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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  Loving to Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Scott (Zoom-Zoom) - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I had been impatiently waiting for a couple months for the car to be available in my area. I have only had my RX-8 for two weeks, but it has been wonderful. The styling is close to exotic and I get lots positive comments about its looks. The performance is just what I expected, handles better than a porche, but not so fast that you will drive over your head easily.

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  AWSOME! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By warp3d - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The car handles like a dream...and the interior is beautiful. Great attention to detail...the Rotary symbol can be found throughout the car and quality is top notch!

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  Zooma Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By gloria - December 8 - 3:20 am

  I bought my car in July and what a car! I feel great every time I get into my 8. It handles like no other car Ive ever owned.The suicide seats are fabulous... I actually enjoy taking on the curves these days. I go out of my way to find "some curves" and just feel my 8 straighten them out. The only other side of the coin is gas mileage. But I can deal with it. Look out world, it"s me and my zooma zoom zoom.

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  Sooooo Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mary C - December 5 - 11:06 am

  This is the most fun I have ever had in a car. Its superior handling and sexy lines make this vehicle unique ride. I bought mine fully loaded minus the navigator and I have fallen in love. I Love my RX8.

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  Experiment in Beauty - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Stenn - December 5 - 8:03 am

  As much as I love my 6-speed Shinka, Id have to admit its more an academic exercise in engineering and beauty, a "proof-of-concept" of the rotary engine, than a practical 21st century car. In this age of drying-up oil supplies and soaring fuel-cost, the gas-mileage on this work of art will "kill" you. Im getting 14MPG no matter how careful I am, while my old, heavy, automatic 95 Nissan Pathfinder regularly gets 17MPG, go figure! Just driving normally ends up with 14mpg. Ive only seen one owner-review that says he accomplishes the advertised 24/18, and Id REALLY like to know how!

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  masons review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mason mugnolo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  i just LOVE this car... its perfect for me!

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  Weak Attempt - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By btucker22 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an RX-8 fully anticipating a real sports car. little did i know that not to long after i took delivery, my car lost horsepower, what was once quoted as a 5.9 0-60 car is now a 7.2 0- 60 as tested by mazdaspeed. Very dissapointed.

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  Riding in a dream! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AnthonyC - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all. From the moment I thought of buying one, I kept dreaming of what it would be like to drive behind the wheel of a red, with black/red interior RX8. The answer, its a dream.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J3susLiv3sInM3 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car ever, and i have loved it since the second i bought it. I love how it handles every turn so smoothly and i love just turning down the music and listening to the sound of the rotary motor just spinning away. It is so peaceful just to sit there listening to it i could almost fall asleep. This car IS a dream come true.

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  sweet car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By anoymous - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Get the manual because it has more power than the automatic although it is more expensive. The hadling is beautiful and is roomy in the front of the car, but the back can get a little cowded if you are taller than six feet.