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 651 through 660 of 879.00-
X-Review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By brandx - October 31 - 10:00 amActually, didnt realize what a following the Mazda had. Drove it in two parades and many were asking what kind of car it was and what did it have "Unda da hood." People making left turns always look and try to figure out what kind of car it is but because I have the extra "Bra" on the front, they cant tell. Love the inside too with the red/black interior matching the red of the outside. One thing I have had the most comments about is how much flake they put in the paint. It is amazing how it shines.
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The worlds first 4-door sports car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By deslock - October 31 - 10:00 amTraded my WRX in for it 11 weeks ago. The WRX was a blast, but its handling and braking werent exceptional and it didnt communicate the road well. I drove some friends Mini Cooper Ss a few times, which reminded me that the fastest cars arent always the most fun. I dont like FWD and need 4-doors so the MCS was out. I considered the STI, EVO, and G35s, but I wanted something more livable, toss-able, and cheaper. The RX8 6-speed can be had for $25k.
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great sportscar, lots of fun - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RiothamusLXIV - October 31 - 10:00 amthe RX-8 is a wonderful second car to drive around for fun, but i find myslef using it more and more everyday. it is comfortable on long trips, responsive and an overall excellent sportscar. the design is completely different than other cars, and gets tons of looks everywhere. i have a black one with the grand tourning package, and 6-speed transmission.
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not in the snow - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By iowa mike - October 24 - 1:40 amLoved the car except I live in Iowa and the car should not and in some cases cannot be driven in the snow. Had problems getting up even the smallest grade when streets were the least slick. Tires are very sticky and that added to handling, but the down side is they only last about 10K miles. Overall loved the car (my third rx) but it had some problems that were too much for me to handle in the winter. Anywhere without snow, this vehicle kicks. Wish they offered a convertible.
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midlife crisis solved - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Paul - October 17 - 2:20 amMid life crises prompted my wife to say: I dont need a minivan. Sold van and 85 RX-7 and bought used 04 RX-8. Kids love it (2 and 4 year old with car seats on top of pillows in back seat for better visibility). Snow traction great with snow tires here in MN; was impossible with stock tires. Traction control no fun but very effective. 28K miles with no problems other than a few minor recalls which Mazda took care of. Great ride, handling, comfort. Difficult to get good mileage with such a fun car to drive hard. Burns one or two quarts of oil between changes.
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DO NOT BUY! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By POSRX8 - October 13 - 5:33 ami bought the car 10 months ago. It has been in the shop for over 60 days total so far. It gets horrible gas mileage; I have never got better than 15 miles to the gallon. It burns through oil like crazy. mMy car has had 3 engines in 10 months! Mazda has replaced and paid for everything because there is a bigger problem with their engines that they dont want to get out, Im smelling major RECALL! Not reliable at all, uncomfortable seats, very slow off the line. Do not buy this car, because if you have the same problems and try to pursue the lemon law like i am, Mazda will just ignore you and not return your phone calls, so do not buy this car!
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Worried about gas mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By hotrodbabe - October 6 - 10:00 amIm getting much lower mileage than I expected: 16.3 mpgal for the first 3 fillups, including one nice long road trip. I even ran out of gas after only 257 miles on a full tank of gas! That never should have happened. This is way below the advertised gas mileage. First there was the problem with the horsepower lower on the production cars than on the pre-production models; now lower gas mileage. Im starting to wonder about this engine!
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super fun car for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Randoff - October 6 - 10:00 amI love the car. Its a bargain for all that you get with this car. Who can beat the cost (31,100) and still provide you with speed and innnovativeness. I love the red/black interior color combo. I dont like the quality of the material for the inside though. The dashbord looks "dirty" even when its clean. I considered the 350Z and the G35 Coupe. Both were a few thousand dollars out of my price range. My recommendation, get the RX-8 M/T. Peace!
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great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Patrick - September 30 - 2:00 amThe car handles like no other. It never loses traction. It accelerates great, has a great engine noise. The interior is sporty and fun and you can even fit the kids in back no problem.
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3rd rotary ownership - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By rich russo - August 29 - 1:16 amgreat exterior design, excellent road handling. pickup is somewhat lacking with the automatic, gas mileage fair. real looker!
