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New car reviews » 2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition

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Better than: last year's RX-8
But not as good as: a last-year RX-7
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 76.70  

Mazda’s newest spin on the rotary engine has already seen some ups and downs through its short life cycle. Still, after driving the latest version of the rotary-powered psuedo-sedan, we’re ready to fall in love again. While it might not be the best choice for everyone, the dynamics, comfort and flexibility of the 40th anniversary edition of Mazda’s RX-8 worked its charms on our test staff by delivering a soulful driving experience.

This isn’t the first RX-8 that has been through the office press pool, but it is the first chance we’ve had to sample this year’s freshened styling cues. While subtle, the newest RX-8’s racy exterior has been enhanced with some aero tweaks at the chin and tail. The two-tone leather interior of the anniversary edition drew a good deal of praise for both comfort and appearance. The convenient freestyle doors remain attractive space-savers, providing adequate access to the usable rear seats. Overall, the interior felt much finer than we had expected.

From the driver’s seat, the car felt just right in many situations. The motor is powerful enough at low rpm to keep things moving in town without being aggressive. Steering feels extremely precise, with just the right amount of weight and a very solid feel. Feedback is excellent and inspires confidence as the velocity rises. When the setting allows the driver to really wind the car out and make some power with the twin-rotor engine, Mazda’s RX-8 comes alive. The upper-rpm power suits the unflappable chassis well. We think the RX-8 would make an ideal daily driven car for enjoying HPDEs or autocrosses.

As nice as the car is to drive, however, actually owning the car would not be a fairy tale. EPA fuel economy estimates are a dismal 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway, which seems a bit low for this level of power output. The jury is still out on overall reliability as well, although we didn’t have any trouble. The aftermarket hasn’t quite fallen in love with this car yet, either, so if you dream of big power you’ll have a tough row to hoe.

Other staff views:

Joe Gearin Associate Publisher:

I spent the weekend with this RX-8 and loved it. There are plenty of cars that are faster or better looking, but few if any deliver the wonderful tactile feel of this Mazda. The seats are great, the interior upscale and the half-doors pretty darn handy. My daily driver is a E36 M3, and this RX-8 is the first car in a long time that I enjoyed nearly as much as the BMW. I was completely in love—until I had to fill the tank.

My 10-year-old BMW gets a mixed 24 mpg under enthusiastic use. With my heavy foot I got around 15 with the Mazda. Fifteen miles per gallon drinking premium gas just kills this car for me. It’s really a shame, because the driving experience is so wonderful. Sure, you can buy one on the cheap these days, and you can justify the guzzling by adding up all the pennies you saved by buying the RX-8 at a discount.

You might even be able to convince yourself that you’re coming out ahead in the long run when it comes to money. This still won’t take the sting out of fueling up this thing with $5.00 per gallon gas. A large part of the annoyance with gas prices is perceived. Sure, an extra buck might not really make a difference in your day to day budget, but constantly watching your money drain away at the gas pump sure can put you in a bad mood.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

I know, I know, gas is expensive and this car likes to drink it, but it still had me at hello. Sure, it’s not the fastest thing out there, either, but I loved the entire package—it’s all the goodness found in a Miata in a little more “mature,” balanced package. Great shifter, great pedals, great seating position. I even love the color.

Tom Heath Marketing / Club Coordinator:

Despite the glorious interior and quirky charm, I couldn’t fall in love with the RX-8 enough to really want one. It’s not like I hated the car, but I prefer the driving experience of something a bit more explosive. You have to be on a closed course to really exploit the car’s potential. The RX-8 pricepoint and day-to-day operating costs would make me look awfully hard at a Mazdaspeed 3 instead.

Scott Lear Club Editor:

It’s too bad gas is so damned expensive, I had no idea that the RX-8 was such a delightful driver’s car until this one turned up. I still think I’d prefer an S2000, but it’s a closer call that I would have ever though, and if we didn’t live in sunny Florida the hardtop might edge me even further towards the RX-8.

Per Schroeder Technical Editor/Advertising Director:

The RX8 is another one of my “almost perfect cars” It’s a great engine, drivetrain and suspension in a rather funky shell. I’d love to see a new normally aspirated RX7 with 2 door, instead of this funky/nearly useless 4-door format. And would it kill them to make the car at least get 20mpg City? Aside from that, nearly the perfect tool for B Stock autocross use.

Daily driver manners penalized for gas suckage.

Reader comments:

1. RX Reven': — Jun 10, 2008 4:29 p.m.
   

   I purchased a 2005 new in January 2006 and have since put 65,000 trouble free miles on it. I agree very much with the assessment you’ve made…fit & finish is surprisingly good but the mileage is dissapointing (21.5 long term average w/ about 85% freeway driving). I don’t care for the styling but I don’t think you could find a more tossable yet stable car for twice the money…first time I autocrossed it, I went up against six 350Z’s and my poorest time was fully two seconds faster than their best time…just killed them. I only paid $21,000 for it (that’s four banger Accord money) so at least in my case, the RX-8 provides outstanding value.

2. JohnGalt: — Jun 10, 2008 5:53 p.m.
   

   I bought a used 05 model back in 07 from a private seller. Car had 10K miles and i got it for 17,900. These cars have very bad depreciation so good examples can be had “relatively” cheep. The car is simply the finest driving car i have ever driven. more than being just a fast car it is a fun car that tells you exactly what is going on. Faster cars like Z’s and stangs can be had for near the same money but i have never had an instance where my rx8 needed to be any faster than it is. The only down side to these cars is the gas millage. I get 20-21 with about 60-40 highway city driving. The side doors are dead useful and you can fit real people in the back seats. I drive mine every day and have put 17000K on it and in that time have had no problems.

3. P71: — Jun 28, 2008 10:17 a.m.
   

   I love the RX-8! While I am not an owner, I have had the occasion to drive a few, and even compete against some. The 8 was the car I was shopping for when the P71 popped up, and sometimes I still regret the decision (until I realize I have the P71 AND the RX-7 for LESS then the down payment on an RX-8!).

   The RX-8 is the true successor to the original RX-7 idea. An affordable, tossable car for the masses. It’s useful in everyday life, tactile, and just puts a big stupid grin on your face every time you drive it. I would still be proud to own one!

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