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:
Showing 371 through 380 of 879.00-
Fun to drive and own: a real head turner - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By mngpao - February 7 - 10:00 amThis car is great. Its stylish and comfortable to drive. It responds quickly and hugs the road better than my 90 Miata (which I traded in on the RX8). The dash is easy to read and the controls are easy to operate. The manual mode of the automatic transmission (controlable from the stearing wheel and the console) allows for complete control of shifting gears. A flat tire repair kit is included because the spare tire is an extra cost option. The Grand Touring Package is a must and worth every penny - it includes all the options of the other touring packages plus electric drivers seat, lumbar support, heated leather trim front seats and heated mirrors.
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Great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Guyusc350 - February 7 - 10:00 amThis is one of the best sports cars I have driven. I had an old RX-7 and loved it. This one is almost 200 percent better. Step on the throttle and you get a real quick response throwing you back into your seat. The ride quality is what a sports car should be like. Fun, fun car. Very quick and agile. Outside and inside of this car are awesomely done. The cockpit is beautiful. Much better than the 350Z. Seats are very comfortable (again better than the Z). Back seat and suicide doors are great too. Sunroof is a necessity too!
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THE WAIT IS OVER! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By john desmarais - February 7 - 10:00 amI waited for over 8 months for this vehicle and for the first time ever ordered it without driving it. I could not be happier. The outside appearance is stunning, the engine revolutionary, and the functionality perfect for me, my wife, and 2 kids. Mazda was definitely on to something to create a car to meet the needs of a family driving sports car enthusiast! On the day we got it, the 4 of us went on a 100 mile trip and camped out for the labor day weekend...bringing everything we needed stored in the back trunk. How cool!
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The 4-seat Miata - 2011 Mazda RX-8
By mejazz - February 3 - 10:05 pmI am a Miata fan - had 3 of them in the past but had to let go due to having 3 kids. The RX-8 provides similar driving thrills but with the ability to seat 4 peoples so i can use it to pick/drop kids from school and still have fun driving. Everybody talks about rotary engine issues but Mazda offers 100K miles warranty on engine so dont see much point. Yes it requires topping off oil every 2nd or 3rd fillup but thats not a big deal at all. Infact, you will enjoy it - you will feel more involved with your car. I do miss the convertible part of Miata. Hoping they will build a rotary Miata someday.
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empowering - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By shorebird4 - February 1 - 2:00 amtight suspension, great features, leather seat conforms to my body perfectly, fun to drive and it turns heads. I dont want to get out of it. Zoom zoom zoom is a perfect reference to the RX-8.
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Our new RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By cballard - February 1 - 2:00 amThe new RX8 is what all sports car enthusiasts have been waiting for. The problem with a 2 passenger sports car is the lack of usefullness. You cant take enough people with you. The small rotary engine makes it possible to have a small responsive car with four passenger capacity. The extra doors are fantastic both for entering/exiting but they also make it possible to have short front doors for tight parking spaces.
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#1 Ferrari; #2 RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Giacomino - January 25 - 2:00 amWhen I first bought my RX-8, my wife couldnt believe how many people would drive along side and give the thumbs up and were talking about Corvette and Porsche owners. Even while driving in Beverly Hills, CA, I was getting the attention from a Ferrari. This car gets the respect of everyone and I thank Mazda for putting a car on the market that has a unique look that is affordable.
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almost as fun .... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By ktl - January 25 - 2:00 amThe car is well-packaged, good transmission, good handling, but lack in power and torque. The cars transmission is almost as good as the one in the S2000, what lacked in fun and power compare to the S2000 was made up with extra room and safer cornering. I had to trade my S2000 in because it was fun but dangerous in high speed cornering and not a long distance car at all. The RX8 is 9/10th the fun of a S2000 and 9/10th the user-friendly of a Civic.
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aaahhhh yeah :o) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By CU-UGLY - January 21 - 10:00 amShopped for 2 years before deciding on this one. Drove my Acura LS Coupe for years and absolutely love it, till I spotted the "8". Had a "7" before, so I knew the quality, but Mazda have out done themselves with this one. Definately a "roadstopper" of a vehicle. Love everything about it, except for the mileage but thats ok cause when filling up, you get a 1001 compliments and thumbs up :o)
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Wow, its a Rollercoaster - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Steven Heist - January 21 - 10:00 amMost fun i have had driving in a long time. This car actually makes the drive to work fun. Plus at night this car looks awesome , I tell you how many people stop and ask about the car. Guys if the wife stays no sports car...this one fits a child seat without an issue.
