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 51 through 60 of 879.00-
Head Turner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Double Wankel - June 12 - 7:56 pmGreat looking car in Velocity Red Mica. Good lines, and the suicide doors prompt plenty of interest. Adults fit in the back comfortably if the front-seaters scoot up a bit. Plenty of head room. The rotary lacks impressive stoplight torque, but the ponies wind up quickly. Its a great passer - drop to 3rd, floor it, and youre blowing their doors off just before you slip back out of the oncoming traffic. The gas mileage is poor for a smaller car - Im getting about 21 mpg when driving smoothly on the back roads at about 65 mph. I shudder to think how bad it would be if I frequently drove aggressively. Premium vs regular makes no difference.
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A True (4dr) Sports Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By jsh1120 - June 12 - 5:43 pmA great car. Wanted a true sports car but needed a back seat occasionally. The RX-8 is like a 4 wheel sportbike. Unbelievably smooth. Handling is unparalleled. My mileage through about 12 tanks hovers between 17.5 and 19 mpg, about what I expected with 60% of my time in city driving and 40% on highways and freeways. There appear to be some 04s with much worse mileage that cant be accounted for by driver behavior. Some drivers have problems with flooding, cold starting. Appears to be a problem with only some cars.
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I JUST LUV IT - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RONNIE - June 11 - 10:00 amI HAVE BEEN DRIVING CAR FOR A WEEK AND JUST LUV IT ... ITS A HEAD TURNER FOR SURE
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Owned 2 years 70k miles. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
By tyoung85 - June 9 - 11:57 amI have owned my 2005 Mazda RX-8 for two years now and it is currently at 70k miles, I must say the car is an eye catcher, and very fun to drive if you dont mind a slight hesitation in acceleration! On the other hand, with the higher mileage it is falling apart, it seems everytime I go down the road I end up putting it in the shop before the week is over! First it needed plugs, but because one fouled it killed my coils, which killed my air injection....then the idle pulley failed and snapped a belt, which snapped another belt immediately after, tail lights full of water... the list goes on, all in all they are fun til they start their downhill march, then get rid of it!!
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Zoom-Zoom Needs a Turbo - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By NAZGUL - May 29 - 2:40 pmIm a 37 male, Id have to say I love all the attention I get with my RX-8. I have Mazdaspeed aftermarket parts along with Sportmax 502 Rims and a Soundstream amp and sub, and finally a MIO510 Roadmate G.P.S. I get looks from kids, chicks, and unfortunately the local 5-0 and state troopers. Heck I got pulled over just to have my tint inspected by one! When I get the car paid off I plan on putting a Greddy Turbo and upgrade the brakes. I hate that an ugly Dodge Neon SRT-4 can outsprint my lovely RX-8 but someday - Watch out! LOL
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Sporty fun; comfortable cruiser;guzzler - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By StrickM - May 29 - 2:00 amThe RX8 fits between sports car and grand tourer. The rotary, which allows 50-50 weight distribution and space efficiency because it is compact and lightweight, is delightfully smooth, but doesnt match torque of the 350Z. For around $30,000, option packages give up-to-date features: traction and stability control, self-dimming mirrors, side and curtain airbags,Bose audio with steering wheel controls,limited slip diff,18" wheels with super braking, 168 mile rated performance tires,
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Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By big sam - May 29 - 2:00 amPerformance as advertised. Great compromise. Handles like a sports car. Room like a small sedan.
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RX-8 Performance - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By E.Lizcano - May 27 - 6:00 amYoull love the way this car handles, especially on turns. It may not be as fast off the line as "sports" cars, but it can still hold its head up high while handling better than many sport edition vehicles.
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Lots of ZOOOM for the Buck - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Rob@ Bement Illinois - May 27 - 5:16 amThis zippy 2004 manual RX-8 is the 4th sports car Ive owned (79, 84 trans ams, 94 mustang) and I have no regrets thus far. I didnt plan on buying it but test drove it just wasting time while my trade in was getting appraised. Im 5-8 & 200 lbs and found the seats to be a little small for us older Americans. If you ride the brakes at first for 3 seconds after 2 min. warming up, the brake squeak will stop. I get 20 mpg and 18.5 if I have my foot in it more than I should. The smooth ride from this lgt wgt car was really impressive. Controls are many and driver friendly. Wind noise with windows open sunroof closed is above average. Driver visibility req. mirrors to be adjusted correctly.
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best car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By alex1972 - May 24 - 10:00 amreallyfun to drive and a good looking car turn a lot of heads
