2008 Mazda RX-8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
When it comes to road manners, the Mazda RX-8's sports-car presentation is a bit deceiving, and that may actually be a good thing. The RX...
When it comes to road manners, the Mazda RX-8's sports-car presentation is a bit deceiving, and that may actually be a good thing. The RX certainly has a few unique sports-car features, like rear seats, a set of small rear doors similar to that of an extended-cab pickup, and, of course, its trademark rotary engine. Perhaps even more important, while most driving enthusiasts expect to sacrifice a supple ride in favor of handling, the RX-8 does not create such a quandary.
The RX-8 may not meet the criteria of a true sports car, but many owners and reviewers have found that it offers the ideal blend of smooth power delivery, tight handling, and a more subtle road feel. Seating for four adults is definitely an added convenience, but the RX-8's overall appeal is hindered by its low fuel economy and somewhat antiquated design, reminiscent of earlier RX generations.
The RX-8 can be had in one of three trim levels: Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring. All models come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, a CD player, and full power accessories. During this model year, Mazda will also introduce a 40th-anniversary edition RX to commemorate Mazda's rotary engine, introduced in the 1960s. This special edition will be differentiated from other trims by Metropolitan Gray paint, a Cosmo Red leather interior, 18-inch alloy wheels, a firmer suspension, foglamps, a silver engine cover, and special badging.
The RX-8's 1.3-liter rotary engine can be paired with a either a six-speed paddle-shifting automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The manual raises horsepower from 212 to 232, because the engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, instead of 7,500. The RX-8 with manual transmission will speed from 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds and turn the quarter-mile in 15.4 seconds. Fuel economy is estmated at 16/22 mpg city/highway.
What owners say
"Drivers generally love the 2008 Mazda RX-8 for its unique rotary engine, sporty performance, and stylish design. Many appreciate how fun it is to drive and its good handling on corners. However, several owners are disappointed by the poor fuel economy and limited rear seat space. Overall, it stands out as a head-turner, especially in vibrant colors, but comes with trade-offs on practicality."
The 2008 40th Anniversary Edition combines the Shinka edition with the grand touring model and comes with Sport suspension no less! This car gets 100 looks per mile as it is unique. The interior is quiet at freeway speeds aided by the BOSE 10 speaker Audio Pilot 6CD changer/stereo. Heated power seats fit all under 6' 3" tall. Stability control is a plus and with winter Blizzak tires, even winter roads are not an issue.
February 6, 2012Car was awesome, drove perfectly, handeled very well around corners, it is roomy even for me ( i am 6'1 and wiegh in at 225 pounds).
March 27, 2008This car in Black with a body kit and a wing with some rims and the inside tan or black, would be in my opinion the best car other than the Lamborghini. When i drove this car its pick up was slow but after that it was very fast and to keep the car at a steady speed i didnt even have to slightly press on the gas it did itself. The car on the inside is small but in my opinion I don't need a big car so it was perfect. In my opinion this is the best car for me!!!
March 25, 2008What owners say
The 2008 40th Anniversary Edition combines the Shinka edition with the grand touring model and comes with Sport suspension no less! This car gets 100 looks per mile as it is unique. The interior is quiet at freeway speeds aided by the BOSE 10 speaker Audio Pilot 6CD changer/stereo. Heated power seats fit all under 6' 3" tall. Stability control is a plus and with winter Blizzak tires, even winter roads are not an issue.
February 6, 2012Car was awesome, drove perfectly, handeled very well around corners, it is roomy even for me ( i am 6'1 and wiegh in at 225 pounds).
March 27, 2008This car in Black with a body kit and a wing with some rims and the inside tan or black, would be in my opinion the best car other than the Lamborghini. When i drove this car its pick up was slow but after that it was very fast and to keep the car at a steady speed i didnt even have to slightly press on the gas it did itself. The car on the inside is small but in my opinion I don't need a big car so it was perfect. In my opinion this is the best car for me!!!
March 25, 2008It's a head turner, especially in red. Practical 4 doors, and seats 4 comfortably, although rear headroom and legroom is lacking. Performance is great, comes with paddle shifters! 6-speed.Great soundtrack from the rotary. Bad fuel consumption though.
June 11, 2008Needs a bit of work on the acceleration, but good handling otherwise.
January 5, 2008Only minor issue is the space saver tire in trunk takes up room. Top Gear review called it one of the three best handling cars driven! The rotary engine has 200% fewer moving parts and runs silk/ turbine smooth. Handling is amazing.
February 6, 2012Best sports car for the buck. The RX8 is a fun to drive, great looking car that rivals cars 3 times it's cost. Lousy gas mileage -- but it is a rotary and a sports car. Fantastic seating - comfort is superb.
November 4, 2011I really like it. The balance between money, speed, control, room, and looking. And always remember, it has the unique engine, 13B Renesis rotary engine. The only car carries rotaty engine, except for these Rx7 which are still running. You can expect very thing from it. You will love it
August 19, 2014I thought about selling my cars many times because it consumes lots of gas but I really love my car. If the gas is cheap, I would not sell my car ever. It is an awesome car for its performance.
June 17, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $31,370 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 232 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,435 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 212 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $29,535 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 212 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $31,070 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.3L 212 hp R2 | Cargo Capacity 7.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
