2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata returns without any major changes for 2008. Although the Miata's overall presentation has remained...
The third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata returns without any major changes for 2008. Although the Miata's overall presentation has remained the same since its 2005 redesign, Mazda added numerous performance enhancements, including traction control, a multilink suspension, a six-speed automatic transmission, and stability control. Mazda will also offer a Special Edition Miata, which includes a premium features package and a special Icy Blue exterior finish.
The new MX-5 has earned very positive reviews for its performance. The roadster offers the ideal blend of responsive steering, sharp handling, and overall driving refinement. The Miata, now nearing its twenty-year aniversary, has built a strong reputation for combining roadster excitement with Japanese reliability. In addition to build quality, the Miata is also considerably more affordable than most European offerings in this segment.
The Miata's acceleration is reasonable, but the 7.5-second 0-60-mph time is often cited as a driver complaint. The cramped interior is another common issue for owners.
Mazda again offers four Miata variants for 2008. The base SV offers a basic standard features package, while the second-tier Sport adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The two upper trim levels, Touring and Grand Touring, add some upscale amenities: cruise control, keyless entry, and a CD changer on the Touring, and the Grand Touring adds leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Bose audio system. The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims are all available with a powered retractable hardtop, which adds about 70 pounds of curb weight.
All four Miata trims house a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 166 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The SV and Sport models use a five-speed manual transmission, while the Touring and Grand Touring upgrade to a six-speed unit. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional on all trims except the SV, but opting for the automatic drops horsepower by 5. Fuel economy varies slightly with the transmission, but all Miata drivers can anticipate mixed-driving mileage averages in the mid-20s.
What owners say
"Owners of the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata love the fun driving experience, its sporty feel, and reliable performance. Many drivers appreciate its handling, especially with the manual transmission, which adds to the excitement. However, some note the lack of modern tech features and that the car may feel small for daily use. Overall, it's seen as a solid choice for those looking for a fun weekend car."
6speed manual with Lsd rear end. Its missing a turbo or superchager.
October 14, 2026Fun to drive!! Great little sports car!
March 29, 2008Fans of the Mazda MX-5 Miata already know that this is the most popular sports car of all time, for many good reasons. The great handling, 30mpg highway and overall sensible design of the car, combined with its outstanding reliability and low cost of ownership, make it a great car to own. The 2008 is from the NC series, or 3rd version of this classic car. The NC, with the larger 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, is a totally redesigned version, yet is a stylistic throwback to the original NA series car. I wasnt fond of the NB style body. The 2008 NC is the last year before the designers at Mazda introduced the smiley face shaped grill, so that became the cutoff date for my being interested in the car. The soft convertible top has an improved design which makes it easier to use. Also, the available power retractable hardtop option is seen as a great improvement—a best of both worlds solution. My 1992 Miata M series was my daily driver for over 20 years. Im replacing it with a 2007 Mazda MX-5 which I found after a 2008 model I was looking at became unavailable. I am awaiting delivery of the 2007 car as I write this review.
January 28, 2024What owners say
6speed manual with Lsd rear end. Its missing a turbo or superchager.
October 14, 2026Fun to drive!! Great little sports car!
March 29, 2008Fans of the Mazda MX-5 Miata already know that this is the most popular sports car of all time, for many good reasons. The great handling, 30mpg highway and overall sensible design of the car, combined with its outstanding reliability and low cost of ownership, make it a great car to own. The 2008 is from the NC series, or 3rd version of this classic car. The NC, with the larger 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, is a totally redesigned version, yet is a stylistic throwback to the original NA series car. I wasnt fond of the NB style body. The 2008 NC is the last year before the designers at Mazda introduced the smiley face shaped grill, so that became the cutoff date for my being interested in the car. The soft convertible top has an improved design which makes it easier to use. Also, the available power retractable hardtop option is seen as a great improvement—a best of both worlds solution. My 1992 Miata M series was my daily driver for over 20 years. Im replacing it with a 2007 Mazda MX-5 which I found after a 2008 model I was looking at became unavailable. I am awaiting delivery of the 2007 car as I write this review.
January 28, 2024Pure open top driving fun. Miata is always the answer!
July 15, 2023Great car. Always dead reliable. Feels faster than it is. Extremely low maintenance costs!
December 7, 2020Our 2008 Mazda Miata SE is a sporty, fun car to drive. It is solid with tight steering. For a four cylinder, it has some power. While it doesn’t have some of the modern amenities like Bluetooth or a USB port, the Bose sound system is high quality. The convertible top is manual, but very easy to use. There is a decent amount of storage with several compartments and a nice sized trunk for a vehicle is that size. All in all, a very good value for what we paid. Highly recommended for a weekend car!!!
October 1, 2020Looks great, nimble as a cat, stops on a dime, quick thru the gates, easy on the pocketbook. What more could you want? BANG FOR THE BUCK, a street-legal go-kart! It's my first NEW MX-5, 3rd one I've owned.
March 18, 2009I have owned five mx5s and the 2008 is my favorite model. I like the wide low profile body. The Grand touring had a very nice comfortable leather cockpit. I had upgraded the suspension with sway bars and racing springs I had fun with it at thunder Hill raceway in Sonoma. Aside from me classic 1990 that I still have that one got the most looks and attention. I just sold my 2016 MX5 club sport. It was just too small comfort wise. Plus because of inventory issues the car increased in value 7,000 more than I pay for it so I would have been a full night to sell it LOL but and now shopping for another 2008 enjoy!
January 2, 2022Well appointed. Not sure of value, but I did buy it. Nothing else is like a Miata.
November 7, 2022The most awsome sports car, the car of my dreams! She handles like a dream, stops on a dime, makes me a better driver, and the looks i get damn, never a dull moment, have a smile everytime we go out, love her!!!
April 10, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,630 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,500 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,890 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,585 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,585 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,760 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,590 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,400 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.0L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$20,585 - $26,760
Current avg. market price
$13,175
Trending up by 0.1% this month
June 2026 - October 2026
