Auto Guide
2008 Mazda RX-8
Used

Review and specifications

2008 Mazda RX-8

Introduced for 2004, the RX-8 is a sporty coupe successor to the RX-7 with a Wankel rotary engine. While acceleration is not explosive, it is exceptionally smooth and responsive -- provided you keep the engine at mid-revs, which becomes natural and sounds invigorating. Handling is super agile, with quick, communicative steering. This truly fun-to-drive sports car doesn't beat you up and seats four. The rear-hinged rear doors make back seat access relatively easy. Fuel economy of 18 mpg was disappointing.

Market value
$3,513
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
4
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2008
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
coupe
Drive type
RWD
Transmission
Automatic, 6-speed
Category
Sports cars 4/5-seat
Generation began
2004

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,513
Retail value range
$3,400 - $3,625
Original MSRP range
$26,435 - $32,070
Trade-in range
$840 - $990

Ratings

Road test score
86/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
18 MPG
EPA highway
24 MPG
EPA combined
20 MPG
Tested city
14 MPG
Tested highway
22 MPG
Tested overall
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$2,730
Cruising range
285 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.2 sec
0-60 mph
6.7 sec
60-0 mph braking
117 ft
Avoidance speed
56 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
174 in
Width
70 in
Height
53 in
Wheelbase
106 in
Weight
3,085 lb
Maximum load
680 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
4 people
Front head room
1.5 in
Front leg room
40 in
Rear head room
1.5 in
Rear leg room
26 in
Luggage
2+0+0

Brand context

About Mazda

Most Mazdas are affordable, fun to drive, and look good inside and out. Many of its crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an affordable pre-owned car. Mazda’s two- and three-row SUVs, identified by CX in the name, are consistently near the top of our ratings. Some Mazdas are available as plug-in hybrids that are capable of useful amounts of electric-only driving range. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades before, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.

Vehicle ID: 7984 First published: June 20, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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