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 231 through 240 of 879.00-
Smile Machine - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By LCHco - July 4 - 2:00 amThe smoothest, sexiest, most practical adrenaline rush on wheels I have ever owned. Yes, it definitely feels right.
-
Wonderful sports car - 2009 Mazda RX-8
By AP - June 30 - 11:50 pmThis car is surprisingly comfortable. Handling is superb: better than my former S2000, STI, Speed3, and of course, Mustang GT. Very easy to drive, even for the novices. Clutch is soft and easy to play with. The gear box is good and smooth but i think the S2000s one is better. Power is linear. Not fast like the STI or the Mustang GT but who care? we cannot use all that power around town anyway. So, im ok with my R3 and its fast enough for me. Smooth, smooth, and smooth engine! no vibration whatsoever when rev it. It sounds very good. This car is unique like no others. Its fun to drive and the bottom line is i just love it more than all other sports cars i had in the past (dont know why).
-
Jurys Still Out - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RX-8gr8! - June 27 - 2:00 amI love my RX-8 -- after 30 yrs of kid- hauling minivans and station wagons, its pure joy. Two concerns -- recalls and using oil. Two recall notices already -- of course its a new vehicle and the dealer handled the problem quickly. The other concern I have is that the car seems to use oil. The dealer is documenting this problem in case we have to make some kind of claim ... on two road trips, the "check engine" light came on, and the oil was slightly low. This is a big concern to me, and one that I havent seen addressed anywhere else. I love the car, but I want it to be solid for the long haul, so Im going to wait and see.
-
Blue RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RCT - June 22 - 10:00 amFun, easy to drive, relatively inexpensive compared to other high performance cars. Very intuitive steering. Its also a good daily driver, it doesnt have the kidney punching stiffeness in the suspension that you would find in other cars in its class.
-
Mazda RX8 - 2009 Mazda RX-8
By TicoRico - June 18 - 4:10 pmI have to say this is my first RX8 I have ever owned/driven. I love the car, it feels, sounds and drives so well. It has a very smooth engine. I agree with other sites that the car doesnt have a lot of torque, but it picks up very well. The car is designed to handle, not for pure brute speed. 4 door 4 seater sports car, very sleek looking. I couldnt have gotten anything better for my first sports car at this price range. My advise to anyone interested in the car, test drive it. Actions speak louder than words.
-
Never Again - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By scullymo - June 16 - 6:48 amThis has bee one of my worst car buying experiences. Its hot, and fun to drive and all that, but the air conditioner never works. I have taken it to dealers in 3 states and they all say the same thing, "thats just the way it is, get used to it." I will never drive another Mazda because their customer service everywhere is awful!
-
Fun Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By mark - June 10 - 9:40 amI traded in a Maxima SE for this car because I wanted something fun to drive. The RX8 delivers in the fun department. Enough cant be said about the 50/50 weight distribution and the rotary power curve. It is not the most practical car, however, having low gas mileage and limited cargo space. As with any car in this category, consider that you may need a second car/truck to accompany this very fun vehicle.
-
Looks great and works bad - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By bob forman - June 7 - 9:00 amThis call has been towed to the dealer at least 10 times. There is a definite flaw in the design of the engine.Its failure to start especially in cold weather is frustrating. Although the handling is superior to any car I have owned, for a sports car this car is way to sluggish. I do have an automatic transmission. I am sorry I did not get the Nissan Z instead of this rattle machine
-
Sad Effort Mazda - 2009 Mazda RX-8
By Colin - June 5 - 11:36 pmDisappointed, engine stalls. Also prone to flooding if you drive it for less than 40 minutes - not good news with inner city living needing you to shuffle parking spots. The final nail was a dropped rotor. Reported the performance drop off to Mazda, they "didnt find anything". Needed a full engine replacement, never again ... and then Mazda Australia comment of "no customer goodwill will be provided". Sure could try the legal route, but have not got the time.
-
Better than I imagined - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By spooky8 - June 4 - 10:00 amI waited for 4 months, read every review, and I am surprised that it eclipsed my lofty expectations. I got 17 miles to the gallon on my first tank of gas, so I gave it a 9 on fuel economy, which was still better that I expected. Sat idleing a lot with people looking at it, so 9 probably did not do it justice. Perfewct in every way. 5 mile drive to work is to short, looking for another job in another town. Highly recommended if it fun and excitement your looking for in a car. Test drove and looked at many other while waiting for mine, glad I waited.
