DecodedCars2008 Porsche Boxster
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, S 2dr Convertible RWD
- Engines
- 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.4L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 170.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,855–2,965 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2008 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
- 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 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Porsche Boxster is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.7L 6-cyl and 3.4L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 171 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,855 lb (2dr Convertible RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 24% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Boxster — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Boxster →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD | 170.9 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 94.9 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 2,855 lb | 46/54 |
| S 2dr Convertible RWD | 170.9 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 94.9 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 2,965 lb | 46/54 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +24% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Boxster S | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Boxster S | 3.4L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +13% | $3,900 | 423 |
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 Porsche Boxster under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Porsche Boxster (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche 911 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi R8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus SC | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Porsche Boxster.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Porsche Boxster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Porsche Boxster in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Porsche Boxster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Porsche Boxster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Boxster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Boxster | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2014 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2013 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2012 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2011 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →