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 591 through 600 of 879.00-
BAD REVIEWS GIVEN BY CLUELESS PEOPLE - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By rottenrotary - August 13 - 10:19 pmThe rotary is an amazing engine but different from regular piston engines & should be treated w/ that in mind. Many of these bad reviews stem from individuals who havent researched or properly cared for it. There are a few minor issues & if you RESEARCH it you will easily find ways to avoid those- not to mention 10 yr/100k mi warranty on the engine core components is a nice bonus should it be necessary. A rotary engine needs time to warm up. Turning the engine off while its still cold will flood it. There are reviews of people complaining about this but you can easily avoid it by letting it run for a minute or 2 Thanks to researching the RX8 first, Ive never had an issue.
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"Lemon" Yellow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By toconner - August 12 - 3:53 pmI bought my car in Mar 04. After 6 months new brakes and rotors. Nov 06 - took car in for oil change, was told need new motor in recall. New motor then required a new trans. Now in again because car is just not running right - doesnt want to start and backfires. I just wish Mazda would fix my little yellow car and bring it back to the car I use to love to drive and brag about.
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RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RX8 CONSUMER - August 6 - 10:00 amUNBELIEVABLE HANDLING, NOTHING IS AVAILABLE THAT HAS THE STYLING OF THE RX8. THE 50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IS VERY EVIDENT IN THE ACCELERATION, CORNERING AND OVER ALL FEEL OF MY RX8. WORTH EVERY PENNY YOU WILL SPEND TO BUY YOUR 8.
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Never again - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By never again - July 10 - 11:40 pmI, like others, purchased this car because of its sleek look. It started with problems with the engine which the dealership wanted to replace. Unfortunately Mazda, the corporation ,decided it was my fault that the engine was faulty and declined all repairs. Even though, I have had all maintenance repairs(oil change, tune ups, etc) done at the mazda service center ever since I purchased the vehicle. The sad part is that the car is still under warranty and they would not honor the warranty. I even got a call from thier rep. who told me they would not honor the warranty. When asked if he could put this in writing he declined. To anyone who is thinking about buying this car..One word..DONT.
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I love my Rx-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By I love mazda Rs - July 8 - 6:13 amI love this car!!! I have wanted one since they came out (when I was 11) because my grandma had a yellow Rx-7 when I was little, and I missed it. It drives great, though loud, I love that. You have to use the best quality EVERYTHING!!! I cant stress that more. I live in the hills and it is fun to drive on the curves. I just bought it a month ago as my first car...LOL :)
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Great Sport Car, but gas hog. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
By Rotary_chick - June 27 - 11:56 pmVery fun and reliable sports car. I love my 2006 RX-8. It has overall been an extremely good car. The only thing I would rate it being bad on is the fuel. However, other than that I love it. I truly love that it has 4 seats, the seat right behind my drivers seat is designated for my beagle and he knows to stay put. I love the ease of getting him in & out of the car because of how the doors open. I can get him out before he tries to jump in the front. lol. I like driving it, it drives and handles real well. My significant other, has a 350z convertible which I also love driving, however, I feel my RX-8 handles better. The Z can pick up faster and beats my RX-8, but I enjoy the handling.
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Debugging for Mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By BJHARLEY - June 19 - 2:00 amAll said, its a really nice ride though not perfect. So far (3K miles) replaced Oil Pan & Sensor, AC amplifier, 2 interior panels and had to remove the pass front seat to fix plastic trim. It left me stranded once...flooded. Costs as much to run as my Expedition. But it handles great, Looks great and the concept is very exciteing. A real head turner.
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DontDoAnRX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By UnhappyRX8Owner - June 16 - 10:36 pmI owned an RX-7 and loved it. I thought the RX-8 would be comparable but was wrong. The car has been towed 5 times in the last six months, the battery has been replaced and Mazda said "the batteries installed initially were not strong enough for the car" The car floods and need to sit for "days" before its operable again. If you live in the north east or anywhere it snows, you can kiss you Mazda 8 goodbye until spring, if theres a slight dusting of snow I cant get it out of the driveway. The only silver lining here (if it is really, is that I lease the car and I get to dump it back in Mazdas lap where it belongs.
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Most vain car ever made - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By brandon - June 8 - 7:26 amOk so I bought this car fresh after becoming single and this car was the vainest purchase I have ever made in my life. The car IS sexy, but that is it. It is not cheap, HORRIBLE ON GAS, and EXTREMELY HIGH maintenance!!! You have to check the oil a lot, it has to be run everyday or it wont turn over. Please learn from my mistake and buy a reliable and practical car.
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Outstanding sport/family car!!! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
By Popeye - May 27 - 8:33 pmI bought this car for my wife after her Stratus got totalled in a 7-car pile-up. All other cars we looked at were all the same. Line any brand, make or model up on a football field, and theyre all the same boxy car. I bought this one for her because of style, then engine, then performance. GAS MILEAGE? Youve got to understand this engine. Due to its rotary nature, it all boils down to a 6- cylinder, 2-stroke engine. Typically, 2-stroke engines have never had much power until you reach a speed above city street speed, and fuel consumption matches. You can drive this car at 80 MPH in 3rd gear (yes, auto also) all day with no problems. Never slides, squeals or tilts much on turns.
