Used 2004 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
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Great Sports car
The car is a delight to drive. The steering feel is very good. The brakes allow you to break late in a corner. I find the seats supportive and comfortable. The six speed manual is easy to shift.
When does 250 hp equal 238hp
It's 3 week now since I purchased my rx8 Handling is scarry I hav'nt got this car to break out yet. On wet pavement its like a regular car on dry pavement. The thrill of thr rotary winding out is musical. All the controls are just right I am 6'1'tall and fit just right. The cbbin is so roomy its amazing. the Freestyle, "suicide", doors amaze friends family and strangers. This is not a car. It is anextension of me. When driving I have never experienced the feeling of being one with a machine I get from the RX8
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $3,600206 mi away
- - MTMSRP: $5,999208 mi away
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $11,400209 mi away
RX-8 Rocks!!!
Got 2500miles so far and this RX-8 rocks big time!!! Paid $30300 for the sunlight silver GT package. Acceleration is good (not great) but driving is fun with that 9k RPM limit in second gear getting me to 60+mpg in just over 6seconds. Handling is great. Fits 4 adults. Slim 6 footers can sit in back and enter/exit with relative ease for shorter trips. Best combo of sportiness, civility, and practicality that $30k can buy IMHO.
Amazing Car!
Like another person who rated this vehicle, I had to wait four months before I got my car. The wait was worth it! You get tremendous bang for the buck with this vehicle. Usually when I get a car or anything expensive, I have a few moments of buyer's remorse. However, I haven't experienced one second of it since I bought this car! That makes me so happy!
Zoom Zoom
My wife talked me into test driving it while I was preparing to buy a Mazda 6. Well that was all it took. A lot of car for the price. will make you feel young again at any age. And talk about drawing attention, the stylig is great.
Fun little car, not too Reliable
I purchased this car in 2006 with only 11K miles on it. It is loaded including navigation. Overall I love the car, the way it looks, and particularly the way it handles. Throughout its life I noticed a steady decrease in power, and in gas mileage. Complaint about it several times to Mazda with no fix. The doors also rattle quite a bit after you have it for about 40k. The car now has 67K miles, it is at the dealership for a new engine; and somehow I am still responsible for the "bad" O2 sensor which probably was damaged by the overwhelm amount of gas going thru the cat converter. I also had to replace the clutch at 62k.
Hard to Believe
The experience of driving the RX-8 cannot be described: Smooth, quiet, FAST, precision steering, comfortable, easy handeling and lots of interior room. Drivers seat with power can be adjusted to the shortest or tallest. You must start the engine to appreciate the power and sound of this new rotary engine. Mazda has a real winner in this vehicle. You must drive one to experience the excitement and thrill of this new machine.
Better than Road and Track
After waiting 7 months and reading numerous reports and articles about the RX8, I was not disappointed! This car will revolutionize (no pun) the sports car industry what Sony did to radio's with the walkman, and Yamaha did to marine outboards with it's 2 stroke salt water series.
2 Day old RX-8
I just got this car, and WOW!. It's evertthing I had hoped for, and more. It handles predictably, and beautifully. The new electronic power steering assist is very nice. For a 247 hp car, it's fuel efficiency is pretty good @ 24 mpg highway. Good acceleration through all the gears. Even accelleration on the highway in top gear from 70 to 100 mph is great. This car just begs you to push harder on the gas. Very fun to drive, excelent finish, very nice interior. Every where I go, peoples heads are turning to look at this stuning car!
Great Auto
Best car that I've ever purchased. I read about the RX-8 in 2001, I told my local dealer thaen that I wanted to purchased it.I reveived delivery on 7/18/03 and went on a two week, 5000 mile road trip. It was a great trip without any problems. The RX-8 is a fun auto to drive. I put it to the "test" - Hot weather in Texas,New Mexico & Death Valley, moutains in Colo & Ca, Highspeed driving in Ut. IT'S A GREAT VALUE FOR THE PRICE. I just hope that the dealers don't mark-up the price and reduce the market for the RX-8
The RX-8 is the best
I recently bought myself an RX-8 (Red with Red and Black interior) on the 6 speed manual. Let me tell you- This car flies!! It is a very, very fast car, with a very slick look. It shifts well and is very fun to drive. Of course there are faster cars out there, but if you are looking to spend under $35,000 and yet still have the luxury of carrying more then one other person with you, then the RX-8 is definitely the way to go!
Mazda RX8 Better than expected
Waited a long time since I preordered the car, and am glad I did. It lives up to the hype with the handling, the ride and the size inside. It also catches alot of attention. A couple of Porsche drivers and another in a Maserati turned around to look when I drove by just to see what kind of car it was. I definitely like the Velocity Red the best, and the GT package.
I JUST LUV IT
I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CAR FOR A WEEK AND JUST LUV IT ... ITS A HEAD TURNER FOR SURE
ZOOM ZOOM
The concept of ZOOM ZOOM is really apart of this car. I lov it, it cool The sport car I can carried my Daughter in Thank for all the fun
This car is awesome!
I test drove this car and fell in love! I handles like a front wheel drive vehicle with the beef and clout of a rear wheel drive sports car. Highly recommend driving it. It is an absolutely fun car with a splash of practicality!
My RX-8 rocks
The title says it all. I only wish the fuel economy was a little better. I love this car and it was worth the 5-6 month wait.
This Car Rox
I love my new 8. The seats fit like a glove, the engine takes off and is hummmmmmmm smooth. The ride is easy, but the tires stick to the road like flypaper. As my cousin said, it has a high odam factor. As in people pointing at it as you drive by, going "Oh, D@MN!"
Zero to Sixty in Sheer Pleasure
The RX 8 I own is way faster than the 87 Porsche 911 I used to own. I have Titanium grey and get heads turning everywhere I go. It's hard to be on time to things because I get asked a lot of questions and strangers want a "tour." I bought an RX 7 the first year and sold it 5 years later for more than I paid!
Mini Van...Who Needs One
Lots of choices out there to haul your family but not many that gives you the fun and accessibility of the RX8. I have tried putting a baby seat in Audi TT's, RSX's, BMW 330 coupe's and none seem to work as well and as easy as the RX8. The trunk is a bit small for a stroller but it works. Plus, you can get several golf bags back there. The drive is really comfortable. It takes on bumps really well and can really hug the curves. If you see one used and you are thinking about buying it, check out the MazdaSpeed body kit as a add on. Makes a huge difference in the presence of your car and stands out among other cars. Really sharp. The only thing I would say is get one with low miles.
What a car!
The car is great. It is agile and the back seat is useable for adults. We have learned the back seat sequence of steps - open doors, front seat forward, person in seat back. Once in it is comfortable. I have discovered storage bins in several places and there is a pass-thru even though some reviews say not. I am still disoriented by the radio controls but the rest of it is great. The nighttime interior lighting is gorgeous - neon blue, red and dome spotlight. A VERY well designed car.
Best car yet
I bought this car over the Internet sight unseen several months ago. After I picked it up, I realized that it exceeded all of my expectations. The only minor gripe I have is gas mileage but it is a psorts car and I tend to drive it a little more aggresively so i guess that's to be expected. People stop me on the street just to look at it. It is like a piece of art.
Light and Quick
As an Audi owner, I drove the TT Coupe prior to buying my RX-8, and I have to say the RX-8 blows away the TT. Hands down the RX-8 is lighter, more responsive, quicker, and more comfortable. In addition, the back seat is much roomier than the TT Coupe, in fact, adults can actually sit back there comfortably. The rotary engine purrs and demands to be driven between 4-5,000 RPMs. And with a red-line of 9,000, I have yet to use 6th gear. Cruising down the highway at 80 mph is easy on the engine in 5th gear. Since the car was just released, I don't have any maintenance history so I can't speak to that. But for the first 300 miles, this car cooks!
Good Car so Far.
700 miles so far. Gas mileage is not good but it's a sports car. Needs Climate control instead of manual. The air conditioning does not cool the car and makes a clunk sound every so often. The air bag light comes on occasionally and when the clutch is not engaged it makes a grinding sound which can be heard from inside. The stereo system could be better. The black interior causes it to get too hot in the sunshine plus makes it appear dirty with very little dust. Overall good car.....hopefully continues as that.
Zoom Zoom
Outstanding. This is the first new car I've purchased since 1989...It was worth the wait.
I LOVE IT!
I like very much this car. Although its my first sports car and I cannot compare with others, the combination of having 4 seat, cool suicide rear doors, great handling, good power and very nice interior and very competitive price compared to others makes it a great choice. I did not mention the fact that everyone is looking at me since I'm one of the few in my area with this car! this is a GREAT feeling!
We Love IT!!!
The number one requirement for my wife and my car is that she, 5ft 3in, has the ability to conveniently see out of all the windows and I, 6' 2", need to have adequate leg room. This car is Sophisticated the right amount of power without the gaudy engine noise.
Inexpensive and Fun to Drive
Love the car - only complaints are its extremely noisy on the road - highway (tire) noise - and the radio volume increments need to be eliminated - either too quiet or too loud.
Motor to rotor
Like a lot of other people, I was afraid of the rotary. It is so much different than anything on the road. That difference is what scared me, but that was till I drove one. I fell in love with this car in the first minute behind the wheel. It does have some dos and don'ts but what car doesn't. A pure sports car at this price is almost to good to be true. It is a high maintenance car so if you want to race stop light to stop light go buy a Honda! If you want a perfectly balanced extension of your thoughts to the road buy a RX8!
Fun to Drive
As a senior citizen, I always promised myself a little red sports car. This was it. I researched the RX8 online and drove one. Performance is excellent, easy to drive, nice ride considering it's a sports car. Good power and the rotary engine is historically super-reliable. Design is more Italian than Japanese and I like that. Looks like it's moving fast when sitting still, and doesn't have that roller skate look of the 350Z. We also have a Mazda MPV which has been excellent.
This ride is hot!
great ride. turns plenty of heads. drove it home last night. hit a possum though...geez! oh well, my car can handle a possum.
Sports Car
Lots of fun and you get all kinds of looks.
Cruisin' Hawaiian style
Fun car to drive. Sprots package with auto trans. Lots of positive comments reagarding styling. Unusual layout of interior gauges and switches, but workable. Car is rock steady at speed and highly maneuverable and responsive. Air contioner is a bit anemic and could be colder as well as quieter. Ride is firm and reassuring, but not uncomfortable. Gas mileage is fair(18mpg), but could be better.
Awesome
Two word to describe it is unbelievably unforgetable!!!!!!!
Fun to drive and own: a real head turner
This car is great. It's stylish and comfortable to drive. It responds quickly and hugs the road better than my 90 Miata (which I traded in on the RX8). The dash is easy to read and the controls are easy to operate. The manual mode of the automatic transmission (controlable from the stearing wheel and the console) allows for complete control of shifting gears. A flat tire repair kit is included because the spare tire is an extra cost option. The Grand Touring Package is a must and worth every penny - it includes all the options of the other touring packages plus electric driver's seat, lumbar support, heated leather trim front seats and heated mirrors.
right thurr
this car's the shizzle. its the best thing i'v driven yet, and i'm an indi 500 racecar driver so that says something. i like the leather interior and the handles on that thang
Yes!!!
good overall but gas mileage is not as good as i thought 18/24 6m version
performance/luxury/economy
expterior design; superior handling; luxurious interior; speed (low gear and top end); and price all make the mazda RX 8 the best value in a sports car in many a year.
Another dud from Mazda?
So far I have 750+ miles driven on this car. My Observations are: 1. Poor gas mileage. Between 14 & 16 in city driving. And I drive like granny! 2. Some interior elements do not keep up with the price tag. Too much plastic used on the interior. 3. Extremely fun to drive. 4. Engine sound is unique; however, cruising its silent like a good night of sleep. 5. Above average acceleration.
The 8 is great
Traded a 2002 Acura RL for this little red RX-8 w/Grand Touring Pkg. Gave up some luxury, but am having a blast driving it. Not a day goes by when someone doesn't ask me about the car. My RL never got this kind of attention.
Glad I waited!
I had been debating on what car to buy for several months and had decided to buy the Infiniti G-35, but after seeing the RX-8, the decision was made. I have the first one in the city I live in because the dealership just opened last Saturday. As a matter of fact, I was the first person to buy a car there. And I love the car! It has a lot of power and the look is great. I've had several people ask me about my "fancy imported sports car". It also drives great and is one of a kind. No regrets here.
Fabulous Eight
This car is absolutely fabulous. The electric steering is perfect, the balance of the chassis is fantastic. Exquisite interior and exterior styling and build quality. Most satisfying is the engine and the short throw 6 speed shifter. The guages and dash layout should win an award. The various "little" details are also neat.
What A Beauty!
It's a real head-turner...still turning mine! I don't know if they're admiring looks or trying to figure out what it is for I've seen no other in my local area!
love to hate it
I bought my rx-8 in April 09 with 27k. It is now Sept. 09 and i have 34k. I got a great deal on the car and loved the first 2 months i had it. Recently the airbag light came on for 2 weeks and then just shut off. A few days later and a month after an oil change it ran out of oil because the warning light never came on. Now every time i drive it it smells like burning oil, and mazda has no answers to these problems. The brakes squeak horribly and still squeaked after replacement. Heat from the cupholder area is ridiculous,and everything rattles. The stereo for a bose is awful, but the car looks awesome and if u get the clutch perfect in first it will take off pretty fast. Keep it or sell it?
Good, bordering on great
Aside from the 15 MPG and the 16 gallon gas tank that needs to be filled up every two days, this is a fun car. Don't be fooled into thinking it's an economical car though. Sure is fun to zip around corners, which it does very well. No street light racing though as the car is sluggish off the line unless you drop the clutch at 8K. When and if Mazda fixes the mileage and horsepower issues, this will be a truly great car.
Smooth operator...
I drove the RX8 and thought "Quality. Smooth. Effortless. Confident. Willing. Unique. Wow, it's at 9,000." My girlfriend hated the RX8 on paper. Then she saw and sat in the RX8 and said, "OK, you should get one of these." Despit what Vreveron the Honda saleman says below, this car is quality. The seats are excellent. The shifter reminds me of Underdog, my Miata. The engine needs no explanation as it makes piston engines seem irrelevant. It's like an electric motor with noise: you can't feel how fast it's spinning. The handling, while not like my modified Miata, is "wow, if I have to drive a sedan, I want it to drive like this!"
The real deal
A great car all around. I haul two kids every day (9,15) and soccer practice equipment and school bags and still have plenty of room. Try that in a boxter or Z4!! Suspension is incredible - can take corners without any sway at 30 over posted and yet it handles speed bumps very well. Kudos to Mazda. Only thing so far is lower gas mileage than spec - 15-17 in town depending on whether you let it rev or not. May improve as the engine breaks in further. Get all kinds of thumbs up and stares and waves as I drive around. Quiet, smooth, zoom,zoom......
what
breath taking so amazing so pretty not big and not to small so so cool
This car exceeded all my expectations!!!
An awesome car!!!!!!!!! This car is simply not a quantifiable machine on paper. You must see it in person to captures its full beauty.
RX8
UNBELIEVABLE HANDLING, NOTHING IS AVAILABLE THAT HAS THE STYLING OF THE RX8. THE 50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IS VERY EVIDENT IN THE ACCELERATION, CORNERING AND OVER ALL FEEL OF MY RX8. WORTH EVERY PENNY YOU WILL SPEND TO BUY YOUR 8.
One word - Unique
I've had mine for two weeks now, and it is great fun to drive. Doesn't hurt that my golf clubs fit in the trunk without a problem too. It's more practical, and a way better value than any other car in this class. A little more civilized than the RX-7 was.