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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  beautiful crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mika11 - March 21 - 2:31 am

  This I feel is the most sexy looking car on the road BUT.....I put 3 starters in it in 2 years,the visors both split down the middle,various plastic parts broke without reason. I treat my cars like babies.Also,its true....if you are only driving 2 blocks and shut the car off,it wont restart. Trust me....buy an eclipse instead.

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  When does 250 hp equal 238hp - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zoom RX8 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Its 3 week now since I purchased my rx8 Handling is scarry I havnt got this car to break out yet. On wet pavement its like a regular car on dry pavement. The thrill of thr rotary winding out is musical. All the controls are just right I am 61tall and fit just right. The cbbin is so roomy its amazing. the Freestyle, "suicide", doors amaze friends family and strangers. This is not a car. It is anextension of me. When driving I have never experienced the feeling of being one with a machine I get from the RX8

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  Cant Wait for the Hybrid! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MPG > HP - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The perfect drivers car. Not much for drag racing, but look out corners! Now if only it could be mated with an advanced hybrid propulsion system, wed all be in a much better place. I wonder what kind of mini- "Hoover Dam" a tuned out rotary generator motor could be for powering four wheel located electric motors, ala GMs skate chassis? 50-100 HP at EACH wheel?

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  A blast to drive - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug - February 26 - 10:46 am

  I love my RX-8! It is simply a blast to drive everyday. What the rotary engine lacks in low end torque it makes up for with a high revving engine that sounds wonderful. The interior is great - sight lines are excellent and quality is high. It is a very livable car for daily driving, and the rear doors make it quite practical for a sports car. However, if gas mileage is important, this is probably not the car for you.

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  An Outstanding Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By selmeralto - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had two RX-7s and thought they were both terrific. I had very high expectations for the RX-8. The expectations were exceeded. This is an outstanding car.

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  The best ever owned in areal sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MOHAMED OMRAN - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Its my best experience of buying a sports car ever. Its fast, Powerfull, and it has unique driving experience that makes it one of akind. Everything in that car was designed to fit perfectly under one roof. I compare it to a ferrari or something like that.The body style is very hot,its an eye, head, body, and soul turner

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  RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Al - February 17 - 2:23 pm

  A beautifully executed design. It looks like no other car on the road. Its handling and engine note border on the exotic at the price of a well equiped Camry. Very competent as a daily driver with the comfortable cabin and nifty rear "suicide" doors. Cross shopped several cars (G35, 350Z, Magnum R/T). Interior build quality head and shoulders above 350Z and Magnum, better than G35. Not quite Audi, but very good. Love the invisible features like aluminum body panels (they sing when you rinse it off), 50/50 weight distribution, etc. Great price too.

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  Mazda RX* - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PtBreak - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Love it. It is a great car, great look, great experience. Excellent ride. Handles very well and engine is powerful.

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  Head tuner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 - February 12 - 10:56 pm

  The handling on this car is excellent. The power is great at high rpm. The look of this car is like no other sport cars out there. No a lot of RX-8 owners out there, so you will turn heads as you drive around town.

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  Head Turner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By rklan - February 7 - 5:03 pm

  I have never had a vehicle which gets so much attention. It dares to be different. It strikes up conversations with people who normally care less about cars. The engine runs incredibly smooth, I would rather listen to it than the radio! Incredibly quick and nimble, a great year round driver (even in Wisconsin winters). Plenty of room for back seat passengers, the trunk carries much more than you would expect.