brillo

overall first review seemed to be very positive, the only bitch was the mileage, they averaged about 17mpg total, while the Z they tested got a 19mpg average. Hopefully they are smart enough to flash the car, since they mentioned the best the got was a 19mpg, which must mean they aren't running the M flash.

They also said they had to add oil, and acted surprised, then again, most people they said on the staff had never driven a rotary either...so I guess that makes sense

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/mazd....roadtests.1.*

pret

i dont get 19 mpg and i have m. how 'bout a link so we don't have to rely just on ur interpretation?

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

yeah this whole 'check your oil level regularly' deal is an lost art to the 'modern day' drivers, lol

i mean, they already got 19mpg on a GREEN motor, i think it'll get a lot better as the engine breaks in more

somebody should tell them to inquire about the 'M' flash to improve fuel economy

buzzwordenabled

I always find it interesting that folks view the rotary's oil consumption as a "reliability" issue. It's part of the engine's normal operation. Wankel's are different.

JimW

I only wish I could get a job test driving different cars all of the time. Does anyone in this business have any test driving jobs available? Yes, Lotus. I would like to.... correction. The company I work for, would like to purchase the new Elise for a test evaluation. I promise to give you a great review, so just fax me over that offer sheet so I can sign on the dotted line and drive, baby!

loco4rx8

It is irritating that they would act so concerned about the car being low on oil - like they think it's a problem. Edmunds should know better than that. People will read that and think there's something wrong with the car when it's actually behaving like it should. Idiots. I'm going to write them.

Labop

It sounded like a really positive review. We know better on the oil issue, that it is common to rotary engines, so why harp on them for mentioning it. Nice review.

insmniac

heh, i work in the same complex as Edmunds. I saw someone learning how to drive stick in that very RX-8. It was funny and tear-inducing at the same time because I remember doing the exact same thing in the parking structure five months before, after i got my 8. What horrible things I did to my car back then... *sigh*

loco4rx8

Why harp on them for mentioning it? Because they make it sound like a problem with the engine. Because most people that read those reviews don't know better and will think the car is defective.

Yes, it was a great review, but that one little part looks pretty significant if you are new to rotaries and are considering purchasing the car.

I did send them an email asking them to correct that portion of the article. I'm sure they won't, but at least they will have no excuses for not knowing the facts next time.

RenoIV

A rotary engine uses oil? Really your'e kidding. You really have to check the oil?

The rocket scientists at Edmunds didn't know this?

Overall a good review.

They forgot to mention that the Z destroys tires (can you say lawsuit) and has a substandard interior when compared to the 8 (hate to admit it ... but it is a good car just not for me)

Good Duck

It's interesting comparing miles put on their other long-term test cars. For example, the G35C in their fleet has only 6032 miles after some 9 months. While the RX-8, even in its introduction, already has 4440 miles on it. I think that say alot about how much they like to drive the RX-8.