Overview & Reviews

Most people know that Mazda builds sporty cars. But for some, it's the company's history of building true sports cars with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda RX-8 was one of these models, and it enjoys the distinction of being the only one with a four-door configuration, providing reverse-opening rear access doors and a genuinely accommodating backseat. Sold from 2004-'11, the RX-8 didn't change much during its lengthy run.

The heart of the Mazda RX-8 is a 1.3-liter rotary engine with a thrilling 9,000-rpm redline: that is, if you can find one with the six-speed manual transmission. The available six-speed automatic was limited to 7,500 rpm, yielding about 10 percent less horsepower. With either transmission, torque from the rotary engine is very modest, and shoppers should note that this engine is known for both significant oil consumption and poor fuel economy. But with its perfectly balanced weight distribution, sharp steering and svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 is one of the best-handling cars ever made.

User Reviews:

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  Bad Transmission Issues (Do not buy!) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By David Conger-Eldeen - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  I have had problems with the transmission one month after I purchased the RX-8. It was replaced in January 2005. I have had a love/hate relationship with the car since the first problem. The real problem is the service or lack thereof. It is a known problem. If it werent for the poor customer service from Mazda as a whole, I would love this car and be very patient. However, they quickly jump to conclusions, insult your intelligence, etc. I am taking them to arbitration after 20 months of run-around and degradation.

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  Value,Value,Value - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Solodad - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Like the old "Location,Location,Location" truth in Real Estate, the RX8 is all about Value. Went to drive a 350Z. Went with the RX8 and am VERY glad I did. My "fun meter" gets pegged every day with this car! A "Walter Mitty" car! Feels like you are driving a high winding, tight sports car with swooping lines. Hey wait a minute! It that is what it is! Zoom, Zoom

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  Duanes RX8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Duane - December 8 - 5:00 am

  Fun to drive, the car handles the road nicely. My last car was a 5 series BMW and I thought it handled extremely well, but Mazda did not let me down one bit. It holds the road tight, but is still quite comfortable. Had a few parts fall off of it in the first couple days, so I am not highly impressed with the quality, but the issues were minor. I drove a couple business clients back to their hotel and one was a very large man (I put him in the passenger front, and the other average sized gentleman rode comfortably in the back seat behind me. The back seat really is usable by adults and certainly by children. I wish the 20 mpg in mostly highway driving was better.

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  My car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Abby G. - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many wonderful experiences such as my friends loving it and always wanting me to take them places.

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricky G - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 1500 miles on the car, and already it is a nightmare. The problem is, there is foam in the oil. I took it back at 1K. Dealership/manufacturer didnt have a clue. They changed the oil. At1.4K, the foam was back. Also, the engine shut down on me prior to this. The oil light stays on constantly. The dealership/manufacturer dont know how to repair it, so theyve asked me to drive it till they figure it out. And, of course, keep making payments till it breaks down completely.

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  Incredible! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Taco - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Mazda Rx-8, and it is the greatest car that I have ever driven! Almost everything about it is perfect. The engine, transmission, looks, and comfort are all superb.

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  Incredible! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mickster - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Mazda Rx-8, and it is the greatest car that I have ever driven! Almost everything about it is perfect. The engine, transmission, looks, and comfort are all superb.

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  Mazda Hits the Target Dead On! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By barrya - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a Miata, a Lotus Elan, AH Sprite (souped up), Porsche and a 3rd gen. RX7, Mazda has hit the target with the RX8. Sophisticated and smooth as can be, power is there if you rev it up, handling is terrific, but it does city & dirt roads, too. A great car, especially for the price!

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  Crossing my fingers - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Crossing Fingers - November 28 - 6:53 am

  An answer to my mid-life crisis, I was coerced into buying the lil red sedoupe (sedan,coupe) rather than a used luxury sedan. 47, no wife, no kids: it seemed to make sense, Ive owned nothing but SUVs/Mini Vans since the disco era. The first thing i noticed was the ride noise from the standard 17inch tires. Also, the rear light housing was fogged up/filled with inner perspiration. Both items served as bargaining chips & I managed to walk out with it for a mere $11K. With only 37K miles, I was happy. Getting in/out is a challenge with my 275lb frame, but the cars an excellent incentive to lose weight and Ive got nothing but compliments from friends/co-workers. 30 days so far, no problems.

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  the most fun car I have ever owned! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sportsguy126 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  handles excellent, looks amazing, people stop me to admire my car!