Overview & Reviews
The RX-8 is an all-new car for 2004. Its arrival marks the return of Mazda's rotary engine to the U.S. market. Priced less than Nissan's 350Z, the RX-8 also offers four doors and a usable backseat.
- Low base price, agile handling yet still comfortable enough for daily use, room for four in a pinch.
- Option packages can get expensive, iffy interior ergonomics.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 583.00-
My RX-8 comments - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Richxf - March 19 - 2:00 amSo far the RX-8 has been an excellent driving experience. The interior is very comfortable with everything laid out very wll. I have the grand touring package with the navigation system. The navgation system can be a bit clumpsy to input the destination, but once past that, it works well in routing you to your destination. The engine is smooth, and accelerates very well, the transmission is a 6 speed short throw that is also extremely smooth in its shifting, the combination of these two makes driving a real pleasure.
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Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By I Own One - March 19 - 2:00 amI love it. It really moves. I get lots of looks from passers by. It handles great. Very little wind noise. Hugs the road. Feel safe it in. Back seat for children fine but adults will be cramped. Trunk space adequate. Fuel is really bad. I dont do jackrabbit starts and I can actually see the gas tank level go down while driving. I use premium gas as instructed but would like to use midgrade since prices are less. Love my car. Zoom Zoom Zoom was meant for this car.
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The LilCar that Could thats Not so Lil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By ThaiXcel - March 15 - 7:26 pmI love this car! It might not be the fastest of the bunch, but if I wanted a fast car I would buy an ugly overrated Mustang thats all engine and nothing else. The response of the car, especially in turning is unbelievable, and the smooth performance of the unique Renesis rotary engine is like no other. You feel like youre in a jet. This car might not be for racing, but its definitely for Driving. The manual tranny is flawless and it takes turns like no other. After coming out of turns you almost want to apologize to the car for not taking the turn faster. Its styling speaks for itself and its interior quality is better than most, especially better than that fast, but poorly built Mustang.
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A whole lot of fun. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By charliedog - March 14 - 10:00 amYou cant go anywhere without someone approaching you and asking about the car. I feel like a salesman for Mazda. While passing everyone on the hiway people try to catch you to see what kind of car just blew there doors off. Somtimes you let them catch you, especially if its a cute girl.
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zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By martha phillips - March 13 - 5:06 amI have enjoyed every aspect of this car except the gas mileage. I bought the first model year, 2004, and its been perfect so far. No engine troubles, no performance issues. And the only interior issue is a little squeak the sun roof makes when its tilted open. Open it all the way and no noise. As promised, this car has been both practical and fun. Im thrilled. I drove it about 900 miles on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle and it was surprisingly comfortable for the long haul. One other interior issue is the heat. They could stand better heat insulation around the drive train as the inside of the car gets quite hot and is tough to cool down, even with the AC blasting.
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for all mankind - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By anhichiban - February 21 - 2:56 pmA beautiful and friendly car, the RX-8 makes its mark on the road. A unique body style that is subtle but stands out in the crowd. It is everything you expect it to be with the except of 2 major points. Lack of torque, so when you floor the gas, you still feel like your cruising unless you are in the higher RPMs. Even then you do not feel much acceleration. Secondly, MPG. Sadly I get a consistent 13 mpg with a 45/55 highway/city driving style. Mildly better than my fathers Ford Expedition. These are my only complaints.
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A blast to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By rjenk - December 24 - 2:00 amThe 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 youll find things months after purchasing...many that will make you say "now why didnt 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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You have to pay to play - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Pepe - December 14 - 11:33 amThe car is a perfect compromise for someone wanting a light, agile sports car, but still needs some practicality for family or friends. It could have a little more oomph off the line (like the Mustang) but the weight and handling balance would most likely suffer (like the Mustang). I dont know of any car that is easier to drive fast, or combines powerful braking, easy heel-toe shifting, communicative steering and a very friendly (high revs are rewarding not anxiety causing) engine. There may be better cars in any one of the above attributes, but I can only afford one car, and this one is IT.
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Good Car so Far. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By BJ - November 18 - 10:00 am700 miles so far. Gas mileage is not good but its 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.
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Worried about gas mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By hotrodbabe - October 6 - 10:00 amIm 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. Im starting to wonder about this engine!
