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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  RX 8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By David L Beckley - March 10 - 11:26 am

  Enjoy the car as I am also the owner of the 1st RX 7 number l503 and noted several upgraded features in the new model ex power steering, power windows and seat etc. concern about the poor gas mileage and the lack of a real spare tire.

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  Fun at last!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gh - February 22 - 10:00 am

  On 10/1 I fell in love with my yellow rx8-GT with appearance package. It is a blast to drive and a real head turner. I couldnt be happier with the car but have been somewhat upset with Mazda. I ordered this car 17 weeks ago. Several ETAs came and went with no explanation from Mazda. The car is in a class by itself. I wish I could say that about Mazda Motor Co.

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  I guess I got the bad one in the batch - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Adam - February 8 - 9:06 pm

  I was looking for something fun to drive. I came across it when I first laid eyes on the RX-8. I loved it my first year or so driving it when all the problems began. I always serviced my vehicle when the book states to do so. I always added oil when I was told to. But to no avail... my car just didnt work correctly. At about 14,000 miles my check engine light came on and until about two months ago, now 36,000 miles, did it go off. I went to the dealerships and they told me that oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. Then I went back and they told me that the gas line had something wrong with it. Then I went back and they told me that it was an oil issue. Finally they told me I needed a new engine.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By water - February 8 - 6:26 pm

  Extremely fun to drive! Handling is impressive and corners like a race car while still maintaining a comfortable ride. Loves the higher RPMs and really kicks in at about 4,000 RPMs. I used to drive a 1988 RX7 which was a blast, but this car is a giant leap forward. My kids love it and can ride in the back seat.

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  I love my car RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ideefixe - February 4 - 10:00 am

  A lot of fun to drive. 6 speed really cool. Rear wheel drive handling. Very good at cornering. Feels reliable and rides smooth. Engine revs up quickly and has a lot of power at around 4000rpm and up. Lovely style especially viewed from the front. Most important, all these goodies can be had at around $30k.

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  Awesome new sports car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Roland256 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best sports cars I have ever driven in last 15 years of my driving experience. 2 days after I got the 8, I took it to the track, and got 0-60 time of 5.78 sec. and ran 1/4 mile at 14.2 seconds, which made me surprised since C&D said its slower a bit. Comfort at back is better than most coupes. Its even better than some sedans. Ive redlined it dozens of times now, and no problems with anything even though its still brand new.

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  Awesome sports car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Drek4 - January 20 - 3:00 am

  This car is awesome. The best car that I have ever driven. The sweet spot for this wonderful rotary motor is between 5000-8000 rpm, below that it`s just a civilized sedan. I love this car on the highway, so comfortable and at ease with any speed you drive it. The handling of this car is just fabulous thanks to the 50/50 weight ratio front/rear. Even the looks on this car are too good to be true. I don`t know why everyone says to always check the oil level on this car…Ive driven about 2500 miles with it since I got it and still at the same mark on the stick. The front seats are nice and comfortable. The BOSE sound system is nice and has a decent surround effect with its 9 speakers.

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  Stay Away From This Car!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By CAL - January 7 - 3:10 pm

  Beautiful car, inside and out, except under the hood. Mazda really goofed when they decided to bring back the rotary engine. Very big mistake on their part. Loved the car for the first 30,000 miles then the nightmare began. Rough idle and cut off at stops. Had it towed and Mazda claimed everything was fine... what a joke. Mine was in the shop 9 times in the past 6 months for this problem. All Mazda does is add and change out the engine mounts. Good luck to you innocent people who still have yours, traded mine two weeks ago for a 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder. Could not be happier to be rid of my RX-8 headache. Beware!!

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  Driving in the Snow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By lamourine - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Left work and had to drive 60 miles home in 2-4 inches of snow where noone else had driven and the car drove extremely well. The traction feature kicked in and got me safely home.