Overview & Reviews

Mazda's four-door sports car was all new in 2004, and is back for 2005 with no changes except for the addition of a satellite radio-compatible head unit.

• Low base price, agile handling yet still comfortable enough for daily use, smooth rotary engine fun to wind out on the open road, room for four in a pinch.

• Option packages add considerable expense, iffy interior ergonomics, poor gas mileage.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 179.00

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  Great value, great fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bob - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car used 15 months ago. For the money, its hard to imagine a car that offers the combination of spirited driving, mechanical quality, and inspired style. I also see no more than two RX-8s per month driving in the Chicago area. Its sweet to drive a rarely-seen car among all the bland brands. The car has a cool factor that usually comes with cars twice the sticker price. The only negatives? The paint chips easily and the gas mileage stinks. I knew that going in, though.

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  Great 3rd Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MI-Mazda - January 13 - 9:33 am

  I loved this car for the first six months. The handling is phenomenal. Convinced my wife that it was practical for our family b/c it was a 4 door. However, this car is undriveable in winter, and thus, remains parked for nearly 4 months of the year here in Michigan. If I could, I would keep it as a third car to drive for fun. It just isnt practical for me as a daily driver.

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  Another love-hate relationship - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Liz - December 21 - 9:30 pm

  While I love the look and feel of my car I have had many difficulties with it. Mazda acknowledges the engine problems that the 2004/2005 RX 8s have and thus have extended the drive train warranty. However, my car has been in the shop more times that I can count. The check engine light is constantly on, even after my engine was replaced! Started with the typical stalling you see in these cars, and went downhill from there. Most recently my oil cooler line completely rusted out, which the mechanic states he has seen in multiple RX 8s. Its a fun car, but as the dealership has told me AFTER pushing me to purchase the car...it should be used as a sports car, not your every day car.

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  so sexy!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By wy - November 17 - 9:03 pm

  I just bought my car with barely 30000 miles and I love it!! I have always owned sports like cars but this one, hands down, takes the cake!! I was sketchy about buying a mazda because the last mazda i owned (a mx3) gave me alot of problems :( true this car may not be good for grocery shopping etc, but if you let her warm up and rev the engine before you kill it (not that hard rt??) she is a sexy lil thing to drive and I love her!!

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  Love it, love it, love it! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andimal - September 5 - 6:16 pm

  Everything I would have expected out of a true sports car design...you know, old school (Sunbeam Tiger, Spitfire, Austin Healy to name a few). Agility, handling, feel of the road, top notch. Better than expected cabin noise, and I appreciate the automatic volume level adjustment in the stock stereo system. 18" wheels and limited-slip differential in the standard manual package is a bonus!

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  The joy of balance - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Liam - August 13 - 1:33 pm

  The true personality of this car can only be revealed when in manumatic mode on a twisting road using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Let the free wheeling engine wind up to 9000 RPM before changing gears and you begin to appreciate the true advantages of a rotary engine. Bought this car with 5000 miles on it - nicely loaded and comfortable to ride in. The 50/50 weight balance is a pure joy, no sudden spin outs - very predictable handling with solid braking and good feedback through the steering wheel. A very nicely put together package or design, utility, performance and fun.

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  In it for the looks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Florida - August 6 - 3:20 am

  I wanted to own a great looking sports car at least once before I was too old and would look silly in one. I had been a committed Accord owner for 20 years (cannot say enough about their great reliability.) But I love the way the RX 8 looks and I get compliments on it. It is fun to drive, but that blast off that I got on acceleration, which really sold me on this car, was lost after taking it to the dealer in response to some recall notice a couple years ago. They adjusted something and it was never the same. Anytime I go to the dealer for odd noises, the only thing they do is say its my fault because I used regular grade gas. Car was recently idling with loud vibration. Coils! only 28K mi

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  Thanks Wankel! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kailua_chaos - July 19 - 5:26 am

  This is my second RX8 - my first fell victim to a drunk driver - Handles EXTREMELY well, except in water. A little iffy on gas mileage, except I noticed in mid to high RPM range, gets way better mileage. Great car to race from a stop despite most RWD performances. Very crowded engine bay so semi difficult to work on, but a simple design and easy to take care of. Overall this car is a very mutual car, what I mean is, if you treat it good, it will treat you just as good or better. Oil changes and refills can get annoying, but definitely worth the trouble Id say!

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  Still love it, but a big baby! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JodyLa - June 29 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this car new in 05 and have put 20,000 miles on it so far. I love this car! My only negatives are constantly having to check the oil and if you shut the car off and it didnt warm up, you are in big trouble! Ive have to have it towed to the dealership because of this! Always let the car warm up before shutting it off!

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  My Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Moo - May 29 - 3:23 am

  I love my car. Even though it gets 18 miles to the gallon, which would be its only con. This car is the perfect car to do anything in: going on road trips, beach, etc.