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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  love to hate it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By steven30x - May 2 - 9:56 am

  I bought my rx-8 in April 09 with 27k. It is now Sept. 09 and i have 34k. I got a great deal on the car and loved the first 2 months i had it. Recently the airbag light came on for 2 weeks and then just shut off. A few days later and a month after an oil change it ran out of oil because the warning light never came on. Now every time i drive it it smells like burning oil, and mazda has no answers to these problems. The brakes squeak horribly and still squeaked after replacement. Heat from the cupholder area is ridiculous,and everything rattles. The stereo for a bose is awful, but the car looks awesome and if u get the clutch perfect in first it will take off pretty fast. Keep it or sell it?

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  Runs like Crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PureCarnage - April 29 - 7:23 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I tell everyone I meet who admire its looks- all show, no go. It has been in the shop so many times I cant count. The last straw being the dealership waiting for the warranty to expire and then telling me I need a new engine. Something I told them for 2 years prior. No power, even as new. Bad tranny to engine hook-up, makes a horrible noise if you stomp on it. Rattles coming from everywhere. I see numerous defects that are common for all owners and no recalls for them. You have to complain for service. Never buy a Mazda again.

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  Excellent Value and head turning appleal - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By leotol - April 13 - 12:13 am

  Best car I have owned with regard to from the showroom quality. It handles very precisely and its turning radius is very small. I have taken it on long 400+ mile trips and found the car comfortable and well equipped to be fast and safe. I have an automatic, the manual shifting through the transmission is fun; am glad that I dont have to deal with manual shifting all of the time in traffic. Gas mileage is low, but expected. My dealer made a point of advising regarding warming the car up before turning off and keeping the oil level topped off, doing this is a must. One time forgot to warm it to operating temperature; it stalled & had to be towed, it was warranty fix.

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  The sports car fantasy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By 18 Again - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Remember the cars we dreamed of owning when we were kids, the 65 Vette, the 67 XKE, well this baby is destined to be in this class of great cars. The styling of this car is stunning. People have come up to me to see the car close up and you can see it in thier eyes, Id love to own one of these. Thats the mark of a great sports car. When I get behind the wheel of this car, I feel like an 18 year old kid again.

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  Best Fun in the Front Seat of a Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mkprincess - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my RX-8 for almost 3 months and absolutely LOVE IT!!! Ive got over 6000 miles and the only thing I can think to complain about it is the gas mileage - about 20 mpg. but everything else about the car makes the gas mileage easier to accept. Its a huge head-turner. One problem - most of the lookers are 20-year old guys and Im a 45-year old woman. Oh well - I love the car!! When I first drove it to work someone said it looked like a "spaceship"

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  Neck Breaker - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Ceejaayxx - March 25 - 8:30 am

  I love taking this car to the canyons. You could really feel the 50/50 balance of the rx-8 there. The cornering is perfect and the stock suspension is so beasty for stock. It looks and feels great. It can seat 4 people and its 4 door! This car is hard to not fall in love with.

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  If you LOVE driving you will LOVE the 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bungle - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The rotary engine is INCREDIBLY smooth. Acceleration is linear and power builds quickly as you climb the tach. This thing loves to rev all the way to 9,000 RPM!!! Gas mileage sucks! I average 17 - 18 MPG and thats 50/50 highway and city driving. As a daily driver the comfort is top notch and the ergonomics are well thought out. The handling of this car is absolutely NUTS...the best I have ever driven. Excellent in traffic and twisties. The RX-8 is a driving enthusiasts wet dream...you wont own the drag strip but when you consider the car as total package and then look at the price you just cant beat it.

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  Best of the bunch - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bsilly - March 14 - 10:10 pm

  Considered RX8, 350Z, and Infiniti G35 coupe. Overall value with regards to performance with price led to RX8 purchase. The true joy in driving this car is not captured if you are after straightline speed. This car is flawless in handling and shifting. Exterior design sets it apart from any other vehicle on the road. It receives doubletakes from all age groups. Knowing I was in the market for a performance vehicle, not a compact fuel economy car, I have no problems with the gas mileage (compare apples to apples and you should agree). You MUST take advantage of Redlining RPMs the rotary engine allows to have ultimate fun and feel the Mazda zoom zoom!

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fntasa98 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I am having the exact same problems as "Lemon by GJT." Ive had the car for almost a year & it has been in the shop 8 times already. It shakes, dies, wont shift gears properly, & makes sounds that are not normal. I love the look of this car, but its performance is horrible. The dealership cant fix it & I really hope they will buy it back. It is great to hear feedback from the people that are having the same problems. "Lemon by GJT" or anyone who is having this problem, if you read this, please email me at fntasa98@aol.com. I would like to know how to get the dealership to buy the car back & how you went about the entire ordeal. THANKS!

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  Just got mine 2 weeks ago... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Cypress California - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car. Low/Mid/High power is insufficient. Added a JIC exhcuast and K&N intake, but they did not add any kind of noticeably power. Exhaust alone sounds great. DO NOT GET THE K&N intake unless you want to be challenged by every ricer out there. It is LOUD LOUD LOUD. The car sounds like its going 500 mph when youre really going about 25 miles.