Used 2004 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
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Debugging for Mazda
All said, its a really nice ride though not perfect. So far (3K miles) replaced Oil Pan & Sensor, AC amplifier, 2 interior panels and had to remove the pass front seat to fix plastic trim. It left me stranded once...flooded. Costs as much to run as my Expedition. But it handles great, Looks great and the concept is very exciteing. A real head turner.
I Love This car, and so will you.
I pre-ordered this car in Jan of 2003. I've owned it since July 2003. This is an awesome car, and it amazes me how much I still enjoy having and driving it. You cannot beat it for the price. If your a parent with a couple of kids it's great. The fact that you can have a sports car, and have room for 4 full size adults amazes me. I could make a long list of all the things that's so great about this car but, it wouldn't fit in the review. If your serious about this car. Do a search and read the message boards. I'm going to be owning this car for a long time. I can't think of another car I would want.
- Manual CoupeMSRP: $9,500165 mi away
- Manual CoupeMSRP: $17,800331 mi away
- Automatic CoupeMSRP: $19,999423 mi away
what
breath taking so amazing so pretty not big and not to small so so cool
Great Car
While the AT might not have as much HP as the MT, it sure seems like plenty for most driving in my book. The rotary engine is super smooth, and the car has a unique whine to it that really is a joy to listen to. Front seats are fabulous and provide excellent support for even spirited driving. Control placement is also quite good, and interior materials are first rate for this kind of car. If you haven't guessed by now, I love the car!
RX-8
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.
You Gotta Drive this car!!!
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.
Wow!
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.
Excited !!!
After several months of research, I finally purchased my RX-8. I love the automatic because of the "manual" option. I think it is so cool to be able to change gears on the steering wheel. It's like a video game. I have one baby and the car seat fits perfectly in the backseat. If you are thinking about it, just go buy it. You won't regret it.
Zoom-Zoom
If you enjoy driving through mountain roads at high speeds, this is the car for you!! What a thrill it is to power this machine up the hills and through the turns.
Best car I've ever driven.
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.
My blue rx 8
Wonderful car needs a few goodies to give you low end power
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.
my review
Fun to drive, fun to own. What a gas!!!
Mazda RX-8 Bright Blue
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.
Mid-Life Crisis Car with Kids
Having sold my RX-7 when my first child was born, I have been longing for the day when I could once again be driving a sports car. However, with more children, it was getting delayed, and delayed, and delayed. Now, I got my car, and it has 4 doors and a back seat.
Not a 7, but still a 10!
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.
Second Time Around
In 1979 at the age of 25, I purchased my first RX7 and had it for 6 year, it was love a first sight. Now at 50 I purchased my second only it is an RX8. I love the style, freestyle doors, quality of build and that one of a kind ROTORY engine. I sometimes fail to turn on the 9 speaker Bose stereo just to hear that silky smooth "wherr" of the engine. I am in love again with the "coolest" sports car on the road.
300 mile review
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.
Car with Personality
When the lights blink at me when I say "Hello" with my keyless entry, I have to smile. Driving this car has brought me nothing but pleasure. From the way it feels sitting in the driver's seat, to the looks it gets at every red-light, I'm in love with my car. Have yet to pull alongside a Mustang GT or Corvette, and not have them feel the need to prove themselves.
Looks are not everything
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.
It's been worth the wait
Performs like a dream and very forgiving. 6 Speed Manual is a blast to drive. Sexy car! Trunk space is adequate and more than expected from a sports car. Back seats, seat people comfortably with full back support. Regardless of having leather or fabric seats, they are comfortable and hug your body. Safety / crash test results are impressive (4 and 5 star).
Truly fun to drive!
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.!
great sportscar, lots of fun
the RX-8 is a wonderful second car to drive around for fun, but i find myslef using it more and more everyday. it is comfortable on long trips, responsive and an overall excellent sportscar. the design is completely different than other cars, and gets tons of looks everywhere. i have a black one with the grand tourning package, and 6-speed transmission.
X-Review
Actually, didn't realize what a following the Mazda had. Drove it in two parades and many were asking what kind of car it was and what did it have "Unda da hood." People making left turns always look and try to figure out what kind of car it is but because I have the extra "Bra" on the front, they can't tell. Love the inside too with the red/black interior matching the red of the outside. One thing I have had the most comments about is how much flake they put in the paint. It is amazing how it shines.
reborn
THE ROTARY RULES AGAIN!
Lovin' It
The car looks and performs great. I would highly recommend the 6 speed as the automatic doesn't do the car justice!
Mazda has a hit!
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.
RX-8
This car is awesome and great.
Cute design and fun to drive
Difficult to see blind spot on driver's side, but awesome car to drive.
beautiful blue
I have had the car for two weeks now. What a trip I have never seen so many people stare at a car unless it was a Viper. Handles great, I am always looking for a reason to get in and drive.
Great Styling...Poor Performance
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!
ZOOM ZOOM
The RX8 is the car for turning heads. Everyone that comes in contact with this car is facinated with it style and performance. Mazda has done a fine job, even though the RX7 should still be offered.
After One Year and 37000 Miles
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.
Feelin' Like a Million Bucks!
I love this car! It is my first vehicle purchase since graduating from college in 02 and I'm 100% satisfied. I bought the 8 not for the rotary, the excellent handling, or the 238HP but for how it made me feel when driving. And you know what, I feel like a million bucks everytime I see and get in my 8. I love the questions and compliments from random people about this car and have never tired of telling about it. The RX8 is the total package.
super fun car for the money
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!
Orlando
Not the best for gas mileage but overall, a well made, good looking, fun- to-drive car.
Driving in the Snow
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.
Zazoom!
Beautiful design, sleek, agile, with just the right blend of top ten performance and top five comfort and drivability! At under $26k for the base model it is an unparalleled value. Oh yeah you can get a OEM modified turbo Subaru WRX, or a turbo Mustang that will slightly outperform the RX8 0-60, but they are just souped-up sedans that do not inspire the thoroughbred sports car vision like the Mazda RX8, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4... There is no comparison as far as class and value when it comes to my RX8!!!
best car ever
this vehicle is the all time greatest
Great Car
Performance as advertised. Great compromise. Handles like a sports car. Room like a small sedan.
Jen
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.
Zoom-Zoom Needs a Turbo
I'm a 37 male, I'd have to say I love all the attention I get with my RX-8. I have Mazdaspeed aftermarket parts along with Sportmax 502 Rims and a Soundstream amp and sub, and finally a MIO510 Roadmate G.P.S. I get looks from kids, chicks, and unfortunately the local 5-0 and state troopers. Heck I got pulled over just to have my tint inspected by one! When I get the car paid off I plan on putting a Greddy Turbo and upgrade the brakes. I hate that an ugly Dodge Neon SRT-4 can outsprint my lovely RX-8 but someday - Watch out! LOL
350z vs. RX8...RX8 hands down!!!
Between the two cars I took into consideration for my next toy, the RX8 was the favorite. The design and performance does not compare to that of the 350z. Despite the 8's lack of hp, the handling is unbelievable. I'm a daily commuter and every morning I sit in the driver's seat, and I feel like a winner. If you have to make the choice between a sports car from the $25k-$35k range, get the 8!!!
Loving to Drive
I had been impatiently waiting for a couple months for the car to be available in my area. I have only had my RX-8 for two weeks, but it has been wonderful. The styling is close to exotic and I get lots positive comments about its looks. The performance is just what I expected, handles better than a porche, but not so fast that you will drive over your head easily.
ya mama
good car i like it a lot i think everyone should get one for christmas
jawbone
I love it. I just wish the gas mileage was better.
Fire Hazard
Given the beauty/uniqueness of this car I was willing to overlook the constant need to add oil, the engine flooding, the poor gas mileage, the manufacturer recalls ... that was until my car burst into flames in the parking lot at work due to faulty wiring. The entire front end is incinerated and unrepairable. According to Mazda mine is the first ... hopefully it's the last.
RX8-A Driver's Car
I love my new RX8! This is definitely a driver's car. Great handling and great looking! I almost get distracted by the number of people who hang out their windows to get a better look at my car. Great car for the money!
zoom zoom
The good news is, its a head-turner. The bad news is, its a head-turner. First two traffic tickets in the last 10 years came in the same week. (the cops didn't seem to notice me in a Tahoe) Love the car, yet disappointed with the gas mileage.
I've never been happier with a purchase
Great to drive and it gets more looks and compliments than a Porsche. Bad on gas.