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:
Showing 141 through 150 of 879.00-
Amazing Car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By carliker - June 28 - 10:00 amLike another person who rated this vehicle, I had to wait four months before I got my car. The wait was worth it! You get tremendous bang for the buck with this vehicle. Usually when I get a car or anything expensive, I have a few moments of buyers remorse. However, I havent experienced one second of it since I bought this car! That makes me so happy!
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Happy Camper - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By david barber - June 22 - 10:00 amBought for a fun car with room for a kid and my golf bag when needed. Got exactly what I wanted so far. Fuel mileage could be a little better - not getting what was stated. But love the car overall.
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P.O.S!!!!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By turtle21 - June 12 - 9:30 pmI had my car for 4 years and it is the worst car ever! Ive had 3 engine replacements and 3 transmission replacements. The car has left me stranded numerous times and the brakes even go out on me. Ive also had to replace my coils every 3 months. And once the warranty is up good luck trying to get the thing to run!! It overheats and shuts off when driving long distances. It looks nice but runs like crap I wish I never got this car. And now getting rid of it is even harder due to all the problems it has.
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RX-8 Fan - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Zman - June 7 - 4:10 pmThis is the best car I have ever owned and that covers a lot. Every time I drive it I get a smile on my face. It has performed well on long and short trips. It is a rotary, so there are the normal maintanence issues and lower mileage than I would like. But I knew that when I bought it and I am already planning my next RX-8 purchase in a couple years. I recommend that you do not test drive this car unless you are ready to buy one, because you will want it!
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Hard to Believe - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By George - May 17 - 10:00 amThe experience of driving the RX-8 cannot be described: Smooth, quiet, FAST, precision steering, comfortable, easy handeling and lots of interior room. Drivers seat with power can be adjusted to the shortest or tallest. You must start the engine to appreciate the power and sound of this new rotary engine. Mazda has a real winner in this vehicle. You must drive one to experience the excitement and thrill of this new machine.
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The BatMobile!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Dovid - May 17 - 10:00 amThis car is something else. From the day I got the car I have done nothing else but drive it and admire its sleek body and beautifuly designed interior. The car is and artistic delight and is a pleasure to drive. I recommend this car for people looking for a reliable ride, a gorgeous design, all at a reasonable price.
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2 Day old RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By OverLOAD - May 17 - 10:00 amI just got this car, and WOW!. Its evertthing I had hoped for, and more. It handles predictably, and beautifully. The new electronic power steering assist is very nice. For a 247 hp car, its fuel efficiency is pretty good @ 24 mpg highway. Good acceleration through all the gears. Even accelleration on the highway in top gear from 70 to 100 mph is great. This car just begs you to push harder on the gas. Very fun to drive, excelent finish, very nice interior. Every where I go, peoples heads are turning to look at this stuning car!
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what a ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By tris - May 10 - 10:00 amI went to the dealership with my 02 VW GTI to get the window fixed and left with the RX-8. Never looked back.
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Mazda RX8 AT GT - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Rotary Owner - May 9 - 2:00 pmBeautiful car, fun to drive, but not quite there yet. I waited until 2006 to get mine so Mazda could work out the kinks of a new design, but I had many of the same problems found in the 04s. If you buy, buy used after seeing a report of repairs - some cars are great, some cars are bad, there doesnt seem to be an in-between. Buy a used one with 30K - 40K miles and that didnt have its engine replaced and you should be happy. And above all else, dont buy a 6-speed AT - the transmission wont let the car rev high enough to burn out the carbon build out. I love rotaries, but they should be MT, so Im selling this one and keeping to my 79 RX-7 for my rotary fun (still running).
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The Very Best Sports Coupe - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Rotary Rider - May 6 - 12:23 pmThis car is the most fun you can have on 4 wheels (driving). The handling is superb (rivals or surpasses Porsches Boxster or Cayman) like a four wheeled motor cycle; and the compact Wankel (rotary) engine provides a unique kind of performance that no piston engine can. Which is why this car is slandered in other reviews (even in the motor mags): first, its normal for a Wankel to consume oil (like a two cycle engine); second, it is simply crazy to compare it to a piston engines low end torque (its power delivery is much more like a turbines). Thats why a rotary really needs a six speed manual (dont let the revs drop below 3000, keep it "on a boil") and listen to the music as it winds to 8000.
