2004 Mazda RX-8 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
Mazda fires its signature rotary engine back to life with the RX-8. As unconventional as its drivetrain, the 2004 Mazda RX-8 is actually a four-door, four-place vehicle with reverse-hinged rear side panels that allow access to the back seats. Designed to be as lightweight, and thus responsive, as possible, the Mazda RX-8's 238-horsepower motor is able to get it from rest to 60 mph in a little over six seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. Weight distribution is perfectly balanced for confident handling, and the car's unique interior and exterior styling makes a strong statement. The 2004 Mazda RX-8 is arguably the first true multi-purpose sports car sold in North America.

Advantages of the 2004 Mazda RX-8:

• Brakes offer right-now levels of effectiveness
• Telepathic steering and crisp response
• Thrilling exhaust note
• Design character
• Excellent front seat comfort with real rear seats
• Useful control layout

Objections to the 2004 Mazda RX-8:

• Lacks torque, resulting in unimpressive acceleration even with the manual
• Low bang-for-the-buck quotient
• Large adults don’t fit in back when large adults are in front

Editor's Advice:
Spiritual successor to the loved-and-lost Mazda RX-7 sports car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8 returns rotary engine power to the automaker’s lineup after an eight-year absence. In addition to this exclusive engine design, Mazda helps the RX-8 stand out in an increasingly crowded sports car marketplace by designing it to hold four adults in snug but comfortable bucket seats. Additionally, the styling is rather unconventional, with a smiley-face front air inlet, bulging front fenders and a greenhouse that when viewed from the rear corner reminds us of the old 1960s Studebaker Avanti. Certainly, the 2004 Mazda RX-8 represents a fresh and polarizing approach to sports car design, and performance is definitely a part of that equation. A brief drive reveals telepathic, direct steering, brakes that are right-now effective, and outstanding front seat comfort and support. Additionally, the controls are usefully and attractively laid out. The problem with the RX-8 lies under the interestingly shaped hood. Though the engine and exhaust note are thrilling, acceleration doesn’t feel particularly impressive from the driver’s seat. With a manual transmission, the Mazda RX-8 generates 238 horsepower and 159-lb.-ft. of torque, the latter cresting north of 5,000 rpm. Opting for the automatic strangles the motor; an embarrassing 197 horsepower is on tap if you don’t know how to shift your own gears, though there is a little bit more twist available to mask the muscle deficit (but this is akin to Spongebob Squarepants wearing inflatable arms to compete in a Bikini Bottom weight lifting competition). This sports car needs more power or less weight. Another problem is that when a six-footer is behind the steering wheel, there’s only enough room in the rear seat for a child. If four adults are cruising in the Mazda RX-8, they’d all better be short. These shortcomings aside, the 2004 Mazda RX-8 embodies the talent that makes nearly every Mazda product dear to the enthusiast’s heart – it can carve a line with astounding finesse. If strong straight-line acceleration is high on your priority list, shop elsewhere.