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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  Perfect Blend - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chad Wadsworth - September 8 - 10:03 am

  My wife laid down the law and said our second car could be anything as long as it had room for car seats. Thinking she had crushed any chance of my buying a sports car, I just grinned and began my search for an RX-8. Fantastic performance- you will not be disappointed with the lack of lowend torque unless you want to spend your saturday nights challenging at red lights... Not my thing, but listening to the sweet whine of the rotary at 8,500 rpm, cornering on rails and feeling like you are driving a uniquely designed machine- definitely my thing. Vehicle design is subjective, but I love it and after years of driving euro sedans I even like the interior. Overall a perfect blend.

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  Only 3 issues - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Aaron - September 4 - 7:46 am

  First: 4000 miles we had a strange gelcoat peeling on the front bumper. I wasnt pleased with the way Mazda dealt with the problem. Instead of Replacing the bumper they stripped and painted it, then blended it with the rest of the car. Second: Its seems to have some problems with starting every now and again. It cranks over a lot then will finally start. No rhyme or reason. I have driven it great distances and it happens, and short trips. Third: the Gas mileage is fairly bad, but its a sports car. For the positive side.... Its a blast to drive, its a practical sports car, its very comfortable, I am 64 and I drove non stop from Seattle to LA and back, Overall I love the car

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  Luckily strike - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Patrick - September 3 - 5:40 pm

  I bought the car with 25,000 miles and I now have 82,000. I have read a lot of reviews of people who have problem with these cars. When I bought mine, most of the recall issues were already addressed. Whenever I did have a re- call issue ( side air bag light, condensation in the tail lights ) the dealership took the car in and gave me a rental car at no charge. The dealer was always professional. Other than that I have never had any issues ( knock on wood) with reliability of the car. I live in New Hampshire and the car started up one morning when the outside air temp was -4. It has always started and drove without any problems. The car its self is great.

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  Perfect Sports Car - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By james - September 1 - 11:46 am

  I love this car, wish it made more power, but handles great and puts a smile on my face everyday, People always comment on my car, great purchase

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  Mazda did it again - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gabe - September 1 - 7:56 am

  Wow, if only Mazda owned Ford and not the only way around. This is the 3rd Mazda in my family, and my 2nd sporty one (ex-Miata owner). Before you buy a RX-8, know what youre getting: a real sports car that is practical. Think NASCAR vs F-1, i.e. the RX-8 wont blow away a Mustang GT but in a twisty road you will leave it eating your dust. Four people can be comfortable in it, but the trunk is small with the spare. The rotary by design burns oil and needs to be warmed up, so be advised. Also the Renesis rotary engine uses gas like a V-6 so the comments here are true. Ive had the car for almost a year in the warm FL weather and I still look forward to driving it, thats how fun it is.

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  AMAZING CAR! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rx Freak - August 25 - 6:03 pm

  Basically Ive had this car for a year now. It is amazing. It has the best handling a car could ever have, and I have driven Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, and many more. The suicide doors add a great comfort in that car. The Bose sound system is amazing and the cars rotary engine is smooth and the horsepower is amazing. The only bad thing about the car is fuel economy. With a full tank I get about 220 miles.

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  Nice car but............... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8notgood - August 20 - 10:40 pm

  Lovely to look at. Lovely to drive in cool weather (automatic). Had to put sandbags in the trunk to make to drive in a straight line in 1 inch of snow. Lots of rattles (eventually gave up bringing it back to get them fixed....). In very hot weather (80 F +), performance becomes very poor in traffic - often have to switch off AC and fan to get it to take off from lights. Heat for feet in cold weather very poor. I used to love this car, now looking foward to the end of the lease.

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  Eye-catching, Great handling - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mazda RX8 - August 19 - 4:00 pm

  The car draws positive comments and looks from everyone passing by. Many people ask what car it is, and say how much they like the look of the car. Handles like a dream even in high wind with the limited slip differential. Power to spare, incredible comfort. There is a great sound system, and fantastic safety features. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and a "cockpit" style dash presents all information so its easy to see. The digital speedometer is excellent for the quick glance - and necessary - its hard to tell how fast you may be going! Quiet ride. The back seats are a major asset - its a "family sports car"! Great car - you have to experience it to believe it.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dmchristie - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding. This is the first new car Ive purchased since 1989...It was worth the wait.

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  rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By chappy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fun to drive and definitly a head turner. Always getting complements on it.