AutoWeek's Drivers Log includes reports on the RX8. See this webby:here

or read here:

2004 Mazda RX-8
DATE IN FLEET: Aug. 12-21
AS-TESTED PRICE: $30,300
POWERTRAIN: 1.3-liter twin-rotary; rwd, six-speed manual HP: 238 @ 8500 rpm TORQUE: 159 @ 5500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3029 pounds

FLOYD: You can debate all you want whether four doors equals true sports car—I ain’t hearin’ it. This is sports car cool, period. Just ask the guy who made eye contact with me on the freeway just so he could give me the thumbs-up. And I had perma-grin on my face every time I wound the rotary to 8000. What a sweet sound. Behind the wheel, this is one of the neatest cockpits I’ve seen in a while. I like how the digital speedo meshes with the tach. And the center console is super trick; I love how the nav system folds into the dash, how the radio/climate controls are neatly integrated. Interior build quality looks pretty darn impressive as well, and I can’t get over how good the rear doors work. From the outside, you barely notice they’re there.

MORRISON:The RX-8 must be built on the Switzerland platform, because it’s possibly the most neutral road car I’ve ever driven. The chassis amazes you by how stable and predictable it is. The harder you drive, the more you learn that this is indeed a sports car. If you still don’t think so after a hard-driving blast, well, you’re wrong. The perfect weight distribution pays big dividends when you let rip around corners. There’s not a lot of understeer, and you’ve really got to work to get the tail out. As for the engine, it’s simply awesome. The Renesis’ buzz alone, especially past seven grand on the tach, is worth double-bonus joy points.

Livin' La Vida Ocho.

 

"You have to really work to get the tail out"

I really wish these guys would turn off the DSC system! I can get the tail out on EVERY corner! No work involved.

 

I started turning mine off last week- throwing it out is so much fun! My husband thought I didn't know what I was talking about until he tried, and discovered you could do it without even trying. What a fun car!

And sounds like Autoweek is really liking it- can't wait to see the long term results.

 

thats refreshing to read

 

Very refreshing

 

Hearing reviews like this just reinforces my decision on keeping this car. And makes me damn proud to be owner as well. :D

 

Agreed! I dont' have any road course time in the car yet (only had it for 2 1/2 days), but did a spirited run along lake mead with lots of twisties and ups and downs. The car is very balanced in the corners out of the box, and you can get the rear out very easily.

I was just doing some throttle lift oversteer in a parking lot, and I was very surprised when I got back on it..... donut city with perfect balance!

I also don't care about the dynos. The car is flat sometimes, but other times it really PULLS FRIGGIN' HARD! Especially when it's under 90 degrees here in the desert. Can't wait to put more miles on her and get it opened up some more!

Glad that autoweek likes the car, too!