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"Lots of fun with a few minor problems" on by RossComer
Pros: Fun, especially at higher RPMs
Cons: Low MPG (18), weak A/C, outdated console electronics (manual temp control)
Summary: I bought an '04 RX-8, literally driving it off of the dock when the boat dropped it off. I love this car. It is a blast to drive, especially at higher RPMs, and I really like the styling.
I have a bunch of minor nits, none of which matter when compared to the Pros.
The gas mileage is pretty consistent at 18mpg, although you can squeeze a few extra mpg out of it with a soft foot and lots of highway driving.
The engine is great at heating up the car, which is nice in the winter but not so great in the summer. Unfortunatley the A/C has trouble keeping up. The climate controls are also manual; in a higher-end model, automatic temp would be nice.
It's a little tight in headroom for taller folk. I'm 6' (tall in upper body) and my head touches the ceiling. So much for racing since a helmet wouldn't fit. I do however fit in back, although I wouldn't want to be back there more than 20-30 minutes.
The trunk is a touch small, especially the opening.
The front seats work well for some people (me) but the design hits some people (my wife) wrong making them fairly uncomfortable (for her). I really like the way they hold me in place on the tight turns.
That's quite the list of cons, but they really aren't bad and don't come close to offsetting the Pros so let's get back to those Pros. Love the strong lights. It handles curves like a dream.
I describe this as "my 4-door family car" and it works well for my family of 4 (two kids <10 years). I don't expect any issues/complaints until the kids are both fairly full grown.
I haven't had any major problems and the minor ones were all addressed by Mazda immediately. Also, no problems with flooding (make sure you follow the directions and DO NOT ADD GAS when turning the car on)or excessive oil use (in 4 years I've added 1 quart of oil outside of regular maintenance services).
In summary, I highly recommend this car. I'd certainly consider one again in the future, especially if they refine the high-end versions. -
"Best Card I have ever Owned!" on by Sand-eye
Pros: Superior handling, distinctive styling, high reving, very fun to drive!
Cons: Gas mileage, but then again it is a sports car!
Summary: No car can match this for the price - hands down!. I've had lots of cars mainly Hondas and Acuras but the reality is if you want something that is really fun to drive the RX-8 is it! I was dis-illusioned by the Honda and Acura products after they dropped the Integra and NS-X and wanted something that could hold 4 people (as I have 2 kids) that was fun to drive, and actually had some styling that was different than most cars out there (Lexus, Audi, BMW, Acura etc) and this is it. I will miss the fact that 2011 will be the last year for the RX-8 but that fact combined with the styling, handling, fun and unique rotary engine (with 9,000 plus redline) makes this an even more desirable car. I encourage any and all at least to give this car a test drive - nothing will compare! There is lots of "mythology" around the rotary engine (issues and concerns) but I have been driving my 8 for 2 years now and loving it with absolutely no problems!!! The reality is with only Mazda advancing the rotary engine, there are a lot a mis-conceptions surrounding it that competitors seize on. The engine warranty speaks for itself - 8 years / 100,000 miles. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-8 for more details!
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"FOR DRIVERS ONLY" on by M3Metro
Pros: Smooth engine, quick bursts of speed when you need it, but more importantly, when you just WANT it.The car becomes an appendage... an extension of your body.
Cons: Gas mileage (but I was forewarned); The stereo isn't the greatest, but I didn't buy it for the sound system. I rarely turn it on because I love to hear the sounds the engine makes.
Summary: Seriously, this is a driver's car. You have to have a passion and appreciation for driving. You MUST be very in tune with the cars needs. Take extra special care of it and it will not let you down.
I LOVE MY RX8 -
"It's a go Cart for the road" on by STEPMAN
Pros: Blast to drive
Cons: Buy several extra bottles of oil, you will need 3 between oil changes
Summary: Cabin tech and oil use are the down sides, this car is a blast to drive. No you will not win drag races, but take them into the mountains and ask them to keep up. And the oil is no joke, buy a box and keep several quarts in the trunk, you will need them between oil changes when the little warning lights comes on. Forget the back seat except for packages. 4 adults CAN ride in it, but none of you will be comfortable. Leather seats are OK, not a full leather. Drive it hard and you will need tires at 15,000 to 18,000 mile, but come on folks they are performance tires. Also watch the aero kit the ft spoiler hangs low. Traded mine and stepped into a SLK32 Mercedes.
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"it's a nightmare" on by hrittsfan
Pros: it looks good
Cons: rotary engine is a nightmare
Summary: i bought the grand touring with the nav package and rotary package. for 3 years i waited for mazda to figure out what was rattling around the engine. finally at 47,000 miles they replaced the engine. during that time a number of other elements had to be replaced including cracking plastics on the cheap dashboard, fuel pump, air intake, oxygen sensors, window motor, sliding arm rest. the car is hard to start in cold weather and floods easily which usually results in a trip to the dealership. Mazda North America, their technicians and regional managers are fairly clueless when it comes to customer service and repairing the car. I will never own another Mazda.
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