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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  Unlike Anything You Have Ever Driven - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By strata1 - October 5 - 2:47 am

  The RX-8 as a sports car is amazing. It is such a nice car to be in and drive because it looks great both inside and out, is comfortable, and handles phenomenally well. When you floor it, you are treated with a very responsive, short-throw transmission and an engine that will rev up to 9000rpm. When you want to relax, the seats are comfortable, the cabin is quiet, and the rotary engine gently hums as you go along at highway speeds in top gear. The only drawback to this car is the rotary. Its low on power and torque yet is as thirsty as a V-8. It is also designed to eat oil and requires a topping off every second fuel up. There is also the issue of flooding.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Bradford Hager - September 30 - 8:43 am

  I simply love this car! You only get about 250 miles on a tank of gas. (14 gals.) That is the only draw back. I have driven it from Palm Springs to Oak Harbor, Wa. and back effortlessly. The car drives itself.

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  Amazingly Expensive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By themare - September 24 - 11:32 am

  Bought it used at 76k miles, and had it until 86k miles for only one year. One of the most fun to drive cars, but also one of the most unreliable and expensive cars to own. Spent over 12k in one year in maintenance alone. PROs and CONs are listed in the full review.

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  Great new Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Poisonsu - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have waited 6 months for the car. So far it is everything I expected. It really hugs the road and it is been alot of fun to drive. The lines on the car are beautiful. People look at the car all the time. I have had it 1 week. So far no problems!!!

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  AWSOME CAR!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 kid - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive very good handleing

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  Pros and Cons - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sunny C - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The car has amazing handling features on dry road and on rain but in snow it sucks horribly.My RX8 didnt even move in snow.Interior looks sweet and all the ladies want in and exterior is very sexy.I dont like how you cant turn ure engine off before 5 minutes or engine will flood.The heating is not that great either.My gears grind from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3 but not a serious problem.A slight noise.This is a HIGH REVVING CAR.1k- 3k it has some power,but as soon as the car hits 3k everythin breaks loose.Controlling is superior,you can take mad corners at mad speeds.Car is fun to drive,attracts ladies,gets looks constantly,comfortable,and great to show off in.

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  My RX-8 wont start!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Amber Gregory - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This car does a great job - if you can get it to start. I have had mine towed to the dealership twice because it wouldnt start because when I tried to start it the car flooded. This happens even though I have taken the steps to prevent this recommended by the service department. Great to drive, fun, sporty, turns heads - if you can get it out of the driveway. Also turns heads sitting on the back of a tow truck:<

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  Fun, Fun, & More Fun! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By GRX8 - September 6 - 3:03 pm

  I was looking for a sportscar that was reasonably priced, fun to drive, roomy enough to move 4 adults if necessary and not seen on every corner like the Z or Mustangs. Well, lucky for me I came across the RX8. This car is all of the above and more. Its not the fastest car around, but its handling makes up for it, and it is very fun to drive.

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  ROTARY HEAVEN - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By gremline91b148 - September 5 - 11:00 pm

  despite a few flaws like a weak clutch pedal, clutch, and rear shocks that go out at 60k the car is amazing. All of those issues are easily and cheaply fixed for those of us who are mechanics. In order to truly appreciate it you have to drive it though a curvy mountain road. I drive 100 miles a day and love every minute of it. To be fair it would benefit from more power but when you look at how a slightly used one is priced for the money you cant really complain. it is easy to add power to it any way... 0-60 is at 5.2 secs from just a few mild mods. it is an amazing machine and value.

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  Spirit - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Razzzzzzzz - August 29 - 10:00 am

  After the first day I brought it back to the dealer for the A/C. Then found out it was the enviromental design flaw. Needs more cooling capacity for the interior. Looks like when you have Red everyone wants to race you. Test drove the GTO,350z, G35 and the Acura TL 260. Best overall value for the money. Not Bouncy like my old 3000GT or the new 350z. Ah.. real fun to drive.