2004 Mazda RX8 GT review from North America
"A stellar performer, marred by poor quality"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The following problems surfaced on my RX-8:
- Heavy oil consumption
- Poor gas mileage
- Premature wear of interior: Within 3 months the driver's seat leather was heavily worn. The dealer replaced the seat cover under warranty, but the replacement began to wear within weeks. Interior plastics not wearing well.
General comments?
Good Stuff:
Performance easily matches (or exceeds) my previous car (2000 Porsche Boxster), and the utility of 2 rear seats is greatly appreciated. The navigation system is extremely useful (if a bit difficult to learn at first).
Bad Stuff:
The rear mini doors are difficult to use in tight parking spots. Also, as mentioned above, the quality of interior materials is completely unacceptable – especially for a car that costs over $30k. While I can live with poor gas mileage, and having to carry a quart of oil in the trunk, having to stare at a worn interior every day is an insult – I hate to think what it will look like a year from now.
While a stellar performer, I can't recommend this car. Mazda should have spent a bit more money on interior materials, and more thoroughly thought out the mini doors.
Recommended reviews
  | A comprimise - should be two seats and 280hp. |
| Beautiful car, but a lemon |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Liter Rotory Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 25000 miles |
| Previous car | Porsche Boxster |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2005 |