2004 Mazda RX8 GT 1.8 Liter Rotory

Summary:

A stellar performer, marred by poor quality

Faults:

The following problems surfaced on my RX-8:

- Heavy oil consumption

- Poor gas mileage

- Premature wear of interior: Within 3 months the driver's seat leather was heavily worn. The dealer replaced the seat cover under warranty, but the replacement began to wear within weeks. Interior plastics not wearing well.

General Comments:

Good Stuff:

Performance easily matches (or exceeds) my previous car (2000 Porsche Boxster), and the utility of 2 rear seats is greatly appreciated. The navigation system is extremely useful (if a bit difficult to learn at first).

Bad Stuff:

The rear mini doors are difficult to use in tight parking spots. Also, as mentioned above, the quality of interior materials is completely unacceptable – especially for a car that costs over $30k. While I can live with poor gas mileage, and having to carry a quart of oil in the trunk, having to stare at a worn interior every day is an insult – I hate to think what it will look like a year from now.

While a stellar performer, I can't recommend this car. Mazda should have spent a bit more money on interior materials, and more thoroughly thought out the mini doors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th July, 2005

6th Jul 2005, 16:15

I have had my RX-8 for 18 months and 24,000 miles. The seat covers and rest of the interior look nearly new. I have seen the interiors of perhaps a dozen or so RX-8s of varying ages, I don't remember ever seeing any with interiors that looked worn.

7th Jul 2005, 14:54

Check the driver's seat for excessive wear. When I brought mine in to have the seat covers replaced, the service manager told me that this was a known issue. Later, a factory representative denied this.

I've heard varying stories concerning the interior wear. A major car magazine recently wrote that the interior wore well, but looked as if it was made of cheap materials.

If I had to do it again, I probably would pass on the leather option, as the cloth might wear better. (BTW: Replacement leather seat covers cost $1000 per seat!)

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2004 Mazda RX8 rotary

Summary:

The RX8 offers real sports car performance, beautiful design inside and out, truly a great value

Faults:

Check engine light came on the first week. Issue was promptly corrected by the dealer with "flash" firmware update.

General Comments:

Handles like a dream, stops on a dime, and begs to go faster!!

I usually give in…

This car turns heads everywhere I go. The oil consumption is by design and to be expected. The fuel consumption is higher than expected, but I don’t mind because I love the car so much. I would buy it over in a second, it handles better that anything I’ve ever driven.

When I go on vacation… I miss my car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2005

29th Jan 2006, 13:18

I could not agree with you more. I am in love with this car!

7th Aug 2006, 18:13

I purchased my 6-speed '05 '8 in March and absolutely love it. It's a blast to drive alone,...but I love the looks it gets when I pull up, let my wife out, and my two boys bounce out of the back - ha ha - priceless. Push the tach past 4500 and it has more than enough acceleration, superbly precise steering, and excellent road hugging performance thanks to the front & rear wish-bones. Had I wanted more power, but less performance I'd have purchased a Mustang or GTO. The mpg (19-23) and oil consumption are "acceptable" trade-offs given the expected longevity of the Renesis rotary engine. The RX8 is a wonderful vehicle for a person desiring sports performance with capacity to seat four.

2004 Mazda RX8 6 speed 1.3 rotary

Summary:

Very unreliable

Faults:

My transmission has had several repairs since I have bought the car. It is now in the shop for the fourth time which will be the last time because I have decided to give the car up for a Subaru. Don't get me wrong the car is an awesome car for speed and handling, but the fact that it is unreliable makes all the good things about the car become transparent.

General Comments:

If you want to spend a lot of money on a car that a WRX can easily take then be my guest. From my experience I have better things to do with my money than spend it on a car you need to worry about getting into gear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th April, 2005

14th May 2005, 23:01

Sorry to hear about your transmission probs. Surely the 'box could be replaced under warranty.

However, if you really want a car with a lousy transmission, then by all means buy the Subaru. Subarus are noted for their weak and clunky gearboxes, while the six speed 'box in the RX-8 is one of the best available regardless of price.

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