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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  best ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By hotmazzie - May 2 - 10:00 am

  hot and spunky....not a ford donkey.

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  mazda rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blu-1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  perfoms very well in all catigories. runs very smooth. sounds great. beautiful interior. wonderful sound system.

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  Brilliant but Flawed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Herfosaurus - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Lousy fuel economy and un-Japanese build quality. My avg gas mileage (40% highway, 40% 2-lane country, 20% city) was around 16 mpg. My car had a few common RX-8 maladies -- door-sill trim that became unstuck, an oil light that came on at high speeds, and the finish starting to wear off the shift knob. Interior has far too much cheap-looking plastic for a "premium" interior. AC not particularly capable on hot days

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  Youll break necks driving this car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cash_money - April 19 - 2:00 am

  If I had $1 for everytime someone checked out my car, I would be rich. Ive literally had lots of people roll down their windows at stop lights and converse about my car. If you dont like dealing with people, dont buy the car. Ive also taken my two sons (3 and 2) in the back around for 4hr family days. The freestyle doors really help and ARE USEFUL. Audio system is very good contrary to other reviews (Im thinking they want their music WAY too loud). I looked at BMW, AUDI, Infiniti, etc... but Mazda had everything they did and you will not see this car every mile.

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  zoom,zoom,zoom....................... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By abrickie - April 13 - 2:00 am

  i have owned two rx7s 78 & 85 loved them, but my rx8 is so much better i cant belive the difference. power,handling & comfort are tops. i liked the g35 also but the cramped up feeling & road noise were too much to overcome. sorry nissan...mazda RULES!!!!

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  Happy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tgray_n_tbay - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Great, fun to drive "4-door family sedan".

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  Truly fun to drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Farrokh - April 4 - 7:30 pm

  I love my RX8. It is truly fun to drive and despite what Consumer Reports might tell you about predicted reliability, I have never once had a problem with it.!

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  RX 8 is fun for moms - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Sue C - April 3 - 5:10 pm

  Love the attitude of the car -- handles like a dream! City and Highway driving are a thrill!

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  MY RX8 OF 3 YRS - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Lethal - March 17 - 4:03 pm

  I have had my 8 for 3 years now got it when I graduated from high school as a first car it ran great never any problems and really fun to drive. 2 years in my cat converter got plugged which gave it no power this was fixed by the dealer no problem free at cost have to change the oil at least every 2-3 months they key is taking care of the car dont be cheap n turn the engine off ull flood it or worse there are no problems if it is taken care of i have also done my car up n boy its been great!2 10" Alpine Subs V12 Alpine Amp Greddy SE exhaust custom led lights K&N Intake

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  my RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Chad Foster - March 16 - 9:20 pm

  Being 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.