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:

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  Best zoom-zoom on the planet - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By eastexburt - April 13 - 1:20 am

  This is a road-car, not a dragster. You dont rev your rotary engine at a stop light next to a Corvette. Accelleration is good, but not spectacular. Plenty of horsepower; moderate torque. The car is spectacular on the highway: on a winding road or an interstate. With six speeds (manual) you can accomodate any situation and have a blast all the way there and back. Handling is amazing with the electonic stability gadgetry; interior is comfortable and controls/gauges are intuitive. The basic sound system is great. The trunk is smallish (Hey, its a sports car), but you have a full-size back seat. I cant understand why everybody hasnt ordered one. There is nothing like it near $30K.

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  How fun it is!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By The Juan - April 11 - 4:53 pm

  All I had to do is look at this car and I was in love. Then I drove the car and realized I was in heaven taking corners with ease.

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  Rx8 Rox - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Joshua Beers - April 10 - 2:00 am

  FUN, FUN, FUN and more FUN!!! The rx8 although pretty pricy when at the gas station is well worth the fill up. You will find yourself filling the car up all the time because its so fun to drive. If you have the $$$ or even if you dont you should def. get yourself into one of these. Take it for some turn and hear that rotary rev. (even w/ 4 heads in the car) Awesome ride, awesome design & a great all around car. RX8 OWNER

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Eric Peterson - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The RX8 is the car for turning heads. Everyone that comes in contact with this car is facinated with it style and performance. Mazda has done a fine job, even though the RX7 should still be offered.

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  RX8 What a surprise - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tkemory - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Last summer (July 03) I decided to take a test drive on the RX8 which had just come out. I was currently driving a 99 Corvette but was looking for something a little different. Prior to test driving the RX8 I tried out the 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe, and the Honda S2000. The minute I got behind the wheel of the RX8 I knew I loved the car and wanted it. I was sad getting rid of the Vette but I the upkeep of the Vette was becoming a pain and was getting expensive. I was worried at first that the overall experience would wane and that eventually I wouldnt be happy with the RX8 but after a year I still love the car and get constant compliments.

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  Another RX-8 Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Anne - March 19 - 12:30 am

  Here is another RX-8 that had to have the engine replaced. This car is an outrage that they ever put this car into production! My husband owned a 1984 RX-7 and loved it. We were so disappointed. It been in the shop since we got it. The engine light has never been off. The deal told us it was sand in the engine, then this and that and final we demanded a new engine. Has been OK for three years and now the engine shuts down once it get hot..about 90 miles. SO now we just drive it 15 minutes to the van pool. Mazda you should have recalled this car..never by another Mazda and tell my horror story. My other car is a 2002 Toyota 4Runner..the best truck on earth..no kidding!

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  Uses Oil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Tanya - March 15 - 12:36 am

  Our vehicle uses 1 quart of oil every 600 miles - ridiculous! The oil is only supposed to be changed every 5000 miles, but it is frequently changing itself. Mazda Corps selling practice are very deceptive. If anyone knew how much oil this car burned no one would ever buy it. And, to boot it gets 15 mpg! This is worse than my truck!

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  Quirky and Loads of Fun - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8LA - March 11 - 2:20 am

  I may be a bit biased as I inherited my moms 1984 RX-7 as my first car. It was light on its feet, smooth, high revving and nimble as a go cart - so is the RX-8. The car isnt super fast, especially from a dead stop, but it has lots of pep and is plenty fast as long as winning drag races isnt high on your must-have list. The handling is wonderful and the car looks great inside and out. The nav system can fold away if you dont want the screen to show, and the Bose stereo can get painfully loud. This is the first car where I cant stand to turn the stereo to max. Negatives - fuel economy is SUVish and the car gets hot inside from the engine. The A/C can barely keep up on a hot, sunny day.

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  New Toy - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jwoods - March 4 - 4:56 pm

  I have owned 2 previous rotary engine cars in the past, plus 2 Mustang GTs and 1 Corvette. This car has been great so far. Very fun to drive. Shifts easier than the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire we own. Very rare on the road (unlike Mustangs). Ample power and torque spread across a wide powerband. Gas mileage is mediocre.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JAMOUL - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Its great i love it i suped it up I won over 40,000 dollars in races dang its a beautiful thing.