Used 2004 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
a true joy to drive
The rx8 is truly a fun car to drive. It gves you a sense of youth as you rev the rpm's up to 8000. The steering is fantastic and I dont miss my bmw 740 at all! The price is amazing, buy it now!
one hot car
smooth, fast stylish and a real looker! Handling is very tight.. roomiest back seat I've ever seen for a sports sedan!
- Manual CoupeMSRP: $8,99548 mi away
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $9,975283 mi away
- Manual CoupeMSRP: $6,995300 mi away
awesome car
great car very hot looking i would look great driving in it and so would you
Perfect Blend
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.
The funnest car I've ever owned
This car rocks! Purchased it new as a 30th b-day present to myself and have no regrets. My first car was a 79 RX7 and then I had a 91 MR2 and this RX8 blows them both out of the water. It corners like a dream and the acceleration onto the fwy gives me a smile everytime. I've had it up to 140 mph and it had room for more - I just chickened out. I get looks and comments on it all the time. It's such a unique looking car. The 4 door aspect is really only good for lower insurance although the backseats are surprisingly roomy. No engine probs at all. Not good in the snow so luckily I have the luxury of garaging it for the winter and driving a beater 4x4. Gas mileage is a consistent 20.
Head turner
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. Can't 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.
Smile Machine
The smoothest, sexiest, most practical adrenaline rush on wheels I have ever owned. Yes, it definitely feels right.
rx-8 fun car, horrible factory support
i bought my rx-8 about five months ago, its been through 2 transmissions,and continual factory problems, with no good manufacturer customer service. fun to drive, handles great!! too many minor problems.
An Amazing Little car
Plain and simple - this is a car for those that LIKE being involved in driving. If you want things bank-vault quiet, and don't like hearing the rippp! of the buttery smooth rotary engine; if feedback from the tires and steering bothers you; if you're more concerned with saving gas than enjoying the irresistible urge to use the 9,000 RPMs worth of power - get an Accord or a Hybrid econobox. Oh and by the way, if you DON'T want to be noticed, this is NOT your car! Otherwise this machine is an deliriously addicting combination of engineering refinement, race car design suspension, sweet high revving engine, comfortable high class interior, and drop dead looks, and affordable to boot!
More than I expected!
I 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.
A blast to drive
The RX-8 is an absolute blast to drive. Steering and handling are exceptional. There are so many little features and design aspects that are included that you'll find things months after purchasing...many that will make you say "now why didn't someone think of that before?" This is truly a family sports car. The unique doors makes it easy for rear riders to get in/out.
Sexy looking car
I love the shape of this car! It looks like a expensive sports car but is reasonably priced. It handles extremely well especially around corners. My husband said it feels like a slot car when he is driving it. I get alot of lookers wondering what it is and who makes it. I have the Titanium Silver color. I absolutely love this car!
You Gotta Drive this car!!!
Picked mine up yesterday, what a fun car to drive. It's fast, the engine sounds great, it's comfortable (6'2"), and it's beautiful. I disagree with the earlier review about the interior looking cheap, far from it. It's superior to the 350Z, more in line with a Boxter.
u cant beat the rx8
i bought the car last month, after some very serious research. I analyzed the G35, 350Z, 2005 Mercedes 230 Kompressor, volvo S40 T5 and Audi A4. (i test drove all of them). Here is why the RX 8 is the best. The RX 8 combines, comfort (very smooth ride), performance (wait until you rev that thing to 8000+ rpm), value (great price for what u get), design (its just a beauty from every angle), and the most important it is unique, there is nothing out there like the RX8 you cant even compare the engine with other cars. let me put it this way, if you want to add fun to your day to day driving, the rx 8 is the car for you. if you want to be like everybody else the RX8 is not for u
Zazoom!
Beautiful design, sleek, agile, with just the right blend of top ten performance and top five comfort and drivability! At under $26k for the base model it is an unparalleled value. Oh yeah you can get a OEM modified turbo Subaru WRX, or a turbo Mustang that will slightly outperform the RX8 0-60, but they are just souped-up sedans that do not inspire the thoroughbred sports car vision like the Mazda RX8, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4... There is no comparison as far as class and value when it comes to my RX8!!!
zoom-zoom
the rx-8 is the most fun car i have owned. it takes turns like a rolercoster. ane it really does have that zoom-zoom feeling specially from first to second gear .
best car ever
this vehicle is the all time greatest
350z vs. RX8...RX8 hands down!!!
Between the two cars I took into consideration for my next toy, the RX8 was the favorite. The design and performance does not compare to that of the 350z. Despite the 8's lack of hp, the handling is unbelievable. I'm a daily commuter and every morning I sit in the driver's seat, and I feel like a winner. If you have to make the choice between a sports car from the $25k-$35k range, get the 8!!!
THE GREAT RX-8
I LOVE MY RX-8 AND HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT IT. THE RIDE IS LIKE NO OTHER SPORTS CAR, AND THE SOUND OF THE RENESIS ENGINE JUST MAKES YOU WANT TO RUN THE CAR AS HARD AS YOU CAN. THE PERFECT 50/50 DITRUBUTION MAKES THE RX-8 JUST HUG THE GROUND AND CORNERS.
Rotary Passion
I an extremely happy with this purchase. All the desirable features of a sports car in a very nicely designed package.
Zoom-Zoom Needs a Turbo
I'm a 37 male, I'd have to say I love all the attention I get with my RX-8. I have Mazdaspeed aftermarket parts along with Sportmax 502 Rims and a Soundstream amp and sub, and finally a MIO510 Roadmate G.P.S. I get looks from kids, chicks, and unfortunately the local 5-0 and state troopers. Heck I got pulled over just to have my tint inspected by one! When I get the car paid off I plan on putting a Greddy Turbo and upgrade the brakes. I hate that an ugly Dodge Neon SRT-4 can outsprint my lovely RX-8 but someday - Watch out! LOL
Loving to Drive
I had been impatiently waiting for a couple months for the car to be available in my area. I have only had my RX-8 for two weeks, but it has been wonderful. The styling is close to exotic and I get lots positive comments about its looks. The performance is just what I expected, handles better than a porche, but not so fast that you will drive over your head easily.
ya mama
good car i like it a lot i think everyone should get one for christmas
jawbone
I love it. I just wish the gas mileage was better.
An excellent car!
An exciting car. I love the handling and performance, although the HP is a little lacking in the automatic. The biggest suprise was the lack of headroom. I am about 5'6" and find my hair frequently brushing the top. The MPG is a little low, but matches pretty well with Mazda's estimates. She handles very nicely and takes corners in such a way that just makes you want to push your driving skills harder and harder. An exciting drive!
Only the best
I purchased my rx8 20 days ago and I think this car meets and exeeds my expectations. Suprisingly spacious and comfortable. My doughter has no complaints about the back seat at all. I have never driven a car that sticks the corners like this car, no matter how hard you push it wants to go faster. As far as straight line performance if you turn up the rpms not many cars are going to hang with you. Plain and simple it's worth every penny and then some.
Fire Hazard
Given the beauty/uniqueness of this car I was willing to overlook the constant need to add oil, the engine flooding, the poor gas mileage, the manufacturer recalls ... that was until my car burst into flames in the parking lot at work due to faulty wiring. The entire front end is incinerated and unrepairable. According to Mazda mine is the first ... hopefully it's the last.
Practical for a sports car...
Zzzippy! More fun to drive than the 350 Z, however I assumed the mileage would be as great as my Rx-7 in high school and didnt check before I bought. Big mistake! I average 16 mpg. Small tank too [15 gallons] But I love the aesthetics! Interior is nicety! Back seat is perfect for a baby seat when my sister comes to visit with my niece, also you can crumple up drunk people and stuff them back there when you dont want them on the road. [not an option in my former '93 Vette] My boyfriend says its a girls car yet always has a creative excuse to run errands in my car.
great car
fun to drive great car
RX8-A Driver's Car
I love my new RX8! This is definitely a driver's car. Great handling and great looking! I almost get distracted by the number of people who hang out their windows to get a better look at my car. Great car for the money!
zoom zoom
The good news is, its a head-turner. The bad news is, its a head-turner. First two traffic tickets in the last 10 years came in the same week. (the cops didn't seem to notice me in a Tahoe) Love the car, yet disappointed with the gas mileage.
A CAR TO DRIVE
THE car is beatiful forget all the things it has just the exterior look of the car draws the attention. interior with two diffrent colors is another nice piece of a rx8. not to talk to much this car is a car to drive
Trouble from the start
I bought the Mazda RX-8 several weeks ago. In just under 2 weeks and less than 600 miles the car broke down. It will not move out of second gear. The dealer has had the car over 6 days and cannot figure out what the problem is. I love the car but if this an indication of the reliability of the car I think Mazda is going to have a real dog on its hand. The fact that Mazda has been unable to determine the problem in over 6 days does not give me a comfort that this is a simple defect.
I've never been happier with a purchase
Great to drive and it gets more looks and compliments than a Porsche. Bad on gas.
Ilove this car!!
Great Car I can't stop loving it
Lemon
We bought our RX8 the week the first ones rolled into town. Loved everything about it except the weak AC. When the car idles at a stop light, the AC gets warm. However, the big issue is when temperatures get around 100 degrees, the car starts shaking and dies. It's been in the dealership for 2 months now and Mazda cannot fix it. They are doing a buyback of RX8's with this problem. Evidently it only affects automatics when they get very hot. We cannot even trade into another RX8 because they cannot tell with automatics will have this same problem. We will miss the car.
Amazing Car
Unique, clever design throughout. Wonderful rich-looking interior (no cheap plastic crap). Mazda's design team really broke the mold and came up with a car that stands out in looks, performance and style. Highly recommend.
Always wanted a Wankel engine
Always wanted to have a Wankel car, like NSU Ro80, but those old timers got now very expensive. Then RX-8 came in sight. Drove it in Dec. 2003 and ordered it. My heart really beats faster when entering this car, even after nearly one year. Never wanted a two seater, because I have two kids. I really love this car. And it corners perfectly, accelerates like only a Wankel can do, smooth and constant. Ever had a test drive? You'll be missing something! By the way, oil consumption with 0.3l/1000km is really low for a Wankel engine.
RX-8 tally
It starts red lining at 9000 rpms. It's tourqe isn't as powerful and fast off the line but once it goes into a higher rpm it revs very quickly and possible to keep pace with 250hp. The 2 rotors spinning with no jerking motion gives the car a higher red line, higher rpm and helps the rpms rev faster to feel as a race car. Performace of the car with windy curves and almost pulling a G on the skid pad is great. It has rear wheel drive not good for winter if it snows. The lighter, smaller, and modern technology with the engine gives me faith in Mazda to produce a proficient motor.
There's Nothing Else On The Road Like It
Great car to own so much in a vehicle for an affordable price and lot's of fun on the road!!!
fun car
I have has this car for a year now and i am still in love with it. If i were to get in an accident and the car was totaled i would get another rx8. I love the way the car handles. Ifeel safe driving it. You cant spin due to anti slip brakes. I love driving, the 6 speed is a must. You cant be a lazy driver which makes it feel like you have more control of the cars power.
Great car!
The 8 is the most exciting car I've ever owned. It's plenty fast (0-60 in between 5.9 and 6.2 seconds, depending on who you talk to) and it's amazing handling and 9k rev range are just fun. Take a trip down a winding road, and the car sticks like glue. Better yet, you can put four people comfortably in the car. We've taken several 500+ mile trips with 3 people in the car, and no one's had any complaints. The engine itself is amazingly smooth and quiet. All in all, a great car.
I love this car
I love this car. The engine is magnificent, silky smooth and powerfull. It's agile and convenient. I do regular weekend road trips with my wife and infant son, our luggage and all the required baby gear, with no problems. All this in a car with razor sharp handling. Incredible.
Lemon
I am having the exact same problems as "Lemon by GJT." I've had the car for almost a year & it has been in the shop 8 times already. It shakes, dies, won't shift gears properly, & makes sounds that are not normal. I love the look of this car, but it's performance is horrible. The dealership can't 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!
pleasure to drive
Nice car, very complete interior, beautiful engine-sound, worth to buy. Unique concept : 4 place sportscar with Wankel-engine, keeping sporty character of the car.
Sporty fun; comfortable cruiser;guzzler
The RX8 fits between sports car and grand tourer. The rotary, which allows 50-50 weight distribution and space efficiency because it is compact and lightweight, is delightfully smooth, but doesn't match torque of the 350Z. For around $30,000, option packages give up-to-date features: traction and stability control, self-dimming mirrors, side and curtain airbags,Bose audio with steering wheel controls,limited slip diff,18" wheels with super braking, 168 mile rated performance tires,
Just got mine 2 weeks ago...
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 it's going 500 mph when you're really going about 25 miles.
my rx
The moment I saw the RX8 I was in love.. but having brake problems so early is changing my love to hate. Would I buy another RX8? NO... I should of bought the MazdaSpeed...
Test drove it...had to buy it!!
I have had my RX-8 for a couple of months now and I love it. Yeah it is not the fastest car on the block but what the other cars lack this one surely makes up for it. It is a very well rounded car and for the price it beats anything out there. You can spend tens of thousands more but WHY??? For the money it is the best sports car you can buy. When I test drove the car I could not get out of it. Gotta try it!!
Trading this car this week
I bought this car in july, dealer said it would hold it's value.Not true! I Will loose 6k for trade,car has under 1000 miles on it.Sticker was 33,235. Poor air conditioning, luke warm air.Cheezy knobs for heat & air.Terrable gas mileage,poor visability when backing up, (posts on the sides are in the way), trunk to high. driver seat does not go up high enough for short people. I am tradeing this car in this week for a Infinity fx35.