View Poll Results: What is your overall level of satisfaction with the RX8?
Highly Satisfied
2,880
71.93%
Somewhat Satisfied
710
17.73%
Neutral
157
3.92%
Somewhat Dissatisfied
130
3.25%
Highly Dissatisfied
127
3.17%
Voters: 4004. You may not vote on this poll
Satisfaction Survey with your RX-8
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Algonquin, Il....west of Chicago
Mostly Satisfied
I love this car in and out! Just a couple things.....gas mileage 13-15mpg...I'd be happy with at least 17mpg. Hesitation when cold, & flooded once!
But I love so many other things about this car that I can deal with that and say I am happy with this car!!! It's smooth and handles superbly and not to mention it's so awesome looking in and out!!!
But I love so many other things about this car that I can deal with that and say I am happy with this car!!! It's smooth and handles superbly and not to mention it's so awesome looking in and out!!!
triangle in an oval hole
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Pedro
I've had the car 4 weeks and love it. No problems and lotsa comments and looks. Definitely the funnest car I've ever had or driven
Maybe its too soon to claim I'm satisfied but with other cars I've owned the new car excitement was gone in a week or two with the 8 its still here and may even be getting stronger as more people ask about it and I take it on more trips.
Maybe its too soon to claim I'm satisfied but with other cars I've owned the new car excitement was gone in a week or two with the 8 its still here and may even be getting stronger as more people ask about it and I take it on more trips.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Sort of a long winded post but bear with me:
During my limited 11 years of driving, I have owned a 93 Ford Ranger, 95 Mustang GT, 00 Miata LS and a 03 Explorer Sport Trac. I have also driven countless other makes and models the belonging to my friends and family. While I know that Rangers and Explorers do not bring much joy, the Mustang and Miata were each great cars in their own right. However, I cannot put into words the thrill I get from either driving or even looking at the RX8. No lie, I have had the car 5 days and I have trouble sleeping because I lie awake thinking about driving it. I was the first (and still the only) person in my family to ever own a foreign car. When I showed my father (a former Corvair and Cutlass 442 owner and a die hard American automotive might type guy) my Miata he debunked it as mere convertable toy. He took it for a spin and still didn't get it. He never asked to drive it again. I think he just refused to accept any Japanese car as a serious automobile.
Last Saturday I drove my RX8 over to my parents house. My father's jaw dropped to the ground when he saw it. Then he rather sheepishly asked if he could drive it. He had a huge smile on his face as he went through the gears and swung around the curves. After the drive he went on and on about what an amazing car it is and the memories of his youth that came rushing back when he was behind the wheel.
The reason why I tell you this is that if this car can change my dad's opinion it is special. I grew up listening to his tales of racing in his Corvair and 442. If you look up Republican Americana in the encyclopedia right next Reagan's picture is a picture of my dad.
This is a great car and I will bet you all any money that this car will go down in history as one of the top cars of all time. If I am wrong, no matter because in my book it is the greatest car I have ever driven. Even my father, the staunch supporter of Detroit, has a Japanese car on his list now.
During my limited 11 years of driving, I have owned a 93 Ford Ranger, 95 Mustang GT, 00 Miata LS and a 03 Explorer Sport Trac. I have also driven countless other makes and models the belonging to my friends and family. While I know that Rangers and Explorers do not bring much joy, the Mustang and Miata were each great cars in their own right. However, I cannot put into words the thrill I get from either driving or even looking at the RX8. No lie, I have had the car 5 days and I have trouble sleeping because I lie awake thinking about driving it. I was the first (and still the only) person in my family to ever own a foreign car. When I showed my father (a former Corvair and Cutlass 442 owner and a die hard American automotive might type guy) my Miata he debunked it as mere convertable toy. He took it for a spin and still didn't get it. He never asked to drive it again. I think he just refused to accept any Japanese car as a serious automobile.
Last Saturday I drove my RX8 over to my parents house. My father's jaw dropped to the ground when he saw it. Then he rather sheepishly asked if he could drive it. He had a huge smile on his face as he went through the gears and swung around the curves. After the drive he went on and on about what an amazing car it is and the memories of his youth that came rushing back when he was behind the wheel.
The reason why I tell you this is that if this car can change my dad's opinion it is special. I grew up listening to his tales of racing in his Corvair and 442. If you look up Republican Americana in the encyclopedia right next Reagan's picture is a picture of my dad.
This is a great car and I will bet you all any money that this car will go down in history as one of the top cars of all time. If I am wrong, no matter because in my book it is the greatest car I have ever driven. Even my father, the staunch supporter of Detroit, has a Japanese car on his list now.
Last edited by KrustyKlown; Mar 17, 2004 at 03:52 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Originally posted by Hskr8
Just to give some of you an update.. I again went to drive the 60 miles to the dealership that had my "perfectly" configured car. I turned around about a third of the way there. I just couldn't go through with it.
An entire morning of watching every video that is available blessing the RX-8 still couldn't get me over the top.
I bought the used Ranger.
...
Hskr8
Just to give some of you an update.. I again went to drive the 60 miles to the dealership that had my "perfectly" configured car. I turned around about a third of the way there. I just couldn't go through with it.
An entire morning of watching every video that is available blessing the RX-8 still couldn't get me over the top.
I bought the used Ranger.
...
Hskr8
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Originally posted by Omicron
Hskr8, there are very few "reliability problems" with the 8. You hear about all of them here, and that makes it sound like the car is trouble prone. It's not. 99% of us have had NO problems with the car. Don't let the 1% you hear about make you think the car isn't good, because that's simply not the case. It's an awesome car.
Hskr8, there are very few "reliability problems" with the 8. You hear about all of them here, and that makes it sound like the car is trouble prone. It's not. 99% of us have had NO problems with the car. Don't let the 1% you hear about make you think the car isn't good, because that's simply not the case. It's an awesome car.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Originally posted by rjenk
I voted Somewhat Dissatisfied.
With my Acura, during two years of ownership, I had exactly 1 visit to the dealership. A check engine light came on when a sensor failed. Other than that, this brand new model performed perfectly...I did not have a single issue with performance, fit or finish. With the 8, I am working with the dealership on the mileage issue (avg. 14 around town) and I have experienced many little things, some just minor annoyances, that I don't think I should (hand break not staying down when it is cold, door rattles, very noisy blower, etc.). The mileage issue is a real sticking point for me as I feel a bit cheated. I know that the ratings are determined by the US government but I have never had a vehicle that has not come close to meeting what was on the sticker.
Before I get berated with “you should have researched more”…I did, but unfortunately it was at sites such as C&D and R&T not this site. I think if I had found this site before hand, I would probably not have purchased the car.
As for the other owners that are enjoying their vehicles…fantastic…and I truly mean that. This is strictly my experience with the vehicle against my expectations.
I really want to like this car as it has so many unique features. Unfortunately perhaps my expectations were too high based on my previous experiences. I think my wife will probably end up with the car and I will take over driving our Town & Country Minivan.
I voted Somewhat Dissatisfied.
With my Acura, during two years of ownership, I had exactly 1 visit to the dealership. A check engine light came on when a sensor failed. Other than that, this brand new model performed perfectly...I did not have a single issue with performance, fit or finish. With the 8, I am working with the dealership on the mileage issue (avg. 14 around town) and I have experienced many little things, some just minor annoyances, that I don't think I should (hand break not staying down when it is cold, door rattles, very noisy blower, etc.). The mileage issue is a real sticking point for me as I feel a bit cheated. I know that the ratings are determined by the US government but I have never had a vehicle that has not come close to meeting what was on the sticker.
Before I get berated with “you should have researched more”…I did, but unfortunately it was at sites such as C&D and R&T not this site. I think if I had found this site before hand, I would probably not have purchased the car.
As for the other owners that are enjoying their vehicles…fantastic…and I truly mean that. This is strictly my experience with the vehicle against my expectations.
I really want to like this car as it has so many unique features. Unfortunately perhaps my expectations were too high based on my previous experiences. I think my wife will probably end up with the car and I will take over driving our Town & Country Minivan.
I think it is important to remember that the EPA tests do not mimic the way most people actually drive an RX8.
EPA and MPG tests
Interesting point from the above link:
The EPA city-driving test simulates an 11-mile, stop-and-go trip with an average speed of 20 mph and a maximum speed of 56 mph. The trip has 23 stops and includes time for the vehicle to idle at a standstill. The highway test simulates a 10-mile trip and averages 48 mph. The maximum speed is 60 mph.
The EPA already adjusts the fuel-economy results from its dynomometer test to account for "road load" - the difference between controlled laboratory conditions and the actual road. For city driving, the penalty is 10 percent; for highways, it is 22 percent.
But certain loads, such as running the air conditioning, are not considered.
I doubt they are pushing the car very hard and reving the engine very high between shifts. This doesn't accurately test my driving style.
I am pretty sure most of you can say the same.
Last edited by KrustyKlown; Mar 17, 2004 at 04:29 AM.
3.2 Liter Inline Sex
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
i must say that i have never felt this excited and just plain silly about a car in a long time. having driven an eclipse for the past nine years i can certainly speak to the differences between "sporty" looking economy cars and the real deal. only having the eclipse prior doesn't give me a very wide perspective for comparing the rx8, but even so it is quite apparent to me that the rx8 is in another class entirely.
the mileage issue is a bit deflating as i expected it to stand up to the sticker, but so what, i look incredibly cool at the pump and it gives an opportunity for all the gawkers to give it props. i am excitingly optimistic about the rx8's future and hope that it gets the recognition it truly deserves as a car that even in 2004 is still waaaay ahead of its time.
the mileage issue is a bit deflating as i expected it to stand up to the sticker, but so what, i look incredibly cool at the pump and it gives an opportunity for all the gawkers to give it props. i am excitingly optimistic about the rx8's future and hope that it gets the recognition it truly deserves as a car that even in 2004 is still waaaay ahead of its time.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: sydney
faulty sun-visors
not sure if i am being petty but both of my sun visors in my RX-8 have split down the middle, one of them I then removed to leave the wires hanging as it was bouncing around everywhere.
Now you always expect some little these things to happen on new cars, however what you do expect is that Mazda would cover it under warranty. When I took my car in to the service centre they said that they were not prepared to cover it under warranty as it looked like one of them had been yanked out.
So I ordered a new one anyway, that was about 2 months ago, and they still have not arrived.
The funny thing is when I spoke to the mechanic about it he said that other rx-8s had the same problem....so must be adesign fault...gee thanks Mazda Australia for the great service!
Now you always expect some little these things to happen on new cars, however what you do expect is that Mazda would cover it under warranty. When I took my car in to the service centre they said that they were not prepared to cover it under warranty as it looked like one of them had been yanked out.
So I ordered a new one anyway, that was about 2 months ago, and they still have not arrived.
The funny thing is when I spoke to the mechanic about it he said that other rx-8s had the same problem....so must be adesign fault...gee thanks Mazda Australia for the great service!
Registered
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,966
Likes: 4
From: Boulder County, Colorado
Re: faulty sun-visors
Originally posted by dunsfoda
not sure if i am being petty but both of my sun visors in my RX-8 have split down the middle, one of them I then removed to leave the wires hanging as it was bouncing around everywhere.
Now you always expect some little these things to happen on new cars, however what you do expect is that Mazda would cover it under warranty. When I took my car in to the service centre they said that they were not prepared to cover it under warranty as it looked like one of them had been yanked out.
So I ordered a new one anyway, that was about 2 months ago, and they still have not arrived.
The funny thing is when I spoke to the mechanic about it he said that other rx-8s had the same problem....so must be adesign fault...gee thanks Mazda Australia for the great service!
not sure if i am being petty but both of my sun visors in my RX-8 have split down the middle, one of them I then removed to leave the wires hanging as it was bouncing around everywhere.
Now you always expect some little these things to happen on new cars, however what you do expect is that Mazda would cover it under warranty. When I took my car in to the service centre they said that they were not prepared to cover it under warranty as it looked like one of them had been yanked out.
So I ordered a new one anyway, that was about 2 months ago, and they still have not arrived.
The funny thing is when I spoke to the mechanic about it he said that other rx-8s had the same problem....so must be adesign fault...gee thanks Mazda Australia for the great service!
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Originally posted by KrustyKlown
Sort of a long winded post but bear with me:
....This is a great car and I will bet you all any money that this car will go down in history as one of the top cars of all time. If I am wrong, no matter because in my book it is the greatest car I have ever driven. Even my father, the staunch supporter of Detroit, has a Japanese car on his list now.
Sort of a long winded post but bear with me:
....This is a great car and I will bet you all any money that this car will go down in history as one of the top cars of all time. If I am wrong, no matter because in my book it is the greatest car I have ever driven. Even my father, the staunch supporter of Detroit, has a Japanese car on his list now.
you're funny!!!
glad you like the car. :D
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
10.6 MPG in the city, varied driving (no rush hour/bumper to bumper) with my automatic. I live in L.A where premium gas is $2.40. Dealership is NO help. I love EVERYTHING about this car but THAT!
clocks are striking 13
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: K-bay, HI (imported from MI)
just finished my first tank on the 8...today is sunday....i picked up the car on saturday.....got 13mpg by giving rides to my familiy and friends which when it was all over there was 250 brand new miles on my car..... it turns heads everywhere....damn i should of have this car when i was single......
as for the mpg....who cares...i already knew what to expect...cheers rx8club!!
as for the mpg....who cares...i already knew what to expect...cheers rx8club!!
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Just picked mine up yesterday. As we all know the mileage isn't great but I got one with 4,300 miles on it so she's broken in. First tank avg'd 21 mpg. Sweetest ride I've enjoyed since I lwas last in a Porche. It definately turns heads. I was lucky enough to get the after market rear wing spoiler (like the X-men movie) but didn't get the leather and heated seats. Still smilin though. Also looking forward to be an avid reader and poster. After referring to this site for over three weeks it was an easy decision when this Blue 8 came back to the dealer. I found out the guy couldn't afford the payment and settled for a camaro. His lost..my gain!
Also looking forward to be an avid reader and poster. After referring to this site for over three weeks it was an easy decision when this Blue 8 came back to the dealer. I found out the guy couldn't afford the payment and settled for a camaro. His lost..my gain!
Quiet, fignuts!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
I'm a first time Mazda owner, and both my Wife and I are highly impressed by the fit & finish of the RX-8 (especially when compared to the Evo and WRX). She drives it with a huge grin on her face
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, NC
Highly Satisfied
Highly Satisfied - Incredible car for the money.... Cannot find one thing wrong with it! About fainted when I found out my insurance was lower on the RX8 than the RSX-S!
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: St. Leonard, Maryland
HIghly satisfied - didn't buy it to get good mileage - bought it for the ride. I suspect I could easily get in the 20mpg range if I kept the RPM's down but what for??
Only complaint is that I see more RX-8s in the area now - I guess the secrets out - now it won't be quite so unique.
Only complaint is that I see more RX-8s in the area now - I guess the secrets out - now it won't be quite so unique.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
Highly Satisfied - Had my 8 a about a week now - very nice car. Everything has been perfect. Got 16.4 MPG on my first tank, as expected from this site. Shopped versus G35, WRX, EVO, Maxima, for the money and style, no contest.
No Freaking Pistons
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 469
Likes: 1
From: Mars
Superb,So Far!
With 500 miles I'm loving it,I got mine a week ago.....
My dealer's a peach,they're doing the 'L' reflash and any other updates when I take it in on Monday to have the mp3,clear markers,and front splashes installed....
When it stops raining (sigh!) I'll get some pics with the new gear on it!
Here's my 8 Thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=24482
My dealer's a peach,they're doing the 'L' reflash and any other updates when I take it in on Monday to have the mp3,clear markers,and front splashes installed....
When it stops raining (sigh!) I'll get some pics with the new gear on it!
Here's my 8 Thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=24482
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
ZOOM ZOOM!
Not so great gas mileage is such a small price to pay for a car that is just SO much fun to drive. Had the car for 5 months now and I am still "Totally Satisfied" with my wheelz!
-VK
"Drive with your wallet not your *****."
- PapiChulo
-VK
"Drive with your wallet not your *****."
- PapiChulo
