2004 Mazda RX-8 Review
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Summary
The RX-8 is not only all-new, but a unique sports car. Its four-seat, four-door configuration is an original design that works. The rotary engine is super smooth, simple, high-revving and almost indestructible, although it's not strong on mid-range acceleration. It's complemented by a beautiful six-speed gearbox and great brakes.
It may be argued that the difference between a sports car and sports coupe (such as the Infiniti G35) is semantic, so Mazda's claim to be the first and only true four-seat sports car is stretching things a bit. No matter what you call the RX-8, it's a great car with an innovative approach and admirable engineering.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | RX-8 AT ($25,180); RX-8 MT ($26,680) |
| Engines: | 1.3-liter rotary |
| Transmissions: | six-speed manual |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | ABS; front, side and side-curtain airbags; electronic braking distribution; traction and stability control; seatbelt pretensioners |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | none |
| Basic Warranty: | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Hiroshima, Japan |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Mazda RX-8 MT ($26,680) |
| Standard Equipment: | in-dash 6-disc CD, keyless entry, power windows, mirrors and door locks |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | MT Sport Package ($1100), including Xenon headlights, DSC with traction control, fog lamps; in-dash 6-disc CD ($500); Rotary Accent Package ($139) |
| Destination Charge: | 520 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 28939 |
| Layout: | rear-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 238 @ 8500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 159 @ 5500 |
| Transmission: | six-speed manual |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 18/24 |
| Wheelbase: | 106.3 |
| Length/width/height: | 174.2/69.7/52.8 |
| Track, f/r: | 59.1/59.3 |
| Turning circle: | 34.8 |
| Seating capacity: | 4 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 35.8/NA/43.0 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 35.5/NA/23.0 |
| Cargo volume: | 7.6 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | |
| Suspension, f: | A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension, r: | multi-link, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground clearance: | 5.3 |
| Curb weight: | 2940 |
| Tires: | Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R18 |
| Brakes, f/r: | Ventilated discs with ABS and electronic distribution |
| Fuel capacity: | 15.8 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2004 Mazda RX-8, click here: 2004 Mazda RX-8.
