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 Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Flute - March 26 - 8:56 pm

  This car has excellent and fun driveability. Great pick-up and passing speed. Paddle shifter availablility. Most fun car Ive ever had the pleasure to own and drive.

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  Do not drive in weather conditions - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mlf - March 26 - 2:00 am

  needs to be faster than the high performance NEON. tried to drive in A LITTLE SNOW and could barely move. Styling is great. fun to drive when it is dry outside. Very original looking.

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  Sweet!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By htown21 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought My RX 8 about a month ago. Awesome car for the price range. The perfect sports car/daily driver. Room for 4, decent power, handles like a dream. Features are great, heated seats, bose 9 speaker system ,6 disc in dash, interior design and exterior design is awesome too. I am constantly getting stopped by people about the car. Only bad thing is ...... you guessed it , the GAS, it sucks down gas like your buddies suck down beers at your house. But I still love the car.

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dburgeson - March 26 - 2:00 am

  awesome car. nothing but good things to say about quality, and performance. Im amazed at how much room there is for 3rd and 4th passengers..

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  hot lil car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Tony DB - March 22 - 10:00 am

  great performance.....only drawback is lack of storage in trunk with spare tire in there.

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  Mickeys - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mickey Terry - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My new RX-8 is a blast to drive. It handles like no other car Ive ever driven. Driving curvey roads has never been so much fun.

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  I love this car. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fumarola - March 22 - 1:20 am

  Im an 18 year old that just graduated high school, and im in the military. I purchased this car loving it at first sight. I got it for a great deal. Yes i paid for it, its in my name not my parents. I get about 24-25 highway 18-20 city. I shift between 3-4 but i heard its good to be hard once in awhile so ill take it up to 6-7.Premium gas (93 octane) always. Also good to rev to 3 before shutting down. Also i warm it up for 1-2 mins and hold it at 3 for 5 seconds. Its a great car, lots of fun.

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  silver bullet - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By roberto - March 20 - 12:46 am

  I love this car. Its rough with the gas but hey I dont care. Its soooo fun. It drives so smooth and looks sexy. A head turner. I dont mind paying a note for this. I have the automatic not as potent as the 6 six speed but im not complaining

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  More bang for the buck! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By TD - March 17 - 4:26 am

  Easily the best car Ive ever driven, and Ive had a BMW 330I to compare it to. Excellent power from the rotary engine in any gear, at any speed, tons of torque, tight steering and stop on a dime brakes. This car looks like nothing else on the road, which is great. The Bose stereo is awesome. This car easily gives the most bang for the buck compared to anything else on the street, plus it has a usable back seat that the 350z and BMW dont. Gas mileage isnt great, but who cares? If you want great gas mileage, buy a hybrid. If you want to ENJOY your ride to work, or wherever, THIS is the car to get.

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  Lives up to the Hype - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Boaz - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car that lives up to the hype. It really will seat 4 adults in comfort. I am 6 1" and I can drive this car AND have car seats for both of my kids strapped into the back while my wife rides in the passenger seat. I wouldnt want to drive cross country like this but it works for the occasional evening out or other times when I need to haul the kids. Much has been said about the mileage and oil comsumption but after the last computer software upgrades from Mazda, the mileage has gotten better and the oil consumption has dramatically improved. Mazda is doing a really good job of taking customer feedback and using it to improve the car.