Does anyone know if the 2004 year GT model had keyless entry? Was it available at all or was it standard or an option?

 

No, it was not available from Mazda until 2006. It is available in an aftermarket solution though, I have the system from Advanced Keyless.

 

OK -good to know, thank's

 

Maybe I'm missing something, but I've got a 2004, and while I didn't receive a key fob with it, I was able to buy one on ebay and program it to work with the car. No aftermarket stuff, unless you count the key fob.

 

Interesting - I will need to research this a little more. It appears there are some options available, which is good to know!

 

Are you talking about a clicker fob or a proximity based one?

Clickers were standard equipment, you can get one off ebay or elsewhere and program it. Proximity based omly came 06.

 

2004 RX-8's had a key only. The 2005 model year introduced the key fob to the lineup. The credit card fob was introduced later as stated above. I bought a new 05 and have had a few 04's. As far as a standard fob goes, when I bought my Brilliant Black 04 I took it to the dealer and brought them the key fob I kept from my 05 I got new and bought a new key there which they cut and the dealer then programmed the new key and fob to the car. I plan to do the same with my Nordic Green 04, which came with the Mazda keys only, no fob.

 

The '04s did come with a fob, I had one, they are notorious for failing and being replaced with a switchblade fob.
Keyless Entry for the sake of our discussion is the proximity type.

 

I remember those fobs. They were separate from the key and were small and black in color. They did fail quite often if I remember correctly. In 05 they changed the style to the switchblade fob and in later years, I think 07 and up, Mazda used the credit car fob that had a removable key in case of power failure.

 

Sounds like if I buy an 04 that there are some options for an after market key/fob set up.

 

I got mine from Remote Superstore.

There's a thread called "Keyless Entry not working" with plenty of relevant info.

 

You can buy aftermarket or get the switchblade style fob from Mazda. I got the switchblade style for my Brilliant Black 04 and keep the original key on my key ring in my pocket. Comes in handy to have both honestly.