Overview & Reviews

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

• 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.

• So-so fuel economy with 2.3-liter engine, top safety equipment is optional on lower trim levels, tight rear legroom.

User Reviews:

Showing 161 through 170 of 201.00

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  Luxury at a lower sticker price! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By arjag2010 - March 29 - 7:00 am

  I LOVE my Mazda. I purchased a used 2005 Mazda3s in September of 2009, which was totaled when I was rear-ended in November. I did not hesitate to purchase another Mazda. Taking advantage of the fact that there was a new body style (2010) coming out, I got a great deal on a 2008 3s GT. I definitely recommend the s. The 2.3 makes a difference. I test drove an i and it just didnt have the same sporty feel, especially going up hills. I have had various rentals in the same class as the Mazda, and have also test driven quite a few cars within the class. None have compared. The handling is superb, very tight and responsive.

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  2008 Mazda 3s Hatchback GT - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By RS - March 20 - 8:16 pm

  Took delivery early April. Have driven about 1600 miles already. Average mpg 23-24. Very lively and comfortable to drive. Like the dash layout and the feel. Nav system limits operation to while stationary. Unable to tell if the outside review mirrors are heated? Front seats comfortable. Rear seat leg space tight. Front seat heaters do not turn off automatically!

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  A worthy little sedan - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jefferson - March 10 - 5:23 am

  I needed a reliable vehicle with good fuel economy. The 3 was my final choice. So far Im pleased with the car. Ive put about 800 miles on it and its averaged 33 mpg thus far. The 2 liter engine has adequate pickup, but I would recommend the 2.3 if you dont mind paying about $1000 more. I test drove models with both engines. The brakes are very good and the handling is excellent. The build quality is very solid. The interior is very well laid out and materials are of high quality. Road noise is very pronounced at highway speeds.

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  Cant stay out of it. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By sdavis - March 7 - 11:10 am

  I commute 45 minutes each way to work. Since I bought M3 I find myself getting a earlier start each morning so I can take the back rodes to work. I have 2008 S Touring 5 spd manual and it is a blast to drive. Prior to that I owned a 2004 Mini Cooper w 1.4 liter engine. Mini hugged the curves better but did not have pep that 2,3L engine provides. M3 revs at about 3100rpm at 80 mpg, Mini over 4000. Suspension stiff on both, which I dont mind. M3 looks cool and theirs more room in the back for the kids. M3 doesnt get the gas mileage that Mini did but I can run 87 instead of premium. Trade off is worth it. In my mid fortys but I feels like a kid again when i get in this car.

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  No Compromise - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Montana Driver - January 5 - 4:40 pm

  Traded my 2002 Miata SE for this car. Wanted an all season car without giving up much handling and fun to drive. Shopped Civic Si, WRX, Altima Coupe, Mazdaspeed 3 and GTI; chose a Mica Copper Red Mazda3s Touring 5M for price, fuel mileage (premium fuel not required) and versatility. Figured I was making a compromise for enconomics sake. My 1st drive was over a winding mountain pass here in Montana and I havent smiled like that since I got the Miata. Of course it doesnt have the kick in the pants acceleration of a WRX or V-6 Nissan, but the handling and transmission is more then up to the task. Im 64" (yes I fit in the Miata) and found the front seats as comfortable as any I tested.

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  Smart and Practical - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jtk - December 22 - 4:13 pm

  We were originally considering the Civic but took a test drive in the 3 after reading positive reviews on this site (and others). Wow, what a pleasant surprise. The 3 has much more pep (especially with the manual), is better looking, and has more standard features than the comparable Civic LX. It gets fantastic gas mileage! 1500 miles on our 3, and were averaging around 30 to 33 mpg with about a 50/50 city/highway driving. Granted, its no BMW or Lexus but for well under $20K, you cant go wrong.

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  Unsurprisingly Suprising Quick - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By SA 3 Driver - October 2 - 9:23 am

  I bought my 3 a few weeks ago and do mostly highway driving. Although the fuel economy is not up to par with Honda, it does better than my previous auto. Road noise is a bit loud over 70MPH, but the car has super handling.The responsiveness and handling makes you feel connected to the road. A definite best-buy for its class. Very Pleased. 2.0L is great, but 2.3L is better, if you have the extra $1000-$1500

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  Beat a Civic in All Ways !!!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike F - August 29 - 11:43 pm

  We looked many different cars and the Mazda 3 is perfect. More opitions for less money and more room than most. Runs and rides like a sports car. And the 17 inch wheels and very stylish. We would advise anyone it get one over the Civic.

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  Best in show - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LB - August 15 - 12:13 pm

  I took my time and test-drove almost every Asian or European car in the small-sedan class but the 3i Touring stood out. Now that Ive had it for 3 months and taken one long trip (2000 miles), Im more convinced than ever I made the right choice. The competitions cars are either fun or economical, never both. This car is. Ive been getting over 30 in the city and over 40 highway, up to 44 mpg! Not a fast car but zippy and very nimble. Wow. Absolutely get the stick. The worst problem is road noise but every car this size has it so I guess its just part of the deal.

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  Best in show - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LB - August 15 - 1:56 am

  I took my time and test-drove almost every Asian or European car in the small-sedan class but the 3i Touring stood out. Now that Ive had it for 3 months and taken one long trip (2000 miles), Im more convinced than ever I made the right choice. The competitions cars are either fun or economical, never both. This car is. Ive been getting over 30 in the city and over 40 highway, up to 44 mpg! Not a fast car but zippy and very nimble. I paid $15,700 for mine with the ABS-6 airbag option. Wow. Absolutely get the stick. The worst problem is road noise but every car this size has it so I guess its just part of the deal.