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2008 Mazda RX-8 Features Review

July 2, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

comes well-equipped
ForbesAutos

comes with just the normal stuff...although it's very well-executed
Jalopnik

instrument panel seems to sacrifice efficiency for style
Automotive.com

If you like constant reminders that you're running a Wankel rotary engine under the hood, you'll appreciate the accessories on the Mazda RX-8.

In fact, according to Cars.com, almost every device in the Mazda 2008 beats you over the head in reminding you, "Yes, this vehicle is indeed powered by Dr. Felix Wankel's ingenious motor." According to Cars.com, "front head restraints, side sill covers and shift lever have a triangular shape to suggest the engine's rotors."

TheCarConnection.com notes that the 2008 Mazda RX-8 offers four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and 40th Anniversary model. Power windows, air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, power mirrors and door locks, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with six-CD changer are included as standard equipment on all trim levels.

Moving up the ladder, additional features include a power sunroof, universal garage door opener, leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, and keyless access and starting. The 40th Anniversary trim offers a nine-speaker, 300-watt Bose system, but lacks an MP3 player hookup, according to Jalopnik.

The top trim, Grand Touring, adds the option of Sirius Satellite Radio and a navigation system, although these will add to the $31,000-plus price tag. ForbesAutos points out that most of the options for the 2008 Mazda RX-8 are available only as package deals on the various trims.

Conclusion

You may very well enjoy the 2008 Mazda RX-8 2008 for its features, but be prepared to shell out for them--and learn to love the triangle.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:comes well-equippedForbesAutoscomes with just the normal stuff...although it's very well-executedJalopnikinstrument panel seems to sacrifice efficiency for styleAutomotive.com If you like constant reminders that you're running a Wankel rotary engine under the hood, you'll appreciate the accessories on the Mazda RX-8. In fact, according to Cars.com, almost every device in the Mazda 2008 beats you over the head in reminding you, "Yes, this vehicle is indeed powered by Dr. Felix Wankel's ingenious motor." According to Cars.com, "front head restraints, side sill covers and shift lever have a triangular shape to suggest the engine's rotors." TheCarConnection.com notes that the 2008 Mazda RX-8 offers four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and 40th Anniversary model. Power windows, air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, power mirrors and door locks, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with six-CD changer are included as standard equipment on all trim levels. Moving up the ladder, additional features include a power sunroof, universal garage door opener, leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, and keyless access and starting. The 40th Anniversary trim offers a nine-speaker, 300-watt Bose system, but lacks an MP3 player hookup, according to Jalopnik. The top trim, Grand Touring, adds the option of Sirius Satellite Radio and a navigation system, although these will add to the $31,000-plus price tag. ForbesAutos points out that most of the options for the 2008 Mazda RX-8 are available only as package deals on the various trims. ConclusionYou may very well enjoy the 2008 Mazda RX-8 2008 for its features, but be prepared to shell out for them--and learn to love the triangle. 2008 MAZDA RX-8 STYLING | [7 OUT OF 10] Automotive.com: "bulges with style if not grace" Car and Driver: "athletic good looks" Cars.com: "one of the more unusually styled sports cars available" TheCarConnection.com finds a mix of perceptions when it comes to the appearance of the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Among rear-drive coupes with 200 to 300 horsepower, the competition for the Mazda RX-8 is largely made up of musclecars. The Ford Mustang has four-passenger seating, a V-8 option, manual and automatic transmissions, and a convertible option. The Dodge Challenger is new for 2008, and in 2009, a V-6 version will become available. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe arrives early in 2009 as a 2010 model; it will use a high-powered V-6 and a rear-drive chassis.

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See the Mazda RX-8 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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