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 41 through 50 of 583.00

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  RX-8 with Automatic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Darryl - July 12 - 2:13 am

  Unique car with polarizing styling. Either you love it or you dont. Gets lots of positive comments, especially on the suicide doors. Good interior quality. Rear seats OK for kids or adults for short rides. Front seats small for large people -- can become uncomfortable on long trips. Trunk is small, but holds more than expected. Engine is smooth as an electric motor, no vibrations. Gas mileage good at 16-18 in town and 22-24 on highway. Automatic transmission really saps power. Super handling. Problems with A/C; after many complaints it was completely replaced, now works just OK. Several recalls. In cold weather must warm engine before turning off or it will flood. Poor in snow.

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  I love it until I get inside - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RXH8R - May 5 - 6:00 am

  Boy! I could not believe I was going to have to pay over thirty grand to get leather...as a result, I didnt get the leather. Instead, I got crappy cloth seats. Plastic panels inside are cheap and the interior rattles like crazy. Stereo looks interesting but forces the use of a Mazda radio for the rest of your RX8 life...oh and the CD player skips like crazy. Use the cupholder and your center armrest evaporates. Door armrests are so low that only an Urangotan could use them. Reverse is a challenge for my wife. Tall people must contend with the low windshield. Visibility is poor due to the rear pillars. I hate driving this car but people love seeing me in it.

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  Looks are not everything - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By speeede - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable looks. Its so fresh, I couldnt get looks like this in an nsx. You have no idea until you drive one how much people stare. Gas, however, is abysmal. I have 1000 miles and I average about 12 mpg, all city. Not granny driving, but not indy either. I am 62", way too tall for the sunroof. Cloth on rear inside fender walls is an AWFUL choice, will fall apart by end of year. I recommend automatic since 1st gear is very low power in the manual. Bose radio sounds dull and stock.

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  beautiful crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mika11 - March 21 - 2:31 am

  This I feel is the most sexy looking car on the road BUT.....I put 3 starters in it in 2 years,the visors both split down the middle,various plastic parts broke without reason. I treat my cars like babies.Also,its true....if you are only driving 2 blocks and shut the car off,it wont restart. Trust me....buy an eclipse instead.

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  When does 250 hp equal 238hp - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zoom RX8 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Its 3 week now since I purchased my rx8 Handling is scarry I havnt got this car to break out yet. On wet pavement its like a regular car on dry pavement. The thrill of thr rotary winding out is musical. All the controls are just right I am 61tall and fit just right. The cbbin is so roomy its amazing. the Freestyle, "suicide", doors amaze friends family and strangers. This is not a car. It is anextension of me. When driving I have never experienced the feeling of being one with a machine I get from the RX8

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  Another dud from Mazda? - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By smpc12580 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 750+ miles driven on this car. My Observations are: 1. Poor gas mileage. Between 14 & 16 in city driving. And I drive like granny! 2. Some interior elements do not keep up with the price tag. Too much plastic used on the interior. 3. Extremely fun to drive. 4. Engine sound is unique; however, cruising its silent like a good night of sleep. 5. Above average acceleration.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jim nowell - January 10 - 4:50 pm

  Plenty of zoom zoom and room for a 64" man. Gas mileage is about 17mpg in town or on highway. Must be my lead foot. Shifts smooth and has plenty of get up and go.

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  Very fun, low on guts - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JHRacing - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I debated between an RX-8 (my wifes choice) and a WRX STI (my choice) for a new car to compliment our Outback wagon. Id have to give the RX-8 the nod for interior and exterior styling and a little more comfortable ride, but after a couple of months Im finding the lack of low-end torque quite a disappointment. The engine has no problem revving, but you have to flog it to the limiter to keep up with traffic away from a light. Not really what I wanted out of a sports car, and poor mileage to boot! Should have gone with my gut and the STI.

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  Mazda rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bigalintexas - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Phenomenal handling, good high end power, barely adequate at low rpm but its a rotary!Good seats.

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  Dont believe stated fuel economy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Poor MPG king - September 7 - 10:26 pm

  Ive had my 8 since Jan. 04. Just passed 8800 miles. I love everything about this car except one major thing: fuel economy. My last tank was 13 mpg city driving; mainly to and from work. I am VERY disappointed in this number which has been consistent since Ive bought the car. "Lowest True Cost to Own"?! Sorry Edmunds, but the poor fuel mileage should eliminate this car. If I would have known it was THIS bad I would have gotten a different car. Im just tired of filling up every 175 miles or so.