2004 Mazda RX8 review from North America

It began with a hesitation during acceleration. After some time I noticed when using the cruise control on the highway, the car began stuttering (which felt like wind resistance at first until I realized the awful truth). The hesitation became worse to the point I could hold the accelerator to the floor and get no response. Then between 3 and 4000 RPMs it started to make a plastic grinding sound just prior to the acceleration problem flaring up. It has been to the shop now 6 times for a total of about 5 weeks. The check engine light came on a couple of times and flashed during a twenty mile road trip. The dealer replaced two coils they said which fixed the problem for about two weeks; now it's back in the shop again. Same problem!! This elusive engine problem has been the extent of it so far. After reading other reviews, I have noticed I have condensation inside both tail light lenses, so that will be next. It is by far the most unreliable car I've owned to date. I'd feel better taking my 1993 Ford Explorer (with 289000 miles on it) out of town than this car. Buyer beware!! Mazda dropped the ball on this one and I'll be getting rid of it one way or the other.

The car handles great when it is running right. The interior is just what you want in a sports car. Nice options, but it all comes back to, will it get you there? You may think you're getting a killer sports car for the money, but you better have a great warranty or deep pockets to keep it out of the yard art category. I'd say buy a used Vette before a new RX8.