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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  I LOVE IT !!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SUSHI BOY - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for little over a month now and I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! and I LOVE IT! I love everything about this car, very nice comfort interior with very nice looking exterior and amount of attention wherever you go whenever you go. Gas mileage has to improve but other than that, I LOVE IT!

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  Mazda rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bigalintexas - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Phenomenal handling, good high end power, barely adequate at low rpm but its a rotary!Good seats.

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  An Owner - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jerry Geihs - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best handling car i`ve ever owned. The price is the icing on the cake.I was hesitant because of the lack of torque. However once I drove it, the thought never came back. The engine is as smooth as an electric motor and is always in the sweet spot once you get used to it. The Renesis engine and slick six speed work great together. For the money, there is no other car, and I`m 60 years old.

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  The funnest car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NW Redhead - January 3 - 8:30 pm

  This car rocks! Purchased it new as a 30th b-day present to myself and have no regrets. My first car was a 79 RX7 and then I had a 91 MR2 and this RX8 blows them both out of the water. It corners like a dream and the acceleration onto the fwy gives me a smile everytime. Ive had it up to 140 mph and it had room for more - I just chickened out. I get looks and comments on it all the time. Its such a unique looking car. The 4 door aspect is really only good for lower insurance although the backseats are surprisingly roomy. No engine probs at all. Not good in the snow so luckily I have the luxury of garaging it for the winter and driving a beater 4x4. Gas mileage is a consistent 20.

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  The Beast - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PA zoomer - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned. Styling is great but the handling and sheer fun of driniing is the key to Zoom! HAve seen people walk into cars trying to figure what it is. Seats hold you in place to the max and it is great on the interstate. Drop from 6th a couple gears and kick in and the fun begins, even if you can watch the gas gauge fall as you do. At over $2 a gallon not fun filling up, but if you cant afford the gas, dont buy the car. Destined to be one of the great ones.

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  mazda rx-8, - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By barry jaffin - December 31 - 6:56 am

  great to look at, drives very well, major problem is very poor gas milage, less than 12 mph in city, 18 highway (at best)

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  New RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ninco - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. This is also my first RWD vehicle. I will tell you this, taking corners in this vehicle is effortless. FOr such a sporty suspions, the ride is quite comfortabe.

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  Rates a ten on the fun meter. - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By RR - December 22 - 6:30 am

  The get-up and go of this vehicle is fantastic. If you truly want that "sports car" experience and feel, buy the six-speed manual model. It handles the curves like no other car. The instrument cluster is easy to read and manipulate. The seating is quite comfortable and the head room is adequate for those 61" or under. If youre looking for practicality, buy a Mazda6. If you are looking for FUN, buy an RX-8.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Cliff - December 19 - 12:53 am

  This car is amazing. Great all around car. For everyone out there that talks about lack of torque, buy a big block. This car is like a turbo car. Power is there when you need it; all you have to do is shift (part of the fun). Fuel economy?? This is a sports car! Buy a hybrid if fuel is a major concern. If you want a good "all around" car that seats 4 and is a blast to drive, the RX-8 is it.

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  Great Styling...Poor Performance - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By UnR1 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the RX8 strictly fsor its styling...the performance is not nearly as good as its competitors (350z, evo, g35, etc...) Mazda recently admitted that the real HP figures are 238...not 250. And from actual dyno results, it looks like it may be less. I love the styling though, looks awesome!