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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  Dream Machine - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By JB - January 16 - 10:50 am

  Forget about the bad gas mileage reviews, who buys a sports car with great gas mileage in mind anyhow. This car takes corners like the tires and street are velcro counterparts. The interior is as cool looking as the exterior and incredibly comfortable seats.

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  ROTARY HEAVEN - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By gremline91b148 - September 5 - 11:00 pm

  despite a few flaws like a weak clutch pedal, clutch, and rear shocks that go out at 60k the car is amazing. All of those issues are easily and cheaply fixed for those of us who are mechanics. In order to truly appreciate it you have to drive it though a curvy mountain road. I drive 100 miles a day and love every minute of it. To be fair it would benefit from more power but when you look at how a slightly used one is priced for the money you cant really complain. it is easy to add power to it any way... 0-60 is at 5.2 secs from just a few mild mods. it is an amazing machine and value.

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  Outstanding - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By LeConte - March 15 - 3:56 am

  This is my third RX 8 had a 2006 Shinka, a 2007 GT RX8 and now the 2008 40th Aniversary Edition. The looks never stop from people even from those in Porche and other sports cars. The handling is great on this one and much better than the 2007 that I had. As for the gas mileage as many before me have said who when they buy a sports car ask what the gass mileage will be. I have been driving Rotary engine cars going back to the 76 RX4 and I have never tired of driving one. All one has to do is drive one and they will know they have gotten into something special.

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  40th Anniversary 6 speed - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Dartul - June 4 - 3:46 am

  Just bought this 2 weeks ago and have already put 1200km on it. The car is absolutely beautiful and amazing to drive. Handling is better than anything I have ever experienced and it has some get up and go once you hit the power band... all I can say is wow, thank you Mazda for this amazing car.

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  Awesome Mazda Rx8! - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Rx8 Fan - September 4 - 10:23 am

  Great car. What lured me to this pick was the fact that you can transport more than just two people if necessary, while maintaining a sporty look and feel ride. Love the hardtop. With my busy schedule, I dont have time to use a softop. Better durability, great moon roof. Excellent trunk space, and the family loves it too.

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  Taking it all in - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By OCDaddy1958 - May 8 - 6:23 pm

  To be sure there are many vehicles out there that can provide exhilaration, but perhaps none at this price. I guess I dare not even put out there what I paid for this base model, but lets just say my 401K is still in tact. Something important here about the RX-8: The engine in the base unit is identical to leather upholstered top end unit, and without the constraints of a traction control system. This is sheer joy as you corner like a thoroughbred, for a pony-ride price. I bought this as gas was going through the roof, and made a steal, and now that gas is reasonable, Im having WAY to much fun for my age, but I try to control my enthusiasm when the wife and kids are on board.

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  Great Sport Car, but gas hog. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotary_chick - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  Very fun and reliable sports car. I love my 2006 RX-8. It has overall been an extremely good car. The only thing I would rate it being bad on is the fuel. However, other than that I love it. I truly love that it has 4 seats, the seat right behind my drivers seat is designated for my beagle and he knows to stay put. I love the ease of getting him in & out of the car because of how the doors open. I can get him out before he tries to jump in the front. lol. I like driving it, it drives and handles real well. My significant other, has a 350z convertible which I also love driving, however, I feel my RX-8 handles better. The Z can pick up faster and beats my RX-8, but I enjoy the handling.

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  My new Go-Cart. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By ZewmZewm - March 27 - 12:00 am

  This roadster is the real deal. Forget about torque, 20 mph around a turn faster than a Vette. Ya baby! It is one solid automobile. Check the oil, join a club for the premium cause you will need em. I get 17 mpg in city driving - 22 highway with no a/c at 75 mph. I wish I could efford another 40th Aniv. Ed. to put in a garage on blocks cause I am gonna enjoy this one till it be dead. I have had for over 3 weeks and put on 1000 miles and put in 52 gallons of 93 octane and 1/2 quart of 5w/20.

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  RX-8 - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Steve - June 16 - 11:23 am

  I have now owned this vehicle about a month. The handling is one of the best features of this vehicle. The acceleration and tracking in corners is way above what I expected. I am currently getting around 18 MPG city driving. I am a 49 year old adult and would highly recommend this vehicle

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  Best Combo Car - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By BFane - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After acquiring a used 02 Miata and being impressed with the fun to drive and sports car characteristics, I was turned off with the tight interior. This drove me to consider a trade in and test drive the RX-8. It offered the same or better driving dynamics with more more comfort and even back seats my 2 teenagers can fit in. I also live in congested NJ and a stick is great fun lots of times, but also too much work lots of times. The auto was hard to find with sport A/T package but it is worth it to deliver at least the best sports car spirit for an A/T.