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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  2004 Mazda RX8=problems,problems,problem - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By boxermom - November 15 - 10:00 am

  owned car 2 weeks, 642 mi. had to replace motor. 2 weeks later had to replace latch on fuse box (broken). 6 mo. later had to replace air conditioning unit after being repaird once. 1 month later had to replace broken driver side sun visor. This car has been in the dealership garage more than it has been in my own. Would not recommend this auto to anyone looking for a dependable sports car.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Keflavic - October 31 - 9:10 am

  With just a recall for replacement of starter, and spark plug wires, car has been excellent and the best compared to late model BMW 3-series, and Lexus IS 300 I have owned.

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  Best car yet - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By boowana - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car over the Internet sight unseen several months ago. After I picked it up, I realized that it exceeded all of my expectations. The only minor gripe I have is gas mileage but it is a psorts car and I tend to drive it a little more aggresively so i guess thats to be expected. People stop me on the street just to look at it. It is like a piece of art.

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mike___#! - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Wow wonderful car, excellent handler and nothing touches a rotary at 9 000

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  fast, fun ,practical - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zooom - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun car to drive,It is comfortable ,responsive,fast,and pretty. It is without a doubt the best in its class.I love the suicide doors. From all angles it looks sporty and unique.I give the car 5 stars

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  great ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By nubenegra - September 28 - 10:00 am

  is fun to drive, runs great, looks great the only problem is the gas.

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  Buckle up and drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Marcus Mazda - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I am having so much fun with this car. It gets me in front of almost any car I want to get in front of... People with more expensive cars, and young kids stare at it... (Now thats cool) and its just fun to drive, so buckle up and drive... Gas is a factor, it uses it.. expecially just getting the car.. You always find yourself stepping on the gas pedal (Hard) Big Smile.... Ok, things you should know. Check oil every other gas fill up until the first oil change.. yes it burns oil.. Dont get the synthetic oil... Just get the oil Mazda recommends. In closing.. Oh my god... Zoom Zoom.. worth every penny!

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  Oh so silky. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jeff W - September 28 - 10:00 am

  A sports car that is pure yet practical sounds like an oxymoron, yet the RX-8 is truly that. This is a sports car not a muscle car, meaning it can handle better than most cars twice its price, but dont try to race WRXs or Mustang Cobras. The elegant style and uniqueness of the rotary engine set this car apart with its competition. I recommend ensuring that the ECU gets an M flash, which further enhances the smoothness, low-end HP and fuel economy.

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  my car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By diana romines - September 24 - 11:20 pm

  I bought my RX8 in February of 2004; since then I have a lot of fun driving it when its on the road. My car spends what I consider an excessive amount of time at the dealership getting worked on. I have had to have a new transmission put in it at about 20,000 miles and it is currently having the 2nd replacement engine put in. Since it crossed over approximately 15,000 miles it has had one thing after another go out, not to mention several recalls and the aggravation of having to take it to the dealer every 5,000 miles in between all the unscheduled service trips. I love my car, I have the only yellow RX8 around here and it really disappoints me that it doesnt hold up to what I expected from a Mazda.

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  Great Auto - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By harry0 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Best car that Ive ever purchased. I read about the RX-8 in 2001, I told my local dealer thaen that I wanted to purchased it.I reveived delivery on 7/18/03 and went on a two week, 5000 mile road trip. It was a great trip without any problems. The RX-8 is a fun auto to drive. I put it to the "test" - Hot weather in Texas,New Mexico & Death Valley, moutains in Colo & Ca, Highspeed driving in Ut. ITS A GREAT VALUE FOR THE PRICE. I just hope that the dealers dont mark-up the price and reduce the market for the RX-8