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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  Wonderful Machine - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vikingdj - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Once I test drove one, I simply had to own it. Car is an absolute blast to drive. It drives like its on rails, yet is very smooth and comfortable. Although underpowered compared to other sports coupes, it offers a very smooth power band, with the real fun beginning at 5000rpms. Just an overall wonderful daily sports coupe with so many wonderful features and plenty of power and performance.

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  Fool Mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dchurricane - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Awesome driving experience. Constant acceleration through all gears. But I feel slighted by Ford by advertising 18- 24 miles per gallon. I have yet to get more than 14 and my commute is solely highway. Supposedly this will improve in time, but I doubt I will ever see 24 mpg. The interior is well designed, aesthetically speaking, but the materials are cheap and the door panels are easily marked. Acceleration off the line is a bit weak.

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  Best Sports Car for the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By krusty - June 27 - 9:20 pm

  By far the funnest car to drive short of shelling out 130k for a Porsche 911 GT3. A very beautiful design. I test drove the Nissan 350Z and knew within 1/4 mile which car I liked better...the RX8. Great handling, stability, and braking. I do have after-market BF Goodrich G-Force, which are incredible and probably a much better tire then stock (first upgrade). Very comfortable on highway. The car is deceiving in how fast it really is. You will be going 100mph and not even notice it and very stable and easy to drive at that speed. Bose Stereo is great. Transmission (manual) is smooth as butter and has very short throw. Your power is at 5000RPM and up, so you have to learn how to drive this car

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  A Steal 2 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By J Chin - June 27 - 3:06 pm

  Just got one last week and I cant stop driving it. Definitely a one of a kind car - rotary engine. Cant wait till I break it in - then I can start having some real fun with the 9000 RPM redline. Still cant get over the looks I get when Im slowly cruising down the street.

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  A performance car that doesnt perform - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sensitive car - June 25 - 3:00 am

  I have had my RX8 for 18 months and have been to the dealer MULTIPLE times with many different issues. First of all, let me say I love cars and I baby and care for them meticulously. I have had to have the car towed 2 times, I have had 3 flat tires, I have had all the spark plugs replaced, the brake shim kit replaced, and multiple trips to the dealership for recalls. To top it off I only have 8800 miles on the car. I bought snow tires for $900 because I live in VT. That was the least of the problems. It really did quite well in the snow. I am just sick and tired of being tied to the dealership due to constant problems. The car is just not reliable !

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  Nice when it starts - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mustang Christy - June 22 - 6:13 am

  Ive had this car about a year and have had a major problem with it not starting all the time. They tell me that it is caused from vapor locking. They have replaced several things and it still hasnt solved the problem. Mazda finally agreed to buy it back from me so that I can purchase a RELIABLE car. This car has left me stranded several times. Another dislike is how you have to first leave the car running for 20 minutes before you shut it off.

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  My RX 8 is still thrilling to drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By GWC - June 19 - 6:20 pm

  This is a great car and it continues to be a kick to drive. Originally there were some problems with the starter and the battery but once these were replaced and the computer adjusted the car is very reliable.

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  Wow! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Michael Stevers - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I can say is, if you havent driven a Mazda RX-8 yet, you are missing out on the car experience of your life...come on, go out and test drive one now, I dare you not to like it.

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  ya mama - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By alityj - June 15 - 10:00 am

  good car i like it a lot i think everyone should get one for christmas

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  best car ever - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By watchung - June 15 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is the all time greatest