2004 Mazda RX-8 Photo Gallery
The center stack has a pleasing black gloss finish. A navigation system is optional, at a hefty $2000. Both the $25,700 automatic model and the $27,200 manual version have cloth seats as standard: you need to order the so-called Grand Touring packages for leather upholstery.
The rear doors open suicide fashion. Getting into the back is easier than in a coupe, although hardly ideal for the less than able bodied. However, once you are sitting out back, it is reasonably comfortable. Kids will be fine and adults will be able to cope for shorter runs.
The manual model returns very good performance numbers. We recorded 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds with a standing quarter-mile time of 14.8 seconds. Top speed is 150 mph. Although there is very little low-end torque, usable power is spread over the upper 4500 rpms of the rev range.
Instrumentation is sensibly Spartan. The tachometer has a digital speed readout--there is no separate speedometer--and the only other gauges are for water temperature, fuel contents, and oil pressure. The readout on the left hand side tells you which gear you are in on the automatic model.
The high belt line is one weakness for rear-seat passengers: it is kind of hard to see outside, particularly for small kids. In the event of an accident, there are head curtain airbags back there.
The benefits of the car's light weight are seen on the open road, particularly in the way it carves into corners. The ride is actually well controlled, although road noise is high and impact harshness is less than stellar. The brakes are excellent, stopping the RX-8 from 70 mph to 0 in less real estate than a Porsche 911 Turbo or BMW Z4.