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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  Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Lynda Leon - July 31 - 10:00 am

  A roomy sports car that can fit 4 passangers nicely. A real looker!! Its fun and fast, I love driving this car.!! Great design, inside and out!

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  An Amazing Compromise - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By GTRacer - July 31 - 1:26 am

  After 15+ years in front-wheel drive slushbox-equipped cars, I told my wife my next car would be RWD with manual transmission. She said fine, as long as it had four seats so I could continue to take the kids to school. I knew going in that the car was light on torque and thirsty for fuel. I didnt really mind because I was looking for a drivers car, not an econobox or quarter-mile dueler. The car is amazing to drive and I have yet to find its limits. I replaced the tires with BFG gForce KDWs so, with the amazing suspension I suspect the limits are high indeed. Launched properly it can go well enough but it really likes to turn and stop too. Comfort and accommodations are good too.

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  3 Year Owner with 80K miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ckrx8 - July 27 - 10:36 am

  Ive owned my RX8 for 3 years now. Im a rotary enthusiast, owned RX7s and work on RXs of all sorts. First off, this car is an amazing machine as far as handling and value for a very affordable price. However, before you buy make sure you know what youre getting into. Like most rotaries, this car is temperamental, it WILL be high maintenance and its important you know that. Acceleration is good for a stock car but modding this car with simple bolt ons will do NOTHING. Major dollars are involved if you want to go faster. Overall, Im a very happy owner, I plan to keep this car when its paid off and turn it into a track car.

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  Head turner - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rosie Andretti - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Luvin it! Real Head turner. I bought the Blk on Blk. So cool,the Humm it makes on the take off is fun. Smoothest clutch I have driven. Worth the $. Japanese Racing is great! The RX8 is tight. RX8 is hot. Cant open it up yet as I have just put the first 100 mi showing it off. My last car was totalled on the freeway. I feel safe in this one. Highly recommend this car. Very exotic and intimidating. Great in town and freeway car. Easy to park in the parking garage @ work. Comfort is a 10.

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  Mazdalicious! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Nick - July 21 - 9:46 pm

  Ive happily owned this RX8 for just over six months now and enjoyed every moment. This is my first rotary engined car and Im just amaze at how smooth and quick it is. This is a really fun machine to own and not only does it look good (I constantly get comments that say "wow, sharp car - what is it?") but its performance backs it up. How they squeeze over 200 hp from 1.3 liters I cant begin to guess but with so few moving parts (like 3 in the engine) its not surprising. I fully recommend this car as an undermarketed bargain!

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  not recomended - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By grrrrrrr - July 18 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the car two years ago, was great the first year, because I was 19 and all the looks it got. Now im 21 and I am getting very tired of it stalling in 80+ degree weather, and taking over a minute to start the car in the cold (under 30 or so degrees). It is a great looking car, but the pros dont outweigh the cons by any means. I have yet to get over 22 mpg (and have only got that once). I average around 18 or 19 mpg. I bought this car because its the only 4 door sports car, but I am very regretful of my decision. It has lost more than half its value in 2 years. I have no control in the winter and dread waking up and seeing it snowing.

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  Amazing car.... - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By tjausti - July 15 - 5:17 pm

  This car is amazing.... It is like no other car I have owned. It is fun, sporty, sexy and fast. It may not be the fastest in a straight line but if you are concerned about that you have missed the point of this car. I live in east TN where there are twisty roads everywhere. This car is as close as you are going to get to perfect handling for the money. my only concern is gas mileage. mazda really needs to spend some time on this. I understand this engine is in a high state of tune and it is a sports car but averaging 18mpg is pretty sad when you drive mostly highway. Before buying this car please read the FAQs page on RX8club dot com. there are many things that are unique to this car.

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  Mazda-Fun - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mark - July 10 - 3:06 pm

  I have had a great time with owning my RX-8. It is an absolute blast to drive! The only problem I had was when I initially purchased the car, it did not like to be started, moved and then turned off immediately. I have found out that with a plug change to a hotter plug and revving the motor for 7 seconds prior to shutting down the cold motor all problems were eliminated. From this point on, I have been very pleased. My two young boys love the back seats and suicide doors. Ergonomically, the car is very adjustable to fit most anyone. I am 6 tall and weigh 212 lbs. Navigation is excellent and not distracting at night. The Bose stereo system is incredible!

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  pretty darn good - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jrod64 - July 7 - 10:20 pm

  Great nicely fast and handles like a dream. A little idle shake but anything over 1000rpm its silky smooth.

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  Dont she purr? - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jwoods - July 6 - 1:40 am

  I have had 2 Mustang GTs, a Corvette, a RX-7 and presently have a Chrysler Crossfire (new) and a Mercedes C230 and this is my favorite so far. The comfortable ride doesnt beat you up, responsive engine, smooth shifting transmission, the Bose stereo and I could go on. But Al Pacino summed it up best in Scent of a Woman when he said " Dont she purr, though" while driving the Ferrari.