2008 Mazda RX-8 Quality Review

Most sources consulted by TheCarConnection.com find comfort levels on the 2008 Mazda RX-8 acceptable, if not outstanding.

It should be pointed out that although the Mazda 2008 is technically a four-seater (and, indeed, has a pair of back doors), space in the rear seats is extremely limited. Cars.com reports that "the rear bucket seats are nicely shaped, but legroom is lacking and headroom is limited, too," although they're an improvement over what "other sports-car makers try to pass off as rear seats."

According to ForbesAutos, backseat room and comfort were subordinated to exterior styling, so as to "preserve the look of the curvaceous coupe." Overall, however, this source calls the Mazda RX-8's interior "surprisingly roomy and comfortable," while Cars.com, in its understated way, describes it as "a nice place for driving," adding that the "leather seats...are supportive and have enough bolstering to keep you in place during fast cornering." Comments are mostly centered on the extreme roominess of the interior; Automotive.com praises the interior space, although Road and Track finds "headroom is tight."

Storage and cargo space is also limited in the Mazda RX-8; "the trunk is rather small and shrinks even more with the optional spare-tire kit," according to ForbesAutos, which reports that the trunk provides a mere 7.6 cubic feet of space. However, the 2008 Mazda RX-8 does allow the rear seats to be folded down in order to provide a "pass-thru to the cabin for carrying long, skinny items inside the car," reports Cars.com.

AutoWeek reports that "the interior is stylish, with a user-friendly layout, high-grade materials and nice build quality." According to ConsumerGuide, the Mazda RX-8's interior is "composed of mostly hard plastic," but "appearance and quality of the interior materials is a cut above those of [rivals] Ford Mustang and Nissan 350."

Noise levels in the Mazda 2008 are acceptable; ConsumerGuide reports that the "engine produces a pleasant, mechanical growl during acceleration and recedes mostly into the background while cruising." There is minimal wind rush, but "the tires roar over most pavement surfaces."

TheCarConnection.com’s editors fit in half the RX-8’s seats well. Those extra doors give backseat passengers easier access to the rear, but they won't want to sit too long. The Mazda RX-8's rear seat is for short trips only; it's roomy enough but claustrophobic. The situation's much better in front, where grippy sport seats have enough surrounding space to make captain and co-captain comfortable.