Mazda RX-8 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.49/5 Average
879 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 641 through 650 of 879.00
  • Very fun and never has a problem! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    Love the car, very fun to drive. Little kids on the side of the street get excited and people turn heads. Has a unique and fun sound, supreme handling, and I love sitting low in a car. It could use more initial torque, and wish they would finally come out with the Mazda Speed version (not likely). Of course as in with all Wankel Rotary engines.......fuel consumption. :(

  • Mazda no go! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    Since I have had this car for the last four months the dealer has had it one month out of the first 3 months. There is very little acceleration and it has been taken to the dealer. After Mazda had it for a week they called and said take it home, go through two full tanks of premium gas (thats all I use anyway ) and then if it still has no acceleration we will look further into it (in other words they do not quickly stand behind their car).

  • Good Car so Far. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    700 miles so far. Gas mileage is not good but its a sports car. Needs Climate control instead of manual. The air conditioning does not cool the car and makes a clunk sound every so often. The air bag light comes on occasionally and when the clutch is not engaged it makes a grinding sound which can be heard from inside. The stereo system could be better. The black interior causes it to get too hot in the sunshine plus makes it appear dirty with very little dust. Overall good car.....hopefully continues as that.

  • bad ass car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    The RX-8 is blast drive. The speedometer is very helpful because it is digital. The audio system is much better than the nissans 350 Z. The speakers dont sound like they are right at your ears. It is nive to be able to fit four people in a sports car. The interior could not be any sportier. I say the RX-8 is one of the best cars in 2004.

  • RX-8 first Team chesapeake ,va - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    The RX-8 handles very well. It does not like low RPMS might to be driven fast. Very fun to drive. Trevin Cox

  • Great car. - 2007 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    Well, this is my first car. I bought it about 6 months ago, and couldnt be happier. I did a lot of research about it, and found all these horror stories. But I have yet to have single problem with this car, and I am the second owner. This car gets the looks and the talk, and the performance to match. I will admit, this car is no dragster, thats not how its designed. But the feeling of attacking every corner with unmatched precision is, just that. unmatched. These stories of flooded engines and bad seal are only if your ignorant. Check the oil, and dont floor it out of the driveway on a icy morning, and it will be fine. If you get this car, get the manual, for it has a 9k RPM red-line. :D

  • Mazda RX-8 lot of flash, bad on gas - 2005 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    The Mazda RX-8 is a great sports coupe. In terms of performance the RX-8 competes well with the Porsche Boxster and BMW M4. It has a broad rpm range, true 9000 rpm redline, has a shifting sweet spot around 7500-8000 which is absolute music to the ears. The Zoom Zoom is in the curves. Its .88 Gs in slalom testing by Motor Trend magazine puts the RX-8 in a class with true exotic sports supercars. This is an ideal sports car for the family guy. With seating for four, you can take drop the kids off at soccer, ballet, and lacrosse practice. Its exterior design is flowing and graceful, but definitely exudes its sports car nature. The drivers cockpit very stylish, but all business.

  • love my car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    Not only is the car fun to look at, it is also incredible to drive. I was not sure what to expect out of the car with the new renisis engine and side ports but the car has been running great. Long distance travel and faster acceleration as well. Check to oil every 500 miles it is just that type of engine that needs to be checked on because of the rotary engine. Also let the car warm up for 3 to 5 minutes before taking off. You and the car will get along better. =)

  • digs - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    the car gets plenty of looks (RED. I bought some accessaries at the dealer which made it look beter, some of the items are from mazdaspeed but available from the dealer

  • How to blow a H2000, G35 or 350Z away... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    What an awesome car! I love it! Every morning I drive to work smiling! The car runs perfectly and just feels right. The looks and attention it gets from others has be washing it everyday just so that I can see other people gape at it!

Mazda RX-8 Reviews By Year:
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