Introduced for 2004, the Mazda RX-8 heralded the return of the rotary-powered sports car to the U.S. after a near decade-long hiatus. It also gave Mazda an image car with greater stature and performance credentials than the fun-loving Miata. Although the RX-8 hasn’t been a runaway sales success, most people would agree it’s been good for the company’s reputation.

Although Mazda sells its sport coupe with either a manual or automatic transmission, the six-speed manual version is really the only way to experience an RX-8. It’s not just the closer connection you feel to the car when moving the short-throw shifter among the neatly defined gates. It’s the fact that manual-shift RX-8s get a more powerful version of the 1.3-liter rotary engine.

In a manual-equipped Mazda RX-8, horsepower crests at 238 at 8,500 rpm, with redline hitting at an amazing 9,000. Low-end torque has never been a strong suit of rotary engines, and with a mere 159 pound-feet coming together at 5,500 rpm, the RX-8 doesn’t really feel potent below 4,000. Fortunately, the rotary engine loves to rev and is very smooth when doing it.

Inside Line testers have timed the RX-8 at 6.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.1 seconds through the quarter-mile — respectable numbers but not enough to win many straight-line acceleration crowns in this class. However, Mazda’s rotary coupe quickly makes up ground when the road turns curvy.

Automatic RX-8s are tamer, redlining at just 7,500 rpm. If you’re going to buy one, 2006 and newer models are your best bet, as they come with a more advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters. They also provide 212 hp at 7,500 rpm, compared to 197 in the ‘04 and ‘05 models, which came with a four-speed automatic.

In spite of its handling capability, the Mazda RX-8 rides comfortably enough to serve as a daily commuter, though with fuel economy typically hovering in the high teens, it’s not the most economical choice. The rear seats are roomy enough to accommodate adults on short trips, and reverse-hinged rear doors allow the loading of bulky child seats.

RX-8s come standard with all the essential amenities, though manual versions come with a firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels, which are optional on the automatic. Further suspension upgrades are available via the Shinka special-edition package. You can also add luxuries like leather upholstery and a navigation system.