2004 Mazda RX8

Summary:

"Nasty looking!" :) Reliable, fun, comfortable, a pleasure to drive

Faults:

Two concerns: (1) sun visors hard to remove from secured position. (2) recently, when a wrong-sized tire temporarily replaced the correct-sized tire, a warning light appropriately went o; however, the car, for about 10 seconds, could also not be engaged out of 2nd gear. A Grandma used to say: "These should be your worst problems," especially at 68,000 miles. :)

General Comments:

This car has been a pure joy to ride, especially as my work requires I drive 30,000+ miles yearly.

While it's looks are exceptional and eye-catching, the RX8 provides a quiet, comfortable ride, with especially good lumbar support for long trips.

Space has been optimized: how Mazda got four full-sized adults to fit into such a sleek design, albeit with their "Freestyle" door design, is just short of a miracle.

The instrument panel and lighting are exceptional, compact, easy to read and negotiate.

A car that can be driven either in Manual or Automatic? And be able to change gears with paddle shifters right on the steering wheel!

Like my 1995 Millenia (250K miles), my 2004 RX8 (68K miles) is reliable in all terrains and weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2006

21st Mar 2008, 23:02

Your RX8 is reliable? Just wait...

2004 Mazda RX8 GT

Summary:

Simply one of the best one the streets

Faults:

Drinks gas like a pig.

General Comments:

Fast, reliable and fun to drive. Sucks gas faster than a woman on your wallet, but this one is worth every penny.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2006

5th Apr 2006, 09:01

Yeah, fast cars will suck gas like that... but it is worth it!

5th Apr 2006, 11:54

Actually, it's not so much the RX-8 is fast (which it is) but its rotary engine which gets appalling mileage when compared to engines of similar horsepower output.

5th Apr 2006, 16:53

It's fun to challenge a Z, the handling is incredible.

19th May 2006, 01:40

Quick, yes. Fast, sure. But also: torque-less, thirst, and unreliable. I'll be selling mine shortly.

19th May 2006, 13:08

"It's fun to challenge a Z, the handling is incredible."

Put two drivers into each of these cars and the Rx is not going to challenge the Z. Not by a long shot.

2nd Jul 2006, 17:39

Actually, both the Z and the RX8 have been tested on the same track with the same driver - they both came out with the same time, despite the 60 hp advantage for the Z. I attribute this to the Z's heavy 3400 weight and the RX8's great balance.

Both cars have their issues. The RX8's engine will flood if you turn it on and off without running the engine, but the 350z has tire cupping problems all the way up to the 2005 model year.

2004 Mazda RX8

Summary:

A comprimise - should be two seats and 280hp.

Faults:

Folks, when it comes to starting issues, the Rotary is to blame. However, you are all spending too much money in fixing these cars.

If you have a starting issue it is probably because of a short run time in your previous run with the car. If you use this car to run out and get some milk then shut the car off for hours you will have a starting issue as with previous generation rotary engines. Let the car reach optimal temps for a time before shutting it down. Your next start will be flawless. The older it gets the worse it will be. Previous RX-7 I owned I would carry a sparkplug socket, and would invariably have to remove a plug turn over the ignition with one plug out to blow out unburned fuel if I made the mistake of a short run, then let it sit.

General Comments:

If you treat this car with some respect and understand that it is a little stubborn sometimes, you will be rewarded with a beatiful driver of a car. But remember to take the minivan to the corner store, and the RX-8 for the long winding drive, and all will be fine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2005

10th Dec 2005, 04:02

A very well resuming review of the RX8 ownership. This isn't a car to drive in the city while expecting nice mpg or to "just get in and go" without checking the oil level first. This thing is meant to be driven (occasionally at 8000 rpm) around twisty lanes and as such is a brilliant car. However I do not agree with the title ("a compromise: should be 280 hp and two seater"). It is brilliant PRECISELY because it is a compromise: a pure sports car for four persons to have a blast in. As such (and for the price) I cannot think of something more involving. Happy motoring!

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