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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  Nice Car But...... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GameOver - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Went to a Local Dealership Over the Weekend and there are a Few Things that Must be Made Clear!1st DO NOT Buy the Automatic!You DO NOT Get 238HP You get about 176HP,You Do Not Get the 9,000 RedLine You get about 7,500,You Do Not Get the Stiffer Suspension Pkg.,This car was NOT Created to Be an Automatic!I Agree w/Mazda for Doing This,what I Disagree with is this Should be Made Known Instead of Looking in the Fine Print!!The Milage is Absolutley Horrible for This Car!To make a Long Story Short I Love the Car and if I was Going to Buy I would Get the 6Speed Version,but for Now I Think Ill Keep My Vette as it is Much Faster and I Get Better Milage to Boot!!!

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  Exciting Machine - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Chris - February 6 - 9:13 am

  I bought my car as a left over model so it was still brand new but with a nice discount. That and the style were initially my main reasons for purchasing the car. I would say Im glad the pieces came together the way they did. I have owned 20 cars and 1 motorcycle and Im only 30, and this vehicle is one of the most fun I have driven. One downfall was it didnt start out as fast as I would have liked but with a few minor upgrades the motor woke up a lot and it is now as fast as a 2008 Mustang GT 5 speed but handles 10 times better. Tests have been done with a stock RX-8 vs a 350z which is a faster car, the RX-8 matched the 350zs track time because the handling was superb to the quicker car.

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  rx-8 fun car, horrible factory support - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jpw8737 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  i bought my rx-8 about five months ago, its been through 2 transmissions,and continual factory problems, with no good manufacturer customer service. fun to drive, handles great!! too many minor problems.

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  MY8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dumkittymom - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several import cars and this is the only one that Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE (young,old) say WOW. I wouldnt let my 19 yr old take it without me I went out and bought her another car. Maybe that is why my license plate says MY8 on it......

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By aljor042 - January 23 - 3:36 am

  Just bought my 06 RX-8 GT with 30k miles on it and am loving it. Test drove one and fell in love immediately. The handling is amazing, it is unlike anything in its price range. The engine has plenty of power dont worry about what everybody is saying about a lack of power, this thing will move! Gas mileage isnt all that bad either I got 25 mpg on a 300 mi trip with the cruise set on 80.

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  Great 3rd Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MI-Mazda - January 13 - 9:33 am

  I loved this car for the first six months. The handling is phenomenal. Convinced my wife that it was practical for our family b/c it was a 4 door. However, this car is undriveable in winter, and thus, remains parked for nearly 4 months of the year here in Michigan. If I could, I would keep it as a third car to drive for fun. It just isnt practical for me as a daily driver.

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  Fun vehicle - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ED STRINGER - January 10 - 9:40 pm

  This vehicle was purchased as a "just for fun" vehicle for me and my wife. I was an owner of the old rx-7 back in the late 70s early 80s. This car is all you would want from a "fun car." It is not an economical car. It requires high octane gas, regular oil checks, and expensive tires. It drives and handles just as you would expect a sports car to drive and handle. It has a six speed transmission that adds fun and power to the rotary engine. This is a wonderful vehicle.

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  Dragon-Slaying Machine! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Killerking - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have taken the car on "the dragon" aka Deals Gap (www.tailofthedragon.com) and had 2 strangers making movies of me! Thia car handles like a bullet on rails! The dragon has 318 curves in 11 miles ao believe me, I KNOW how these cars handle! Also, the attention you get driving this car is unbeleiveable.....Not too many people wanna run you in this car, they know better, esp. around corners. Mazda issued a service repair order to replace the oil pan, so my dealer did it and all is well now. If you want a true high-revving sports car, then look no further........get an RX-8.

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  3rd time around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By russo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  after owning a 1982 rx7 gsl and a 1992 rx1, my new rx8 is the best of the three. Granted, my 1992 was a VERY FAST car but it rode like a truck. My 1982 was fanatastic by the 2004 has the looks, the price and the driveability. Thumbs up to the engineers!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TM45 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is very entertaining, draws a crowd, handles beautifully, is very quick, and seats four. WHat is not to like?