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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  Rotar-heads first rx-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By waterproofone - February 11 - 7:23 am

  Ive owned 4 rx-7s. Only one of which was a lemon because I purchased from a friend and it was not well taken care of. I love the rotary engines and they have all been great. As long as you make sure the oil is filled with quality oil and the coolant is full all of the time you should be fine. The Rx-8 is less of a car in some manners and more in other areas than the rx-7. I love them both but think the rx-7s had more character to them. They were simpler and not so many sensors and design flaws. I hate the gas mileage and some of the rattles inside but the car so far is good. I have had it in the shop to repair many things/rattles and other things and so far they have not complained.

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  What a great car! - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By pjs_tools - February 4 - 12:53 pm

  Purchased as a car-show dealers demo in OCtober 2010. Driven three seasons - never in snow. Currently at 12,000 miles. Bets handling car I have ever owned, or driven. Test drove about 25 cars before buying this one (and a VW GTi for my wife). Best of all of them, including BMW roadster, Mitsubishis, Toyotas (no real competitor with the demise of the S2000), Porsches (too expensive to repair!), and Nissan Z. I think this is the best affordable sports car available. Holds its value as well, at least so far. No mechanical or other problems to date.

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jpostyn - January 18 - 2:00 am

  very fun to drive

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  Vinces Rx8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vince michael - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Rx7s but this one is right on the money.It handels great and has even helped me to avoid an accident.Sometimes its hard to feel safe in a sports car. Not this one! The Rx8 is the best of its kind yet.

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  After One Year and 37000 Miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By diverjmacj - December 27 - 5:26 am

  Love my 8. I commute 125 miles each day, live in my car. This car is pure enjoyment to drive. Comfortable, responsive, quick, nimble, what else can I say? I did not expect to be stopped by someone every week with questions, comments, admiration but I am.

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  Better than Road and Track - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By hag - December 19 - 10:00 am

  After waiting 7 months and reading numerous reports and articles about the RX8, I was not disappointed! This car will revolutionize (no pun) the sports car industry what Sony did to radios with the walkman, and Yamaha did to marine outboards with its 2 stroke salt water series.

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  NOT FAST and FURIOUS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8itsgotime - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, handles excellent love the 18" stock rims!! The car looks FAST standing still, too bad it isnt!! I love the back seat and like most people I need it (350Z has alot more torque for around the same money, but NO back seat) this car looks alot better than the 350Z in my opinion, but lacks the torque big time!! I also did NOT like the fact of buying an option package of 3500.00 to get the moonroof!

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  Finally Satisfied - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Car Addict - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned a lot of cars in last 3 years. I have had an 2003 M3, 2002 Boxster, 2003 I35, 2002 S2000, 1987 911 Turbo, Lexus SC 430 to name a few. I must say that this is the easiest car to drive and I find myself defaulting to it out of all my cars. It just does everything well. It does not have the prestige of the others, but the low stress fun of this light weight sports car has pleased me the most. Small package, but enough space for a 63" 265 lb. sports car enthusiast.

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  What A Beauty! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NJAYS - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a real head-turner...still turning mine! I dont know if theyre admiring looks or trying to figure out what it is for Ive seen no other in my local area!

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  Its a love, hate relationship - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jessica - December 10 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my RX8 used almost 2 years ago. My engine started "fluttering" 4 days after I bought the car. I have only had problems since. If your RX-8 is not idling correctly, you need to have the engine replaced. Finally after 2 years of problems, mine are about to be solved. If you are looking to buy this car, please know that it is not a grocery getter. You have to heat the engine completely up before you can turn it off. Do yourself a HUGE favor and do some research. You would be amazed at what needs to be done for the upkeep of this car. I love mine to the point that I cant trade it in. Make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort to keep it up.