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Used 2004 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
591 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

RX-8

TR, 06/13/2005
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Solid $25K car. Daily drive over rough roads is comfortable, yet still a blast to drive on any road. Also take it to the track once a month and this completely showroom car holds its own against cars with adjustable shocks and racing compound tires. You do have to keep the RPM's up above 4K, but the rotary has no problem doing this. I'm glad Mazda put a 9000 RPM rev limiter on the car or I'd have easily zoomed to past 10,000! With just some basic after-market upgrades & driver improvements, the car would be always at the top of the pack.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

This car exceeded all my expectations!!!

Bryan Mathews, 08/19/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

An awesome car!!!!!!!!! This car is simply not a quantifiable machine on paper. You must see it in person to captures its full beauty.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

RX8

RX8 CONSUMER, 09/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great car, needs more hp/gas milage

Titanium Grey, 11/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car. Mazda hit it off with its looks and feel. It's a real pleasure to drive. It could use some more horsepower, and the gas milage is sub par. Other that that fantastic.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best car I've ever driven.

Litigator, 11/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Driving this car is a real adrenalin rush! It turns heads everywhere I go. Driver comfort is exceptional for a sports car (I'm 6'2. Fuel economy is so-so but this car is an incredible machine for the price (30K). I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

One word - Unique

the_hurra, 09/23/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

WOW

buffys boy, 11/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car for almost 2 months and all I can say is WOW!!! The styling is incredible, the handling is great! Granted the automatic is not hot off the line, but the pratical side is this is a Great everyday car! The interior styling is far superior to the 350Z I tested! This car has way too many great things to mention!!! A car I would recommend!!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda RX-8 Bright Blue

kjoh282903, 11/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Mazda RX-8 is one of the absolute best cars. one of my favorite features is that it is a four door coupe, it is so much easier than having a 2 door where u have to move the seat up. i love the overall look and design of the car, but i feel like the interior could be a little better, mainly by adding power seats. The only other problem i have had it that if your a shorter stature person its a little hard to back up due to the high seating. i do suggest that if you are a person who must transport many things back and forth that you may want to reconsider because even though the RX-8 is roomy, its not the ideal car for say a college student.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Not a 7, but still a 10!

madmariner, 08/19/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned 3 RX-7s (80, 87 and 94) and I'm very pleased that Mazda developed the RX-8. Although it lacks the punch and rail-like cornering of the twin turbo, it is much more practical and affordable and gives up nothing in the fun-to-drive category. And the lack of turbocharging should bode well for the longevity of the engine. The car does not have the fit and finish of some of it's higher priced brethren, but it doesn't give up much and the performance, features and balance that you get in the RX-8 makes it a value that you simply cannot find elsewhere.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Practical Sports Car

srm858, 09/24/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am very happy with almost all aspects of the car. I have 1300 miles on it and it has loosened up nicely. The seats are excellent and it is quiet and rides very well. A little better visibility in the rear would be helpful and a 6 disc changer should have come with the Bose system. I was quoted $900 for one, outrageous. My mileage has improved to just over 20 in mixed driving. I hope it continues to improve, but Wankels are not know for great mileage. I would highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a sports car they can live with year round.

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4 out of 5 stars

May not start after short distance drive

worried, 11/21/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's a cutie but if you drive short distances, this may not be the car for you. It may not start if it hasn't warmed up or been driven for less than 5 minutes. One suggestion I've just read is to rev it up to 4000, and turn the key off while it's reving. Excess fule will be removed from the fuel pump and in

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4.75 out of 5 stars

300 mile review

jimbotomy, 12/03/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 300 miles, this car is absolutely fantastic. It rides like a dream. The power available at all RPMs is amazing; I feel comfortable driving in fourth gear going from anywhere between 30 mph (at which the car can take all but the sharpest curves) and upwards of 70 mph (on back roads, making it hard to hit higher speeds). I have changed my route to work to the back roads because I enjoy the RX-8 so much. For those that think they may be too big for this car: I'm 6'4", 285 lbs., and I fit comfortably in the driver's seat.

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4 out of 5 stars

Looks are not everything

speeede, 09/27/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Unbelievable looks. Its so fresh, I couldnt get looks like this in an nsx. You have no idea until you drive one how much people stare. Gas, however, is abysmal. I have 1000 miles and I average about 12 mpg, all city. Not granny driving, but not indy either. I am 6'2", way too tall for the sunroof. Cloth on rear inside fender walls is an AWFUL choice, will fall apart by end of year. I recommend automatic since 1st gear is very low power in the manual. Bose radio sounds dull and stock.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun on Four Wheels

RX-8 Lover, 12/03/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ergonomics are excellent.Smooth and more than adequate acceleration.The suspension and 50-50 weight distribution will have you searching for curves.Even though it is a sports car, it is quite comfortable for road trips for a family of four.The seats just seem to hug your body when you sit in them. There is adequate storage with the innovative use of the center console plus 4 cup holders. The trunk is very spacious for any car much less a sports car. The exterior of the car is awesome. It has beautiful lines with the flared fenders and rear spoiler. It never fails to turn heads wherever I go.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Truly fun to drive!

Farrokh, 06/26/2005
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my RX8. It is truly fun to drive and despite what Consumer Reports might tell you about predicted reliability, I have never once had a problem with it.!

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5 out of 5 stars

Great new Car

Poisonsu, 08/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have waited 6 months for the car. So far it is everything I expected. It really hugs the road and it is been alot of fun to drive. The lines on the car are beautiful. People look at the car all the time. I have had it 1 week. So far no problems!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

great car

pbw, 09/27/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Spent a lot of time looking for a new car, including Z4,330CI,SLK320. THe Rx8 was a more exciting choice. Really pleased with the car. Get loads of nice comments from strangers. It really likes to move swiftly.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

RX-8 Performance

E.Lizcano, 06/28/2005
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

You'll love the way this car handles, especially on turns. It may not be as fast off the line as "sports" cars, but it can still hold its head up high while handling better than many sport edition vehicles.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

reborn

floyd, 12/06/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

THE ROTARY RULES AGAIN!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda has a hit!

rx8_is_great, 09/30/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the car a week ago and am really enjoying the ride! It gets extra attention from onlookers...even had a few people follow me to the parking lot where I work to look at it! Mazda did a wonderful job on the exterior and ride of this car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A standout in a crowd of same old...

Island RX-8, 12/08/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car since August 03. Having owned all sorts of sports cars coupes, e.g., BMW(2), MB(5) and a few others, I can, without hesitation, say this is one of the best I've ever owned. It is smooth, well-equipped even without options, quick (but there are faster straight-line cars) and it handles like a dream. Only my Miata has quicker turn-in. The big plus is seating for four adults in a pinch; or plenty of room for two with exceptional luggage space. I can work very well as a daily driver and give breat fun on curvy roads or at an autocross.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Cute design and fun to drive

no name , 12/14/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Difficult to see blind spot on driver's side, but awesome car to drive.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Great Styling...Poor Performance

UnR1, 08/25/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the RX8 strictly fsor its styling...the performance is not nearly as good as it's competitors (350z, evo, g35, etc...) Mazda recently admitted that the real HP figures are 238...not 250. And from actual dyno results, it looks like it may be less. I love the styling though, looks awesome!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Worried about gas mileage

hotrodbabe, 09/29/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm getting much lower mileage than I expected: 16.3 mpgal for the first 3 fillups, including one nice long road trip. I even ran out of gas after only 257 miles on a full tank of gas! That never should have happened. This is way below the advertised gas mileage. First there was the problem with the horsepower lower on the production cars than on the pre-production models; now lower gas mileage. I'm starting to wonder about this engine!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

a great car all the way around

connorsdad, 12/12/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent car- great handling, nice appearance. every option except Nav so lots of toys inside and out. Gas mileage is disappointing though it seems to be getting better with mileage. All around awesome car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

After One Year and 37000 Miles

diverjmacj, 06/29/2005
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love my 8. I commute 125 miles each day, live in my car. This car is pure enjoyment to drive. Comfortable, responsive, quick, nimble, what else can I say? I did not expect to be stopped by someone every week with questions, comments, admiration but I am.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

super fun car for the money

Randoff, 09/29/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the car. It's a bargain for all that you get with this car. Who can beat the cost (31,100) and still provide you with speed and innnovativeness. I love the red/black interior color combo. I don't like the quality of the material for the inside though. The dashbord looks "dirty" even when it's clean. I considered the 350Z and the G35 Coupe. Both were a few thousand dollars out of my price range. My recommendation, get the RX-8 M/T. Peace!

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3.63 out of 5 stars

BEWARE OF THE GAS PUMP!!

RotaryRules, 12/18/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car looks awesome, as we all know!! The car handles great and is very comfortable on a daily commute. This car does NOT get even close to the mpg rating on the sticker, which is 18/25 on the automatic. I have been getting 14 mpg highway with my foot out of it!! They lied about the HP and now this!! My advice by the Nissan Z car and deal with NO rear seat!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Driving in the Snow

lamourine, 12/10/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Left work and had to drive 60 miles home in 2-4 inches of snow where noone else had driven and the car drove extremely well. The traction feature kicked in and got me safely home.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive!

John Martiw, 05/25/2010
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had it for more then 2 years now, and I still love the car. It's fun to drive and corning just amazing. Acceleration is decent but not the best. I drive a automatic which only has 200 hp compare to manual which has about 240.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car

blu, 08/24/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

fabulous car, hot to drive , fun nice looking at decent price.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Perfect Car

Rotcomp4, 10/01/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Congratulations! I own an 89 Mazda Rx- 7 it was as good as it gets, so I thought. But now, Mazda, you have outdone Yourselves! Thank you for building this car

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4.75 out of 5 stars

great car

Patrick , 12/11/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car handles like no other. It never loses traction. It accelerates great, has a great engine noise. The interior is sporty and fun and you can even fit the kids in back no problem.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Jen

Jen in Georgia, 10/01/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I do not recommend this car for larger people. There is also some difficulty in putting this car in reverse. I have enjoyed driving a mustang better.

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5 out of 5 stars

love my car

compactfun38, 12/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Not only is the car fun to look at, it is also incredible to drive. I was not sure what to expect out of the car with the new renisis engine and side ports but the car has been running great. Long distance travel and faster acceleration as well. Check to oil every 500 miles it is just that type of engine that needs to be checked on because of the rotary engine. Also let the car warm up for 3 to 5 minutes before taking off. You and the car will get along better. =)

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5 out of 5 stars

AWSOME!

warp3d, 08/25/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car handles like a dream...and the interior is beautiful. Great attention to detail...the Rotary symbol can be found throughout the car and quality is top notch!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

YAHOO!!!

Terry Sheneman, 12/23/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just purchased an RX-8 decked out to the 9's, and, IT IS AN ABSOLUTE AWESOME CAR!!! What a ride!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

digs

freedom, 12/22/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the car gets plenty of looks (RED. I bought some accessaries at the dealer which made it look beter, some of the items are from mazdaspeed but available from the dealer

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Fun To Drive

droddick, 12/23/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's great getting to drive a sports car that is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks from others. I have no complaints except it should get better gas mileage. The fit and finish of the car is excellent; and 4 adults can actually sit with reasonable comfort.

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5 out of 5 stars

one hot car

tman, 10/01/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

smooth, fast stylish and a real looker! Handling is very tight.. roomiest back seat I've ever seen for a sports sedan!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

a true sports car? yes

bmwwrkrrx8owner, 12/24/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the rx-8 was a true sports car that just happens to have four doors. I take the guys to lunch every friday in it, and the 6'2", 200 hundred pound guy would rather be in the back seat behind me than the front pass seat. you can do 0-60 in under six seconds, and if you know how to drive, you can smoke just about anyone out there. i have taken multiple v-8's to the cleaners.

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5 out of 5 stars

Driving Perfection!

m10ant, 08/26/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car was definitely worth the wait. Exterior styling is head turning both literally and figuratively. Rotary engine sound is music. I'm so impressed with this car's responsiveness: acceleration, handling, and braking are superb! They far exceed any expectation I may have had. A complete joy to drive!!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

RX7vsRX8

rx7lover, 10/01/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the exterior is awesome. I receive so many compliments... from bmw to mercedes look alike.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Perfect Blend

Chad Wadsworth, 08/15/2005
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Smile Machine

LCHco, 12/31/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The smoothest, sexiest, most practical adrenaline rush on wheels I have ever owned. Yes, it definitely feels right.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

An Amazing Little car

LovingtheRotary, 01/06/2005
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best Fun in the Front Seat of a Car

mkprincess, 01/01/2004
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my RX-8 for almost 3 months and absolutely LOVE IT!!! I've got over 6000 miles and the only thing I can think to complain about it is the gas mileage - about 20 mpg. but everything else about the car makes the gas mileage easier to accept. It's a huge head-turner. One problem - most of the lookers are 20-year old guys and I'm a 45-year old woman. Oh well - I love the car!! When I first drove it to work someone said it looked like a "spaceship"

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A blast to drive

rjenk, 01/02/2004
2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

You Gotta Drive this car!!!

Wildcatsare1, 08/26/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Wow!

Michael Stevers, 10/04/2003
2004 Mazda RX-8 Manual 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The only thing I can say is, if you haven't driven a Mazda RX-8 yet, you are missing out on the car experience of your life...come on, go out and test drive one now, I dare you not to like it.

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