2008 Mazda Mazda3 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.63/5 Average
201 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are now standard on all 's' trim levels.

Pros:
  • Athletic handling, refined and zippy engines, sharp styling, top-notch build and materials quality, sharp styling, hatchback utility, luxury features and ambiance at a budget price.
Cons:
  • So-so fuel economy with 2.3-liter engine, top safety equipment is optional on lower trim levels, tight rear legroom.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 201.00
  • Great purchase - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I bought new in May of 2008 when I moved to AZ. I only have 43,200 miles on it and it still runs like new. I did have to replace leaky shocks once but that was only problem. I change oil every 3,000 miles so believe that helps. I LOVE this car and hope it lasts me another 6 years!

  • Cant get a better car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I have had the car for 2 months (sometime in that 2 months they started calling it a wagon, not a hatch?). I bought it in Feb, during some of the worst driving weather possible, and it handled as though it were a dry sunny day. I love the performance, and the stability control in the Touring model really helps grip the road (we have some tricky ones in the mountains). My husband loved it so much he bought the same in an automatic, which also handles beautifully. We wish we got better mileage (I get about 27 mpg) for a small car, but the emissions ratings are good. We recently had 3 teens, 2 adults, and all the teens college gear in the Mazda, no problem!! Cargo space is great.

  • Mazda3 2.0L Auto - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I bought this Mazda3 based mainly on previous professional reviews for its reliability, agility and fuel mileage. Plus, I really liked the exterior styling. After driving some 6000 miles Ive found that the ride is jittery, choppy and generally unrefined. It always feel like there is a wheel out of balance or tire out of round. Both motor mounts where replaced and a 4 wheel road force balance but there is still a lot of engine shake felt through the steering wheel and chassis. I wouldnt buy again.

  • The road car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    After test driving Honda,Toyota. Nissan, BMW, Volvo, Mitsu, the Mazda 3 came out on top for me to replace my wifes G35 and we were not disappointed. Put about 400 miles in three days and what a road car we got - every thing in it but the nav. My wife said its quick and fast, love the car, do your research and test drive all the rest, but you will love the 3 trust me.

  • Great Ride - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    A very fun car to drive. Great handling and one of the peppiest in its class. My only inconvenience with this model is that the headrests block the rear view mirrors view and the side window design makes it challenging to see cars in either lane when changing lanes. Took a little bit of adjustment to turn my head more to the sides before changing lanes to catch the blind spot. Cant say enough good about his car. Ive had Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas and the Protege before, and this car is by far the best for handing, acceleration, and just pure fun. The other did however have better fuel economy.

  • Zoom - Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I love this car! Its as stylish as any BMW but, your not paying that ridiculous price. I love the energy this car has. Its way too much fun to drive. Handles GREAT!

  • Handles great, but not perfect - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    This car handles fabulously! Ive owned great handling cars for years (BMW 528, Nissan Zs, Mustang GTs, etc.). This car can hold its own with any of them--that makes it worth it for me. However, it is not perfect. Ive had some problems, such as air bag system failure, peculiar engine noises at idle, and paint chipping. It also has lots of road noise as well. Also, gas mileage is good but not great (24 mpg overall). I bought this car for my wife as a supplemental car to her Mustang GT convertible (didnt want to drive it in bad weather). It serves well in that role. Overall, I would recommend this car, but you need to understand what you are getting.

  • Best Car I have Owned - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I traded my 3 series BMW for the 08 S-GT Hatchback . Got it loaded with the Bose Audio, front Spoiler and the base accessories are mind boggling , Xenons, Leather , Roof , Power all around , heated seats . It was an outstanding value and now that they changed the body in 2009 I realize what a masterpiece of beauty this body style is. Designed By the Jaguar designer and he did a top notch job I must say. It launches with ease cruises at 90 not even breathing and has the suspension to match.After I hit 30K had the fuel injectors cleand and the throttle body and after that the car was like new and started giving me an extra 3 mpg on the fwy with more power. Dealer said stop using 91 it worked!

  • Mazda3 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    Looked at several small cars mainly due to the high fuel prices. The Mazdas always were rated excellent. Also we had a Mazda 323 forever with no problems. After test driving several cars I kept coming back to the Mazda3. Im not sure if its because it looks so good, or because its so much fun to drive. We looked at used ones, but they were close to the price of a new one, so we bought new. So far we love it! 1st tank calculated 25.8 MPG with that being about 60% city driving.

  • Adorable, sport, fun - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I was looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle than my Toyota Sequoia. Ive always owned Toyotas and test drove the new 09 Matrix. I wasnt impressed with the responsiveness or the overall looks. I test drove the Mazda 3 and was immediately impressed. The 3 has a very sporty look, its comfortable, responsive, handles well, holds the road well in curves and has lots of features standard safety and otherwise. This car has more standard features than the Matrix such as stereo & cruise control on the steering wheel, and 17" alloy wheels. I sacrificed a little gas mileage between the Matrix 1.8L 4 speed and the Mazda 2.3L 5 speed but I ended up with a car thats a lot more fun to drive.

Mazda Mazda3 Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area