2004 Mazda RX-8 User Reviews

2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gt Review — Obviously, I'm biased, as I spent a while picking it out from a big stable of competitors, but you really won't find something that handles this well and still rides comfortably. The suspension is very good - it prevents body roll while somehow smoothing out all the bumps; it makes the car feel more expensive and luxurious than a Mazda should be. The Wankel rotary engine makes this car, for better and for worse - on the plus side, it'll rev to the point where reciprocating engines explode and *keep* revving until nigh-on 10,000 without a sweat. It sounds like a jet turbine (or less charitably, a giant vacuum) and delivers instant response when you punch the gas. It spits out 232-ish HP from something the size of a smallish watermelon and only displaces 1.3 liters. It's not a very torquey motor, though, and you won't be keeping up with brawnier cars like the 350Z or Mustang GT in a stoplight drag race. Thing is, if you're looking at an RX8, you're probably not the kind of person that wants to race between stoplights in the first place - you have to realize that while you won't have the grunt, the size and placement of that little rotary engine means you get perfect weight balance, further helping your nimbleness on the turns. The shifting is nice, and I'm convinced that Mazda makes the best gearboxes around. The short shifter is perfect for this car as you can quickly flick it between gears with no fuss. The clutch takes a bit of getting used to, but it's almost as smooth as my favorite (the one on the Subaru WRX) and leagues better than that hideous exercise machine on the 350Z. Further concerns about this engine, and this is important: this is a less "casual" sports car than some of its competitors. Yes, that Wankel rotary is highly reliable, but you need to take care of it. First, expect no more than 19ish MPG. It's the price you pay to drive such a fun car. It requires non-synthetic oil only as a part of its combustion cycle and thus you'll have to top it off to the tune of a quart or so every 1000-1500mi. This all means your cost of upkeep will be slightly higher than most of its competitors; take this into consideration if you're looking at the RX8. It doesn't exactly like cold weather, either - so you have to warm the engine up before shutting it down. Cranking it up and then immediately turning it off can result in a flooded engine which, fortunately for me, my local Mazda dealership fixed for me by replacing the sparkplugs free of charge as some kind of "Zoom-Zoom Insurace" company policy. You can fix it with hand tools, but getting at the spark plugs is a nuisance as they're way the heck inside the hood. As far as the appearance goes, it's very unique and very pleasing on the eyes. I like the weird retro-futuristic fender arches up front and the smooth, sloping hood. This car looks absolutely outstanding in the Subaru-esque "Victory Blue" or the more subdued dark forest green (the one I have). It also looks surprisingly nice in white, but I find red and black take away from the styling somewhat by obscuring the lines. The small engine compartment makes it very easy to see out of and you have tremendous visibility out the front. The quasi-Pokemon face isn't something I thought I'd like at first, but its devious grin has grown on me. The suicide doors are cool and useful when you have enough space to fully open them, but in cramped conditions you'll have to play Twister to get people out of the back. The inside is perfect for a short person like myself, and the leather seats cup you very well. The big central tunnel holding the gearbox goes all the way from the arrowhead indent in the hood through the dash to the back seats (holding double twin cup holder panels that flip forwards, along with three hidden storage compartments) into the trunk. Very cool. You can also change the color of the instrument lighting from a pedestrian white to a menacing, villainous deep red. Brilliant. Build quality is excellent and the entire car feels extremely solid, with a nice rubberized material making up most of the dash. My girlfriend loves the heated seats (the "butt warmers") and they kick in quickly, as does the AC on a hot day. Heat takes a little while to kick in, as it scales with the engine temperature, but once you're up to operating temperature, the cabin becomes a proper little toaster keeping you very comfortable. The net effect is a car that's a ton of fun to drive, one that puts a giant idiotic smile on your face on the twisties. It will try and get you in trouble with the authorities, your wallet, and your friends -due to jealousy- but it's absolutely worth it. It's a very special car that requires special attention and a slightly different mindset, but I love the little thing.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Rx8 — Awsome car, the performance is great, handling smooth and responsive, breaking is excellent. Not so good in the rain, but still easy to drive. The engine's redline of 8500 RPM is wonderful, the sound of the engine is great. Overall I love it except the gas mileage could use help.

Awesome Handling, Good Acceleration, Bad Gas Mileage — great handling, good-looking car. it comes with a 1.3 kiter rotary with a 9,000 RPM redline- you can't lose with that! it is electrically assisted power-steering as opposed to a fluid-driven system. This makes the handling feel more natural and gives good feedback to the driver. some bads, however- be prepared to be making some trips to the dealership if you buy a 2004, since it is the first model year for this car. also, the rotary engine gets horrible gas mileage and requires premium. also, you cannot beat a nissan 350z off the line. overall, this is the best car I have ever owned/driven to date. I have driven many cars as well, including BMWs, acuras, camaros, corvettes, among others. you will have a blast throwing this tiny car into some sweet turns.

A Great, Powerful And Fun To Drive Car — What I liked about this car since the day they appeared on the market was its looks. Once I drove tested and not only felt how powerful it was but how well it handles sharp curves I knew I wanted to have it. Fuel efficiency its not its best feature, but it comes with all sport cars. The bucket seats makes you feel you are a pro racer as well as having the shifting control on the steering wheel besides audio and cruise controls. Suicide doors are always something people like about this car, its different. Not a family car definitely, which is the main reason I am looking to let my RX-8 go.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Great Car, But In The Wrong Price Range. Other Cars At The Same Price Have Better Performance... — First car. It is now sold. Was a GREAT handling car with the right tires and tire pressures, but def lacked in the power department. Powerband was weak until 7300+ RPM which was only good for track days. Car was extremely expensive to modify and without special tools, do not attempt internal work...

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)