Overview & Reviews

The RX-8 is an all-new car for 2004. Its arrival marks the return of Mazda's rotary engine to the U.S. market. Priced less than Nissan's 350Z, the RX-8 also offers four doors and a usable backseat.

• Low base price, agile handling yet still comfortable enough for daily use, room for four in a pinch.

• Option packages can get expensive, iffy interior ergonomics.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 583.00

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  Mini Suburban - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By CaliforniaFun - December 29 - 2:00 am

  A bargain road hugging, gas guzzling eye catcher. I bought a fully loaded (all options except the body kit) for $29.5. I thought it was going to get better mileage than my GMC Suburban, but I was shocked. Itis definitely a fun car to drive, but you would need to really push your 1st and 2nd gear to the limit to get any zip at the low end. Most reviewers said that the shift was smooth, but I found it somewhat difficult, especially the reverse gear. The non-adjustable can cause serious stiff neck. It seems as if Mazda expects all drivers to be the exact same height.The freestyle doors are very difficult to open those doors in parking lot.

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  TO MUCH FUN AND TO MUCH GAS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Edster444 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I had the car a full 1200 miles now, and I have adjusted it to the point of action. As of now it runs like a sports racing car, and you can hear the engine on both auto and man-auto, as it goes to through the RPMS. It has a great deal of torque and is comfy to be in for long rides.

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  More than I expected! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By veedubman - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have never been a Mazda fan, but I liked the last generation RX-7, which is the reason for checking this car out. I have been very happy do far. Everyone should experience the free- revving nature of the rotary engine. The interior is heads and shoulders above all the other sports cars in its price range. The ride is very compliant for such a good handling car on 18" wheels. It has a great shifter and the interior is much better than I expected. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Well its pretty - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jonathan heeps - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Erratic shifting with the automatic...

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  Just Like a Marriage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By samsmazda - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Buying this car is like a marriage-- there are pluses and there are minuses. The fun to drive factor is off the charts. The engine makes you feel like you are Indy-500-ing to work each morning. The seats are snug but comfortable. You get a day off any time it snows (rear wheel drive, yknow). The spouse approves because it has four doors. BUT: you have to check and add oil often, and like being married to a hot spouse, you have to endure a lot of envy and attention. Heh, heh. If you test drive it, youll buy it. But read www.rx8forum.com before you test drive it.

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  See for yourself - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Squarebush - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this vehicle is in a class of its own. Design, handling and interior are just some of the great features that make this car unique. I have never owned a vehicle that makes strangers just walk up to you and tell you how awesome my RX-8 looks.

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  Clutch problems - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Larchwood - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving the Rx8. My only problem is that the clutch has burned out twice in less than 7,000 miles. My son a teenager drives it mostly. I am trying to decide is the problem the driver or the clutch

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  Zoom-Zoom Needs a Turbo - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NAZGUL - May 29 - 2:40 pm

  Im a 37 male, Id have to say I love all the attention I get with my RX-8. I have Mazdaspeed aftermarket parts along with Sportmax 502 Rims and a Soundstream amp and sub, and finally a MIO510 Roadmate G.P.S. I get looks from kids, chicks, and unfortunately the local 5-0 and state troopers. Heck I got pulled over just to have my tint inspected by one! When I get the car paid off I plan on putting a Greddy Turbo and upgrade the brakes. I hate that an ugly Dodge Neon SRT-4 can outsprint my lovely RX-8 but someday - Watch out! LOL

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  Sporty fun; comfortable cruiser;guzzler - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By StrickM - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The RX8 fits between sports car and grand tourer. The rotary, which allows 50-50 weight distribution and space efficiency because it is compact and lightweight, is delightfully smooth, but doesnt match torque of the 350Z. For around $30,000, option packages give up-to-date features: traction and stability control, self-dimming mirrors, side and curtain airbags,Bose audio with steering wheel controls,limited slip diff,18" wheels with super braking, 168 mile rated performance tires,

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  Lots of ZOOOM for the Buck - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rob@ Bement Illinois - May 27 - 5:16 am

  This zippy 2004 manual RX-8 is the 4th sports car Ive owned (79, 84 trans ams, 94 mustang) and I have no regrets thus far. I didnt plan on buying it but test drove it just wasting time while my trade in was getting appraised. Im 5-8 & 200 lbs and found the seats to be a little small for us older Americans. If you ride the brakes at first for 3 seconds after 2 min. warming up, the brake squeak will stop. I get 20 mpg and 18.5 if I have my foot in it more than I should. The smooth ride from this lgt wgt car was really impressive. Controls are many and driver friendly. Wind noise with windows open sunroof closed is above average. Driver visibility req. mirrors to be adjusted correctly.