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 61 through 70 of 879.00-
Best Sports Car Ive Had - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By RotaryLover - May 24 - 10:00 amWow...AM I IMPRESSED! Of all sports cars Ive previously owned, S2000, Boxter, 300zx, Eclipse, and we cant forget my favorite previous vehicle, RX7. Price is excellent on this car too; Best bang for the buck on sports cars to date. This car is by far my favorite. The salesman,Chris Kimbel from Bell Road Automall, had the best knowledge toward my car as far as any other Mazda Salesman that Ive heard from. Thank you Chris and Thank You Bell Road Mazda.
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Great year so far - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Dewey B - May 13 - 10:00 amIve owned my RX-8 for almost a year and I have enjoyed almost every minute of it. In my price range, I could not find this cars same mixture of power, handling, utility, and safety features. Comparatively few of them are on the road, so I frequently get looks at stop lights, as well as many race requests, which leads me to my biggest gripe- lack of torque. Until you get into those high rev ranges, there isnt much going on, but with the positive action of the 6 speed stick, once you get it into the high part of the tach, its nice and easy to keep it there. Overall a great car; lets all thank Mazda for employing more engineers than accountants.
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Trading this car this week - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By maxy - May 13 - 10:00 amI bought this car in july, dealer said it would hold its value.Not true! I Will loose 6k for trade,car has under 1000 miles on it.Sticker was 33,235. Poor air conditioning, luke warm air.Cheezy knobs for heat & air.Terrable gas mileage,poor visability when backing up, (posts on the sides are in the way), trunk to high. driver seat does not go up high enough for short people. I am tradeing this car in this week for a Infinity fx35.
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my rx - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By rx8joe - May 13 - 10:00 amThe moment I saw the RX8 I was in love.. but having brake problems so early is changing my love to hate. Would I buy another RX8? NO... I should of bought the MazdaSpeed...
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Mazdas best kept secret - 2007 Mazda RX-8
By mark - May 8 - 10:46 amFour months and 6000 miles into my ownership experience and no issues. I still look forward to every drive. Max. mpg was 19.8 with a minimum of 15.8 on first tank fill, average is about 18 in mixed driving. Low rpm shifts and slower highway speeds should yield about 20 mpg. Torque is low compared to larger displacement 6 and 8 cylinder engines, but comparable to other small naturally aspirated engines such as hondas s2000 and civic si, both of which also have larger displacements. Power builds steadily all the way to its 9000 rpm readline. Handling is very secure, composed and predictable even at its limit. Distinctive styling, inspiring performance, comfortable ride and seating for 4 adults.
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Love it! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Jamie - May 3 - 3:06 amI have owned this vehicle for the past few months and i love it! i have had two Madzas before this and this is the first rotary i have owned. I have read reviews of problems with this car and i can say that i have nothing happen to it, i drove to Florida and back from New Jersey. Oil consumption is NORMAL in a rotary because it used it in the combustion chamber, so it is burned off with the fuel! IT IS NORMAL TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1500 MILES! GET USED TO IT!
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Almost Perfect - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By TheBark - April 25 - 6:30 amFun to drive and I actually fit into it, the RX8 is an almost perfect sports car. There are a few things quality wise that could be improved (why are the visors still an issue going into the fourth production year?), but overall, its a combination of sportiness and practicality, not to mention superb handling, that makes this such a great vehicle. And unlike those hideous Mustangs, you dont see one at every stop-light which is something of a plus, too.
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No better balanced Sports Car for the $$ - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By rxeightr - April 23 - 10:00 amSeats 4 full-size adults, smooth tranny, great power, sweet sounding RENESIS rotary that loves to be revved to 9K rpm, no rattles after 3500 miles, avg 21-22 mpg, 50/50 weight distribution at 3,100 lbs, and looks fantastic. But the best part is the awesome handling characteristics, while still providing a firm but comfortable ride. What other car for $30K gives you all this?
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most underpriced car in america - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By boobalo - April 23 - 10:00 ami had a 2000 honda s2000 and loved how it performed. i thought nothing was better when it came to handling but im taller than 5 foot so i found it to be a little confining to put it nicely. as soon as i found out about the rx8 i went to the closest mazda dealership, traded in my s2g and picked up a mazda rx8 with the grand touring package and i dont regret it for one second. it performs just as well, handles better and is oodle loads more comfortable. with the grand touring package it comes with leather trim, 9 speaker bose stereo, heated and power seats, and just everything you could really want in a car.absolutely orgasmic.
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RX-8 vs. RX-7 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Rotary Lover - April 23 - 10:00 amI had my RX-7 for 13 years.... waited for the RX-8 for approximately 3 years.... and FINALLY IT ARRIVED! So, far Im really enjoy it. I ride solo a lot, so theres plenty of room for me. Heads are TURNING!
