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 531 through 540 of 879.00-
RX-8 Delivers Maximum Smiles per Mile!!! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Froggy RX-8 - June 13 - 10:36 amTest drove RX-8, fell in love at 9,000 rpm redline, bought on spot. Screams like a 4-seat F-1 car. This canyon carver runs down M-3s, 911s, and occasional Lambo on CA P.C.H. Hwy 1. Driven 36,000 miles so far, very reliable, comfy seats, compliant ride, good Bose stereo. Not lazy to drive like Chevy V-8. You MUST adapt your driving style to get max speed. Keep it from 5,000 to 9,000 rpm and rotary happily howls. Tiny low weight engine allows for mounting low and rearward in chassis for near mid-engine balance, low center of gravity. Rotary uses oil to lube its seals so top off oil at about five gas fill- ups. 17-20 MPG fine for fast car. If you need big mpg skip all sports cars.
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Fair review for the last Rotary - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By zero11534 - June 9 - 6:33 amThe RX8 is a true 4 door 4 seat sports cars, what it lacks in low end torque it makes up for in handling. Rotary motor propels the 3100lb RX8 to 60 in 6.0 sec. and a ¼ mile in 14.9. Fuel consumption for the RX8 was Avg for when it first came out, 17city/24 Hwy. The cars light weight stiff chassis and electronic steering makes this a point and drive sports car allowing even the novice of sports car owners the ability to get behind the wheel and take the turns like a pro. This car does come at a price requiring you to add oil about ever 4 fill ups. This is a good daily driver for hwy only commuters
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RX-8 Rocks!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RacerX8 - June 7 - 10:00 amGot 2500miles so far and this RX-8 rocks big time!!! Paid $30300 for the sunlight silver GT package. Acceleration is good (not great) but driving is fun with that 9k RPM limit in second gear getting me to 60+mpg in just over 6seconds. Handling is great. Fits 4 adults. Slim 6 footers can sit in back and enter/exit with relative ease for shorter trips. Best combo of sportiness, civility, and practicality that $30k can buy IMHO.
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Zoom Zoom Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By nuneswa - June 2 - 9:40 amIve had my RX-8 almost 2 years now. I liked the cornering and the thrust at high revs compared to the competition and I thought the interior was superior as well (besides the location of the cup holder, bad place). My friends do not mind riding in the back and they get a kick of the back doors. The RX-8 really sticks to the road on hair pin corners and switch backs. For about 10 miles my drive to work is full of hair pins and switch backs. This car helps me look forward to getting to work. I love to drive, and this car satisfies me.
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My Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Moo - May 29 - 3:23 amI love my car. Even though it gets 18 miles to the gallon, which would be its only con. This car is the perfect car to do anything in: going on road trips, beach, etc.
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disappointed - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Ziggy - May 22 - 11:23 amExpecting better fuel economy over the previous generation; still very poor for the power output compared to conventional engine. Need to regularly keep eye on rpm to know when to shift gears. Engine does not give audible sound that I am aware of when to shift gears which is distracting. I have unintentionally red lined many times. Overrated specs along with total dealer denials; one that car was over heating and refused to address.
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Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By little man - May 21 - 10:00 amYou cant go anywhere without someone approaching you and asking about the car. I feel like a salesman for Mazda. While passing everyone on the highway people try to catch you to see what kind of car just went by.
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Mx 8 Superior - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Turtle - May 16 - 4:46 pmJust a fun sexy car to drive Great handling Beautiful on the open road
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Taking it all in - 2008 Mazda RX-8
By OCDaddy1958 - May 8 - 6:23 pmTo be sure there are many vehicles out there that can provide exhilaration, but perhaps none at this price. I guess I dare not even put out there what I paid for this base model, but lets just say my 401K is still in tact. Something important here about the RX-8: The engine in the base unit is identical to leather upholstered top end unit, and without the constraints of a traction control system. This is sheer joy as you corner like a thoroughbred, for a pony-ride price. I bought this as gas was going through the roof, and made a steal, and now that gas is reasonable, Im having WAY to much fun for my age, but I try to control my enthusiasm when the wife and kids are on board.
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zoom zoom needs more vroom vroom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By bsilly - May 7 - 2:00 amThis was my first purchase of a "sports" car. The exterior styling was the deciding factor when comparing it with other vehicles for me. To me it is the best looking car on the road. I am happy with the RX8 for the amount of money spent, but would be happier if this car moved faster. In middle gears and at 55 to 60 it just doesnt move as I expected it would. Zoom zoom needs more vroom vroom in my opinion.
