2004 Mazda RX8 review from North America
""Nasty looking!" :) Reliable, fun, comfortable, a pleasure to drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Two concerns: (1) sun visors hard to remove from secured position. (2) recently, when a wrong-sized tire temporarily replaced the correct-sized tire, a warning light appropriately went o; however, the car, for about 10 seconds, could also not be engaged out of 2nd gear. A Grandma used to say: "These should be your worst problems," especially at 68,000 miles. :)
General comments?
This car has been a pure joy to ride, especially as my work requires I drive 30,000+ miles yearly.
While it's looks are exceptional and eye-catching, the RX8 provides a quiet, comfortable ride, with especially good lumbar support for long trips.
Space has been optimized: how Mazda got four full-sized adults to fit into such a sleek design, albeit with their "Freestyle" door design, is just short of a miracle.
The instrument panel and lighting are exceptional, compact, easy to read and negotiate.
A car that can be driven either in Manual or Automatic? And be able to change gears with paddle shifters right on the steering wheel!
Like my 1995 Millenia (250K miles), my 2004 RX8 (68K miles) is reliable in all terrains and weather.
Recommended reviews
  | Beautiful car, but a lemon |
| This car is beautiful, but not very reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12 miles |
| Most recent distance | 68000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda Millenia |
| Date of Entry | 8th July, 2006 |