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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Mini Suburban - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By CaliforniaFun - December 29 - 2:00 amA bargain road hugging, gas guzzling eye catcher. I bought a fully loaded (all options except the body kit) for $29.5. I thought it was going to get better mileage than my GMC Suburban, but I was shocked. Itis definitely a fun car to drive, but you would need to really push your 1st and 2nd gear to the limit to get any zip at the low end. Most reviewers said that the shift was smooth, but I found it somewhat difficult, especially the reverse gear. The non-adjustable can cause serious stiff neck. It seems as if Mazda expects all drivers to be the exact same height.The freestyle doors are very difficult to open those doors in parking lot.
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Light and Fast - 2008 Mazda RX-8
By Beverly M - December 4 - 11:43 pmGas Mileage is not great
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Cool Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By JW79 - December 3 - 9:36 pmTons of fun to drive + has turned a lot of heads. I have had many compliments on the design from friends and strangers alike. A police officer told me to roll down my window + I figured my sticker was past due or I had committed an infraction + instead he inquired about the car and told me how much he liked it. The handling is great! Tons of fun around corners and curves. It should be a little faster off the line + this is a significant drawback considering the horsepower + the poor gas mileage. At first I was unsure about the lines but now I love the look. I love the suicide doors + at least 3 adults can fit in the car as long as everyone isnt tall. You need snow tires bad in the snow!
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Zoom Zoom with a Few Hidden Facts - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Jerry Miskovsky - November 16 - 5:33 amThe Mazda RX8 is definitely fun to drive and I plan to enjoy it for the next year or two. Buyers should be aware of a few things you dont learn about until you own it. First, the tires are absolutely useless on snow or ice; youll need to get snow tires. Second, youre cautioned to always let the engine come up to normal operating temperature; even if you just need to go out and move if a few feet. Third, there is no spare tire (unless you want to give up your trunk space). If you can deal with these three shortcomings, get one and enjoy it as I have mine.
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TO MUCH FUN AND TO MUCH GAS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Edster444 - October 16 - 10:00 amI had the car a full 1200 miles now, and I have adjusted it to the point of action. As of now it runs like a sports racing car, and you can hear the engine on both auto and man-auto, as it goes to through the RPMS. It has a great deal of torque and is comfy to be in for long rides.
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I love this car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Marcia W - October 11 - 9:30 pmTraded in a Miata for this car with no regrets so far. I love the interior and titanium grey color. I love the suicide doors where I can put my bags. The back seats are comfy too.
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More than I expected! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By veedubman - September 23 - 10:00 amI have never been a Mazda fan, but I liked the last generation RX-7, which is the reason for checking this car out. I have been very happy do far. Everyone should experience the free- revving nature of the rotary engine. The interior is heads and shoulders above all the other sports cars in its price range. The ride is very compliant for such a good handling car on 18" wheels. It has a great shifter and the interior is much better than I expected. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda RX-8
By MDM - August 29 - 6:46 pmThis is my third Mazda Rotary vehicle (following a 1988 RX-7 GXL, and a 1994 3rd Gen RX-7), and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I hadnt planned on getting another car, but my 15 year old 3rd gen RX-7 was totaled almost a month ago :-(, And I KNEW the "8" couldnt match the 3rd gens stellar performance since the "8" is 300-400 pounds heavier, about 110 less horsepower (Id had some things done to my 3rd gen) and doesnt benefit from the 3rd gens 50-some-odd better low end torque (compliments of that sequential twin turbo setup). But I knew these things off the bat. But the one thing thats still the same is the razor sharp cornering ability! And the smoothness of the rotary.
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Well its pretty - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Jonathan heeps - August 29 - 2:00 amErratic shifting with the automatic...
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Just Like a Marriage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By samsmazda - August 22 - 2:00 amBuying this car is like a marriage-- there are pluses and there are minuses. The fun to drive factor is off the charts. The engine makes you feel like you are Indy-500-ing to work each morning. The seats are snug but comfortable. You get a day off any time it snows (rear wheel drive, yknow). The spouse approves because it has four doors. BUT: you have to check and add oil often, and like being married to a hot spouse, you have to endure a lot of envy and attention. Heh, heh. If you test drive it, youll buy it. But read www.rx8forum.com before you test drive it.
