Verdict
B
Cult · Japan · 2003-2012
Mazda RX-8
Mazda RX-8 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2003-2012
Generations
1
Segment
Cult
Mazda's last hurrah for the rotary. SE3P chassis - sleek four-door coupe with rear suicide doors. 13B-MSP Renesis - naturally aspirated twin-rotor 1.3-litre revving to 9000 rpm. 231 bhp UK launch (Type S High Power), 192 bhp Standard Power. RWD only. The stillborn engine: gorgeous to drive, 9000 rpm wail, 50:50 weight balance, but rotary apex seal failure was endemic from launch and Mazda eventually settled UK customer claims. Famously thirsty at the pump (18-20 mpg real-world), 1L of oil per 1000 miles consumption is normal not faulty. Production ended 2012, killed by Euro 5 emissions. The RX-8 is the entry-level rotary - cheaper than an RX-7 but the same engineering tax. Buy with full rebuild history or budget $0-5k for a fresh engine.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2003-2012
SE3P
→
1.3 twin-rotor NA - 231 bhp, 0-62 in 6.4s.
Verdict
B
BHP
231
0–60
6.4 s
Top
146 mph
MPG
20 mpg
Used
$4,400-$15,000
- + 9000 rpm rotary wail - nothing else sounds like it
- + Four seats with rear suicide doors - genuine practicality
- − Apex seal failure is endemic - budget for rebuild
- − 20 mpg real-world economy
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2003-2012 - SE3P
- Apex seal failure - even more common than RX-7 due to NA rotor low compression
- Catalytic converter failure (oil burning kills it)
- Coolant seal O-rings fail at 60k+ miles
- Fuel injector clog - rotary engines do not tolerate the wrong oil
Rivals
Mazda RX-7 · Nissan 350Z · Honda S2000 · Audi TT Mk2