DecodedCars2008 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD /Gx/Gs/GT
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 163 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 157.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,469 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2008 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 68 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mazda MX-5 is a two seaters offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 157 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 92-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,469 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 29% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2008 MX-5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD /Gx/Gs/GT | 157.1 in | 67.7 in | 49.2 in | 91.7 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,469 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +29% | $3,400 | 370 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +29% | $3,400 | 370 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +24% | $3,550 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mazda MX-5 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Saturn SKY | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Pontiac Solstice | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Chrysler Crossfire | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Honda S2000 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda MX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 91,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda MX-5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2018 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2016 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →