Market Segment:
Sports car, unique rotary engine offering.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a distinctive driving experience and a unique platform.
Competitors 2004:
Nissan 350Z, BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4, Infiniti G35 Coupe.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS), balanced chassis, suicide rear doors (freestyle doors), and high-revving performance.
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizing driving enjoyment and performance.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's operation, safety, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Secondary Coverage:
Interior and exterior views, identification of controls and components, safety equipment usage, basic maintenance procedures, and warning indicators.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era).
Powertrain:
General information on the RENESIS rotary engine, fuel requirements, and cooling system operation. Does not cover detailed engine repair.
Transmission:
Operation of manual and automatic transmissions, clutch operation, and shift lever positions.
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake usage, and ABS warning lights.
Steering:
Power steering system overview and operation.
Electrical:
Dashboard illumination, lighting controls, wipers, horn, and basic fuse box locations for common circuits.
Climate Control:
Operation of the HVAC system, air conditioning, and heater controls.
Infotainment:
Basic operation of the audio system and navigation (if equipped).
Safety Systems:
Detailed explanation of seat belts, SRS airbags (front and side), ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchorage, and child safety locks.
Driving:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, and driving advice.
Maintenance:
Checking and adding fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (external lights), and wiper blade replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., flat tire), and jump-starting procedures.
Emergency:
Emergency procedures, jacking points, spare tire location and usage, and basic tool kit contents.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information, focusing on safe operation and regular maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs.
Digital Format Consideration:
If a digital copy (PDF) is sold, it is typically scanned from the original and may have OCR for searchable text, but quality can vary.
Print Quality Original:
Typically good quality paper and printing for owner's manuals of this period, designed for durability.
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet.
Paper Type:
Standard, durable paper suitable for glove compartment use.
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary (RENESIS)
Displacement:
1.3 L (654cc x 2 rotor housings = 1308cc effective displacement)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Twin-Rotor
Horsepower Hp:
212 hp @ 7,500 rpm (Manual Transmission), 197 hp @ 7,500 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Torque Lb Ft:
159 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (Manual Transmission), 152 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Requirement:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended).
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Oil Type Spec:
Mazda recommends API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 viscosity. Check manual for specific part numbers like Mazda Genuine Oil.
Coolant Type Spec:
Mazda long-life coolant (blue or green), a 50/50 mixture with distilled water is recommended. Check manual for specific Mazda part numbers.
Transmission Type Std:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed Automatic (with manual shift mode)
Manual Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated clutch
Automatic Shift Mode:
Paddle shifters or steering wheel buttons (depending on trim) or sequential shift lever operation.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Consult manual for specific Mazda part numbers (e.g., Mazda Manual Transmission Fluid).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-N or equivalent DEXRON III compatible fluid.
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
Five-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2004
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:
Good (tested by IIHS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage SRS airbags. Side-impact airbags available or standard depending on trim level.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants. Rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchorage:
ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchorage points in rear seats.
Audio System:
Mazda's branded audio system, often with AM/FM, CD player, and auxiliary input. Bose premium sound system available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most models for connecting external audio devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Refer to manual for specific engine type recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months. (Check manual for specific conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specialized ignition system (apex seals, plugs). Typically requires specialized attention and intervals; consult manual for specifics or a service manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months. (Mazda long-life coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Check manual for exact specification.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Degradation of apex seals is a well-known potential issue for rotary engines, leading to compression loss. Regular oil checks and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system; regular monitoring is essential. The manual will detail how to check oil levels and the expected consumption rate.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be sensitive to engine issues; proper maintenance is key.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda has a long and pioneering history with rotary engines, dating back to the NSU partnership and the Cosmo Sport.
Rx7 Predecessor:
The RX-8 succeeded the iconic RX-7 (FD generation) as Mazda's flagship sports car.
First Generation:
The 2004 model year marks the introduction of the first generation RX-8.
Production Start Year:
2003 (for the 2004 model year)
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.