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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  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By KrazieLette - October 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome i want to get the same car in all colors, its easy to drive and fun to drive it runs smooth and easy to handle great sports edsition to 2004

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  Practical for a sports car... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By crickett - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Zzzippy! More fun to drive than the 350 Z, however I assumed the mileage would be as great as my Rx-7 in high school and didnt check before I bought. Big mistake! I average 16 mpg. Small tank too [15 gallons] But I love the aesthetics! Interior is nicety! Back seat is perfect for a baby seat when my sister comes to visit with my niece, also you can crumple up drunk people and stuff them back there when you dont want them on the road. [not an option in my former 93 Vette] My boyfriend says its a girls car yet always has a creative excuse to run errands in my car.

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  RX-8 Rocks!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By 007 - October 1 - 6:10 am

  The RX-8 give you the most bang for the buck when compared to the other cars in its class. None of the others has a back seat, which really comes in handy for extra people or extra gear. The performance is outstanding, it handles better than the BMW4, Nissan 350, or Audi. The six speed manual shifter is perfect, and the Bose stereo is awesome.

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  Caveat emptor - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Deaun - September 30 - 12:03 pm

  Let the buyer beware, indeed! This is my daily driver, plenty of miles, over 53,000 in 22 months. Comfortable and a pleasure to drive, but fixes are a pain (towing, tires are non-standard, weeks at a dealership, and worse once the warrenty expired). Gas mileage and cup holder complaints are valid. Tail light seals are faulty. Many rattles from underneath - try wire (metal) ties - and inside (super glue?). I traded my Miata for this? Am searching for my next car right now. Very disappointed in the quality and/or reliability of the RX8 after spending the time to locate my dream car.

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  AWSOME - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - September 28 - 10:00 am

  LOVE IT TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!

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  WOW - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By buffys boy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 2 months and all I can say is WOW!!! The styling is incredible, the handling is great! Granted the automatic is not hot off the line, but the pratical side is this is a Great everyday car! The interior styling is far superior to the 350Z I tested! This car has way too many great things to mention!!! A car I would recommend!!!

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  good so far - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By john d conlan - September 22 - 2:00 am

  handles well, looks great, pickup average,gas mileage stinks

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  Mazda RX8 Automatic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Valerie Lindsey - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it two weeks, but love the car. Fun to drive and draws attention with its sporty look.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By AshleyMarie - September 22 - 2:00 am

  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!The look is very nice and a lot of different types of people look good in it!

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  automatic - poor low end accelleration - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rralicki - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I whish you would put the HP vs the cu. in.. The Mazda automatic is 40 hp lower that the standard transmition and you can fell the difference. Popular Science states that they had to de-tune the engine to save the torque converter. It is fun to drive and I like the shifter on the steering wheel, but you must be at 2500 rpm or better to zoom, zoom,zoom.