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 571 through 580 of 879.00-
My Black RX-8 "BETTY" - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Kimberly A. Bell - December 1 - 2:00 amOut of all the cars that i have owned, this is the best car by far. It is comfortable,beautiful,reliable,and it fits me perfect for me and my four year old son.
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Zoom-Zoom is RIGHT! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By redhotmama - December 1 - 2:00 amIts tough having a car salesman for a husband. He brought the RX-8 home for lunch one day, and I owned it that night. Ive never liked driving - but I LOVE this car! Now I wish I had to drive further to get to work every day! No fear of tipping over (like with my Santa Fe); holds the road, corners, changes lanes like a dream. I am a believer! Ill trade off the mediocre fuel economy for the fun and satisfaction of an awesome looking and driving car!
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Im in love - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By KCSabby - December 1 - 2:00 amThere are faster cars out there. And there are cars out there that might handle a little better. But none of them come close to the whole package that is the RX-8. It is without a doubt the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. It looks beautiful, and even though Ive only had it a couple weeks it attracts a lot of attention wherever I go! Way to go Mazda!!!!!
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Hot, hot, hot - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Deborah TP - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car is hot! It drives like silk, so very smooth. The design is an optical illusion, more spacious in the front & rear than it appears. My husband is 61" and 230# and has adequate head room in front. It is fast, responsive and holds the road well. On turns, you can actually feel the tires hugging the road. 2 negatives: (1)it does not handle snow well. (2) blind spot looking out the rear and to the right. All in all, I expect to enjoy driving this car for years to come. It is fun, it is practical (as it holds 4 people) and Mazda did a great job creating a "looker" with great intelligence.
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RX-8 (Not so great) - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By JoeBone - December 1 - 12:43 amIve been driving my RX-8 for about two months now...kinda disappointed. Not nearly as fast as my 350-Z. In fact, not even close. Hardly any torque off the line; you have to be in third gear to get any torque but it is impressive once you get going. Interior is kinda cool and Bose audio is very good. Enough room to take 4 people comfortably, as opposed to the Z which was horrible. Gas mileage is a joke; seems like 2 miles per gallon. I would not buy this car if I had it to do over again.
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zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By madball - November 25 - 10:00 amHave not had any problems with my RX-8 other than a crack in the windshield that i had to have replaced. I drive it hard all of the time and it takes it wthout complaining at all and even seems to like it!
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Warranty ran out & 1 thing after another - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By FLLawyer - November 13 - 5:03 pmBought the car because of looks and the zoom, zoom, zoom when I accelerated. Then the dealership made a recommended adjustment on one of my visits (due to a grinding/rattle noise on sudden accelerations from day one) and the responsiveness was never the same. Right after the 5 yr warranty ran out, the dealership in St. Pete announced that the vibration I was feeling was the engine mounts being kaput. This was a known problem they got a bulletin on. Never told me. They quoted $700 to fix. We bought Mazda mounts from a dealership on line and Midas installed-total cost $300. Soon thereafter the airbag light went on. It flashes or stays on permanently. So got to take it in again.
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Motor mount madness - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By One Man - November 12 - 6:30 pmWe treat this vehicle like a princess, low mileage with good weather and fairly decent roads to drive on. Today we were told that the motor mounts need to be replaced, at a cost of almost $500. Its hard to believe that this is necessary with less than 25,000 miles on the car. Car or service department?? Would a shimmy in the front end warrant such drastic measures?? Nice car in appearance, but in my opinion does not ride comfortably nor does it seem to be very durable.
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What a car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RodmaninFL - November 7 - 10:00 amThe car is great. It is agile and the back seat is useable for adults. We have learned the back seat sequence of steps - open doors, front seat forward, person in seat back. Once in it is comfortable. I have discovered storage bins in several places and there is a pass-thru even though some reviews say not. I am still disoriented by the radio controls but the rest of it is great. The nighttime interior lighting is gorgeous - neon blue, red and dome spotlight. A VERY well designed car.
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This car is awesome! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By katrina - November 7 - 10:00 amI test drove this car and fell in love! I handles like a front wheel drive vehicle with the beef and clout of a rear wheel drive sports car. Highly recommend driving it. It is an absolutely fun car with a splash of practicality!
