Overview & Reviews

For 2008, Mazda celebrates the 40th anniversary of the rotary engine with a special edition of the RX-8. Setting the 40th Anniversary RX-8 apart are a gray exterior, red leather interior, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a firmer suspension, foglamps, a silver engine cover and of course the obligatory badges. Other news this year involves the navigation system -- it's now only available on the top trim level.

• Bargain starting price, nimble handling with a comfortable ride, smooth and thrilling rotary engine, can carry four adults in relative comfort.

• Poor fuel economy and mediocre torque output, some quirky interior ergonomics, aging design.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 16.00

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  Light and Fast - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Beverly M - December 4 - 11:43 pm

  Gas Mileage is not great

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  Owned 2 years 70k miles. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By tyoung85 - June 9 - 11:57 am

  I have owned my 2005 Mazda RX-8 for two years now and it is currently at 70k miles, I must say the car is an eye catcher, and very fun to drive if you dont mind a slight hesitation in acceleration! On the other hand, with the higher mileage it is falling apart, it seems everytime I go down the road I end up putting it in the shop before the week is over! First it needed plugs, but because one fouled it killed my coils, which killed my air injection....then the idle pulley failed and snapped a belt, which snapped another belt immediately after, tail lights full of water... the list goes on, all in all they are fun til they start their downhill march, then get rid of it!!

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  Rotary is Not For Everyone - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By WR Jones - May 22 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car as a disabled adult that needed a car with room and access for my wheelchair, the rear doors are ideal for quick storage of the chair. There are few cars sold with two doors and access for those who use a wheelchair, combine that with an auto transmission made available, Mazda allows me to drive a great sports car. Slapping the stick over to manual and using the six speed paddle shifter is the closest you will get to driving a standard stick if you use hand controls, a simply amazing experience. The difference between auto shift and manually shifting is dramatic, the car jumps to life, surprising many who have taken a ride in the car, including myself!

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  2 years review - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By robrc51 - February 24 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned my RX8 now for 2 years. Overall the car is not a bad car. As a sports car I would rate the car, average. It does handle great on curvy roads but the rotary engine lacks torque. In order to accelerate you really have to rev the engine into high RPMs. The rotary engine also is terrible in gas mileage. It get between 15-19mpg….even my old V8 Corvette and Mustang got better gas mileage then the Rotary engine. In addition the rotary engine burns lots of oil. I generally fill between ½ to 1 quart each tank fill. The interior is outdated and could use a face lift.

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  Beep at 9k - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By L8R - February 12 - 10:50 am

  Ive had my 2004 GT MT, putting 18k miles the 1st year, and about 3k a year since. I love it. Its nimble, quick in the power band, very responsive, hugs corners like a bear, shifts like butter, plenty of space for 4 regular size adults. Acceleration from 40 to 140 is quick in the power band and the shifter is faultless. Have not had 1 mechanical failure and I used to drive it hard. Windows down and sunroof up driving provides little wind disruption inside (although also prevents a good breeze in S Florida Temps). The stereo is excellent with good features and good sound production. The weight distribution and tossability of the car excels compared to any other vehicle costing less than 50k.