2004 Mazda RX-8

We had an opportunity to test the RX-8 on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and this is where the car really displays its performance character. Compared to the previous RX-7, the RX-8 feels like the larger car that it is even though it only weighs 3,029 pounds in 6-speed trim. However, it hustles around the track with the kind of confident grip and crisp steering we've been promised. The most difficult part of our track test was remembering to run the engine all the way up to the redline before shifting so that the engine stayed in the optimum power range. Under braking, the car is quite stable and, despite repeated hot laps, the brakes never faded. In addition, the ABS and DSC systems have high thresholds, allowing the car to be driven fairly deep into corners without the systems activating and spoiling the fun of sliding the car around.

The RX-8 is equipped with a dual-stage airbag on the driver's side and standard airbag on the passenger's side. Curtain and side airbags are also standard.

The 250 horsepower version starts at $26,680, while the 210 horsepower model has a base price of $25,180. Both cars come equipped with power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. To make ordering easy, both models are offered in four trim packages: a Base Model, Sport Package, Touring Package and Grand Touring Package. No matter how you look at it, this is a solid value for a sports car with four doors.


The Mazda RX-8 answers the demands of sports car enthusiasts who pursue performance driving but are not willing to forego comfort, convenience and practicality. It offers unique and unmistakable styling, sharp and responsive performance that assures driving pleasure, and overall practicality that exceeds most other sports cars in terms of passenger accommodations, cost-performance and utility. By combining these key values into a single product, Mazda is writing a new chapter in its sports car history, realizing fresh values for the sports car genre in a new format. (www.mazdausa.com)