2008 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews

Outstanding

Written by: LeConte on 05/18/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Performance, great radio, and the stying is outstanding.

Suggested Improvements

None leave it just like it is a sheep in wolfs clothing.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Taking it all in

Written by: OCDaddy1958 on 02/10/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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 let's 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, I'm having WAY to much fun for my age, but I try to control my enthusiasm when the wife and kids are on board.

Favorite Features

This nimble beast has handling almost like the go-kart you drove as a kid. It's so phenomenal, you'll want a license frame telling others around you to "relax, it was only a lane change". To be sure, driving it IS the best feature. You'll go around traffic on the hwy like they're driving cones.

Suggested Improvements

Even the gas mileage isn't that bad - get your mind away from the engine displacement (1.3L) because it means nothing - it has the same power and gas mileage as the mustang 4.0L six, and WAY better handling since unlike the 'stang with all the weight up front, an RX-8 is true 50/50 weight distributn

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Beep at 9k

Written by: L8R on 01/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

I've had my 2004 GT MT, putting 18k miles the 1st year, and about 3k a year since. I love it. It's 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.

Favorite Features

Shifter. Power band acceleration at speed. Cornering and road handling. Interior design and features. 4 seats. Screams like a banshee UFO at 9k rpm. The beep it makes when you hit redline.

Suggested Improvements

Turbo or 3 rotor version. iPod jack (fixed). Should have special compartment in trunk for quarts of oil. Range on 1 tank of fuel. Lower the RPM of highway cruising in 6th gear.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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40th Anniversary 6 speed

Written by: Dartul on 11/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Sound of the engine, hugging corners at high speeds and the very comfortable and stylish interior.

Suggested Improvements

Better electronics gadgets, maybe a turbo.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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RX-8

Written by: Steve on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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

Favorite Features

The handling and acceleration I feel are the best features along with the exterior look.

Suggested Improvements

An aux port for the radio, which I understand was corrected in 2009 models. Better gas mileage, but what do you expect with a vehicle like this. You pay this kind of money for a sports car, you already know what you're getting into with MPG.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Awesome Mazda Rx8!

Written by: Rx8 Fan on 04/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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 don't have time to use a softop. Better durability, great moon roof. Excellent trunk space, and the family loves it too.

Favorite Features

The pearl white paint, and classy inside styling.

Suggested Improvements

Front fender re-design.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Dream Machine

Written by: JB on 03/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Red leather seating option, gorgeous instrumentation.

Suggested Improvements

turbo!

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

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My new Go-Cart.

Written by: ZewmZewm on 02/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

9,000 rpm. A/C is great and I am in S. Florida. 300 watt Bose, oh ya, Sirius! The seats suck you in and are very comfortable. I am 6'2" 230 lbs and have plenty of leg, hip and head room. Go-cart steering and braking. It is one solid quality sports car.

Suggested Improvements

Twin turbo, supercharger, or a 3 rotor model with a tad wider tires. Supplemental 3 quart oil sump for lubrication. MP3 jack. BlueTooth.

17 out 19 people found this review helpful

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Best Combo Car

Written by: BFane on 01/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6A)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

I love the paddle shift and manageability of a 6 speed auto. Once on the move, handling and braking are right up their with any other sports car. Also real world ride (crummy NJ roads) is exceptional and makes this an everyday driver for me.

Suggested Improvements

Should have a little better/advanced electronics. More low end torque (of course), this would at least offset the poor MPG. Sometimes in search of acceleration, with your foot pressing the gas pedal,and not much response, your mind thinks of the all gas dumping into the cool rotary.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great Sport Car, but gas hog.

Written by: Rotary_chick on 12/18/2007

Vehicle

2008 Mazda RX-8 Sport 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)

Review

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 driver's 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.

Favorite Features

Handling. Backseat. Places to hide & store things. The look of the car. The back doors.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel... it is a gas hog. :(

24 out 27 people found this review helpful

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