2008 Mazda RX-8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$26,435 to $31,370

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.9

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
2008 Mazda RX-8 Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Mazda RX-8

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User rating:
by Xiaoyao W
Aug 19, 2014
I 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 itAug 19, 2014
by Marshal M
Feb 06, 2012
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.Feb 06, 2012
by Marshal M
Feb 06, 2012
Only 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.Feb 06, 2012

2008 Mazda RX-8 Pricing

Original MSRP
$26,435 to $31,370
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.44 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler: wing

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear quarter windows: swing out

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 300 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.44 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler: wing

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear quarter windows: swing out

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 300 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.44 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler: wing

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear quarter windows: swing out

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 300 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.30 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear quarter windows: swing out

See all trims (4)