The 2008 RX-8 is a 4-door, 4-passenger sports car, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Sport to the Grand Touring.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, R2 , 232-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2008 RX-8 is a carryover from 2007.
CarReview's expert review of the Mazsda RX-8 is available HERE See pictures of the Mazsda RX-8 posted in the photo gallery
Summary: Best handling car I have ever owned, and I have owned quit a few. Perfect as a daily driver and as a weekend back road racer never fails to put a smile on my face. It's a joy to run fast at my leisure or just creep around town in 2nd gear watching other drivers and pedestreions heads turn and see thier facial expressions.
Strengths: Shinka model has Sand Leather/Alcantara seats that are extreamly attractive comfortable and plush, no sliding like on most smooth leather seats. Great ride for a sports car even in the back seat. Interior ambient noise is minimal considering how low to the ground the body sits. Exterior is sleek sexy and some what aggressive, even standing still. The Rotary engine winds smooth and powers through all power bands and gears, it dosen't give up. Shinka's tuned suspension takes corners and off ramps like a dream. One feels like a teenager all over again. Only a limited number of Shinka models made. I'm happy I was able to pick out my gem.
Weaknesses: Lets be honest Gas miliage could be much better (this is a small problem) I would like to see a hands free cell phone function for incoming and outgoing phone calls. Bluthooth connectivity.
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Summary: 6 speed manual trans along with a rotory
engine spells fun to drive!!! It doesn't
look better than my 1993 RX7, but it han-
dles better than any car I ever drove. It's a sports car for me that's has a
backseats for my two kids.
Strengths: Rotory engine
Road handling
Backseats
Weaknesses: Gas mileage isn't great, but neither is
paying over $3.00 for a gallon of gas.
Similar Products Used: 1989 RX7
1993 RX7
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Rating Reviewed by: John Roesch(Unregistered User)
Review Date May 14, 2007
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 2.33 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 3 of 6
Price Paid:
$24000.00
from Steven Wade Mazda
Year / Model Reviewed: 2005 Mazda RX 8
Summary: I love my RX 8. I have driven it for 17,000 + miles this last year and have had no problems to speak of - especially mechanical. I do the basic preventative items like check the oild level every 3 tank fulls and always use quality premium fuel.
The car is ment to be driven, not lugged around town or stuck in a traffic jam. I have the basic up-grades done on the car like intake, exhaust, pullies and wires with a slight spring drop that really makes the driving experience that much more enjoyable.
My 40 mile commute takes me through the high desets of Utah and Arizona and I give my car plenty of chances to sing her song! The car flies and handles with absolute precision. - I love it!
I did not purchase the car for it's fantastic gas mi., rather for the mear pleasure of driving - and the car consistanly delivers. (16 to 19 miles per gallon is my average)
I feel that the power to weight ratio is spot on and I can always drop a couple of gears if the situation requires it. (you gotta love having 9,200 rpm's on tap! - zoom zoom!)
I also love that fact that my insurance is $50.00 less every 6 months then my Civic SI. They recognize the RX 8 as a sedan with all the air bags and safety features and no turbo like my Subie friends have.
In all I love the car. Inside room is laid out well I am 6'4" at 220 pounds. And yes I actually fit! (barely - I would not want to be 6'5")
The car is a joy, a blast, fun, etc. etc. etc.!
Strengths: Great looks, handeling, balance, safety, control sound and revs, and a back seat!
Weaknesses: More power and better fuel economy would be nice!
Summary: Well i loved this car when i first purchased it but the passed few months have made me regret the dicision. I have already had this car towed four times in eight months and every time i get it back the tell me the same thing. Personally i think they have no idea what is wrong with it they just fix it enough to be drivable. It has been nothing but a headache. If you are thinking of buying a Mazda please reconsider or take a look at the CX-7. They are just as fun to drive as the RX-8 without all the problems.
Strengths: Beautiful exterior you will definitly be noticed while driving it. Great sound system. Very fast perfect for racing.
Weaknesses: Not reliable. Too much up keep.
Similar Products Used: 350Z,volvo C-70 convt
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Summary: I am not the owner of this car, I am the son of the owner. I was involved in the purchase process, I have driven the car several times, and we exchange words about it frequently, so I feel that I am qualified to give this car its first review on this website.
The decision to get the car was absolutely academic. He owned an RX-2 and an RX-4 back in the day, and even though they were unreliable, he loved them and has owned other Mazdas since. He bought his gray RX-8 before the horsepower issue became public, and when he received the apology letter from Mazda, he opted to take their offer of free maintenance rather than send the car back to the maker. His previous car before this would have been an RX-7 had it not been $45,000, and when the RX-8 was introduced starting at about half that price, he couldn't pass it up. He got the 6-speed because the automatic has a far less powerful engine, and none were available at the time he was looking anyway. The vehicle he bought was loaded to the gills with 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, moonroof, 6-CD changer, and a navigation system, of which I would only leave out the navi, personally.
This car is an unqualified joy to drive. The responsiveness of the engine is out of this world, and the sound is electrifying. The handling is completely neutral, and the cornering attitude is flat. The transmission adds to the thrill with its short throws and positive feel. The fat-rimmed steering wheel is great. It is an inexpensive sports car that feels like a REALLY expensive sports car.
Where the car shows its relatively low price tag, unfortunately, is in the interior materials. The leather seats feel more like rubber. There are scars on the dash from where there used to be an airbag-warning sticker or something, and the expanses that aren't scarred feel like they would be happier in a Neon. The door armrests are rough. The switches feel a bit cheap. I guess that's the tradeoff, if it had been made as well as the RX-7 inside it would have cost as much as the RX-7 did.
The car has been completely reliable for 15 months, fingers crossed. It has already survived more miles than Dad's first RX-2 did. Time will tell if it lasts as long as the Subaru. Until then, the hair on the back of our necks will be getting its exercise...
Strengths: The driving experience. Style - when we first got it, someone in a Jetta leaned out of the window (on the freeway) to take a picture of the car.
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