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 31 through 40 of 879.00-
RX8, cute but unreliable. Dont buy! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Diana - June 1 - 10:43 pmThe RX-8 is a gas guzzler, the brakes squeal, its temperamental, if you turn if off without letting it run long enough it may flood itself after which you will have to have it towed to the dealership. It burns oil fast and sometimes it doesnt start the first time you turn the ignition. There were problems with the oil pan, panels popping up, the under carriage fell down; the solenoid even died causing me to lose power steering on Highway 95. Just bring it in again if you have any more problems is what they continue to say. My response is that I shouldnt have to keep taking off from work to take in a new car. The car is unreliable and is not worth the time and expense!
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Good, bordering on great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By silver8 - May 20 - 10:00 amAside from the 15 MPG and the 16 gallon gas tank that needs to be filled up every two days, this is a fun car. Dont be fooled into thinking its an economical car though. Sure is fun to zip around corners, which it does very well. No street light racing though as the car is sluggish off the line unless you drop the clutch at 8K. When and if Mazda fixes the mileage and horsepower issues, this will be a truly great car.
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Not so zoom, zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By rab8 - March 1 - 3:50 amHaving owned a RX2 & RX7, I was first in line to buy the RX8 - it has been a mixed bag, though, from day one. Like so many, it has had to return to the dealer over and over and it has been tweaked and had more parts replaced than a plastic surgery freak. It has been more trouble than any car I have owned (15) and yet I want to love it anyway because at heart Im an unabashed rotaryhead. Mazda has broken my heart on this one - I cant recommend it to anyone except those who love dysfunctional, undependable, expensive cars. Sigh.
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my RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Chad Foster - March 16 - 9:20 pmBeing a proud owner of my RX-8, I made the decision over the winter to store my car for 4 months until the weather improved. Since beginning to drive it again as of March 20th, 2005 (I remember the date because of my brothers birthday), I have had my RX-8 picked up by roadside assistance on 3 different occasions. It is fast becoming the most unreliable vehicle I have ever purchased in my life.
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ZOOM, ZOOM, DOOM!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By norx84me - September 17 - 1:02 amThinking of buying this car? Im stranded AGAIN after losing power on a major interstate & having to drift to a stop on the shoulder. I knew what was wrong because Id been through this before: the "glass bottles" sound rattling under the hood, the jerky take-off & the oil light that just couldnt be corrected. Yes...once again, the rotary engine was dead. This is the THIRD ENGINE IN 1.5 YEARS!!!! Engines are on back order from MAZDA til February, 11. Wanna hear the real horror? I traded my HONDA for this terrible piece of machinery!! Will I ever forgive my bad judgement in buying this car? With all the GREAT alternatives out there, why would you consider Mazda? Take it from me, DONT!!
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Run Away From This Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By gdcinthebigD - May 24 - 5:50 pmThe RX-8 is a beautiful piece of sculpture but is useless for city living. I love the look of this car and the handling but didnt expect the gas mileage of a Hummer (11 miles per gallon). Mazda says the engine is running correctly. Plus the requirement to make sure the engine is warmed to mid-line before turning it off is ridiculous. In order to run to the store or the post office I have to drive 6 blocks out of my way or wonder if the car will start the next day. I researched this car to death and found little mention of either of these issues. Do yourself a favor - buy something with a piston engine.
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NOT good - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Anne Koch - January 8 - 11:43 pmI owned this car for 26 days when, like many of the reviews I am now reading say, it stopped cold. Not only was I uninformed about the fact that this can happen secondary to "flooding", I was not told of a safety recall at the time of purchase. 6 days later I am still waiting to get my car back from the shop. My last car I had for 12 years without a problem, this one for less than one month and it breaks down and leaves me stranded. VERY frustrating. It also does not drive very fast (the automatic). At times when Im merging on the freeway, I feel like Im driving a big boat. I much prefer the Toyota Corolla I now have as a rental car!
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Oiled Out! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
By Disgusted In FL - December 28 - 10:00 amMy experience owning this vehicle has its ups and downs. On the down side, the car burns too much oil. After an oil change, the oil light comes on 1000 miles into the oil change. I was told this was normal by the dealership on two occasions when I took it in for service. They told me to "add oil" to it and it would be fine until the next oil change. I have had more oil changes on this car in the one year that Ive owned it. This car is too overpriced for what you get.
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No resale value - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By bobsbob - March 21 - 10:00 amThe value of this car has dropped like a rock. Not just the normal depreciation of a new car. Dont buy if you ever think you might have to sell...
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Dont buy an rx8 Mazda will not help you - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Lou - June 9 - 2:00 amHello I purchased an 04 rx8 in April 2010 I have 135,000 miles on it now worst investment ever. There are recalls after recalls and if the car has more than 100,000 miles Mazda could care less unlike Toyota who fix their mistakes Mazda wont. Lets start with the airbag recall $1200 to fix Mazda wont fix it for me bad harness, crack in clutch pedal $600 Mazda wont fix it, lower ball joint I replaced roughly $50 Mazda wouldnt. All of these items are recalls. Also lousy fuel to power ratio and extremely high maintenance and cost. Go to a search bar and type Mazda rx8 complaints and recalls pages and pages will come up.
