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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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By droddick - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Its great getting to drive a sports car that is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks from others. I have no complaints except it should get better gas mileage. The fit and finish of the car is excellent; and 4 adults can actually sit with reasonable comfort.

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  Ya - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ROB_31 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It is so good! I like the shape and allround design.Its my favorite car in the world!

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  fun car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By romero - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have has this car for a year now and i am still in love with it. If i were to get in an accident and the car was totaled i would get another rx8. I love the way the car handles. Ifeel safe driving it. You cant spin due to anti slip brakes. I love driving, the 6 speed is a must. You cant be a lazy driver which makes it feel like you have more control of the cars power.

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  Read before you buy a 2005 Maxda RX8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By firebabe - July 18 - 9:12 pm

  The rotary engine is horrible, you have to treat it like a diesel in cold weather which we didnt know and got it flooded. It ended up costing us $1500 to finally get it started and to help prevent it from happening again but now I want rid of it. Check engine light is on all the time and no one knows why. It now sounds bad and every one is now telling me after owning it for 6 months with 69,000 that the rotary engine dont live past 60,000. I know Im going to lose with trading it in put I cant afford to keep it running. Wish I had never seen this beautiful car but the rotary engine is horrible.

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  Motor to rotor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By motor2rotor - July 10 - 5:40 pm

  Like a lot of other people, I was afraid of the rotary. It is so much different than anything on the road. That difference is what scared me, but that was till I drove one. I fell in love with this car in the first minute behind the wheel. It does have some dos and donts but what car doesnt. A pure sports car at this price is almost to good to be true. It is a high maintenance car so if you want to race stop light to stop light go buy a Honda! If you want a perfectly balanced extension of your thoughts to the road buy a RX8!

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  Read Before buying - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bama - July 6 - 1:13 am

  My first Mazda. I have had 3 recalls in less than 3 years. one was to replace the motor!. Less than a month after the motor was replaced . The car started running hot. Through no fault of the dealers mechanic and everything hooked back up right. The radiator fan burned out. Whats next? You can buy this car if you like. But i will be putting mine in to some Toyota dealers used parking lot. 200,000+ sold with the same motor and fan. Good luck

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  Best Mazda I ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RedRX8 - July 5 - 2:20 am

  Ive owned several Mazdas in my day. The RX3, RX4 pickup, RX7 carb., RX7 GSL SE fuel injected, and now the 2004 RX8 6 MT. This is by far the best car of them all. I was the first one to buy an RX8 at my new dealership. So I was expecting Mazda would have some problems with such an advanced engineered sports car. The only constant updates were on the PCM programs to improve fuel mixtures, oil metering, & cold starting problems. They finally got it all working perfectly. This is the must fun you can have driving without getting a ticket.

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  Mazda has a hit! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8_is_great - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car a week ago and am really enjoying the ride! It gets extra attention from onlookers...even had a few people follow me to the parking lot where I work to look at it! Mazda did a wonderful job on the exterior and ride of this car.

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  a great car all the way around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By connorsdad - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car- great handling, nice appearance. every option except Nav so lots of toys inside and out. Gas mileage is disappointing though it seems to be getting better with mileage. All around awesome car.

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  Nice Car Fun to Drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By cindy - June 27 - 1:56 am

  I have had mine for over a year, still love it. Of course its bad in the snow but its rear wheel drive so I expected that.