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2008 Mazda RX-8 Safety Review

July 2, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

brakes deliver good overall stopping control
ConsumerGuide

Five stars, front impact protection; four stars, side impact protection
NHTSA

rigidity and safety against a side impact
Automotive.com

The 2008 Mazda RX-8 earned strong safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), getting five stars in front impact tests and four in side impact tests.

Cars.com reports that "side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard in the Mazda 2008," while an "electronic stability system is standard on all models" above the base trim. Automotive.com relates that in order to "compensate for the lack of a B-pillar, Mazda has carefully designed the structure with supporting steel crossmembers and braces, as well as reinforcements around the door perimeter for rigidity and safety against a side impact." Kelley Blue Book discloses there's an optional traction control system for all trims of the Mazda RX-8.

According to ConsumerGuide, the Mazda 2008's "thick rear roof pillars severely compromise aft visibility." Otherwise, says Canadian Driver, "outward visibility is surprisingly good" in the Mazda RX-8, "thanks to the low hood and wrapover rear window."

Conclusion

Crash-test scores are good for the 2008 Mazda RX-8, but stability control isn’t available on base versions.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:brakes deliver good overall stopping controlConsumerGuideFive stars, front impact protection; four stars, side impact protectionNHTSArigidity and safety against a side impactAutomotive.com The 2008 Mazda RX-8 earned strong safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), getting five stars in front impact tests and four in side impact tests. Cars.com reports that "side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard in the Mazda 2008," while an "electronic stability system is standard on all models" above the base trim. Automotive.com relates that in order to "compensate for the lack of a B-pillar, Mazda has carefully designed the structure with supporting steel crossmembers and braces, as well as reinforcements around the door perimeter for rigidity and safety against a side impact." Kelley Blue Book discloses there's an optional traction control system for all trims of the Mazda RX-8. According to ConsumerGuide, the Mazda 2008's "thick rear roof pillars severely compromise aft visibility." Otherwise, says Canadian Driver, "outward visibility is surprisingly good" in the Mazda RX-8, "thanks to the low hood and wrapover rear window." ConclusionCrash-test scores are good for the 2008 Mazda RX-8, but stability control isn’t available on base versions. 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.

Next Steps:

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See the Mazda RX-8 in Other Years:

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

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