00

it has a rotary which means it's terribly unreliable has absolutely horrendous fuel economy

critical · Throttle House · ▶ 15:46
// 05

Value

3.5/59 of 10 reviewerssplit

The prices of them in the classifides are tempting. And you've been looking at them for ages thinking, 'Yeah, yeah, I know why. You won't fool me. I'm not getting an RX8, but hear me out. You should.'

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 13:32

you have to be willing to deal with the more intensive maintenance that you get with a rotary

critical · Zygrene · ▶ 12:46

you'll have some money left over with the RX-8

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 5:02

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Roads Untraveled
Posted Jun 13, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
TheTopher
Posted Jul 27, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
ShootingCars
Posted Jul 8, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Mazda RX-8 reviews
▶ play all (10)
Head to head
▶ play all (6)
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