5 Star Reviews for 2008 Mazda Mazda3

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 51 through 60 of 201.00
  • I LOVE THIS CAR - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I spent a long time looking at cars and this is the best bet for the money. I live in New England and have no problems in snow, mud, or rain. The traction control works wonders. The features of the grand touring have everything I need. It handles like a charm and I find I get about 26 mpg with both highway and city driving. The manual is a blast, the stereo is phenomenal. There is a bit of cabin noise when your on the highway but I usually have the radio up. Overall, I have had no problems with this car and plan to keep it for a long time.

  • Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    Sold SUV because of gas prices and got a 2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value Edition. Excellent car especially for the money. I got a copper red mica color, 5 spd, 17" wheels, foglights, one touch moonroof, 6 disc w/ auxiliary input and excellent sound, power windows and keyless remote, soft touch plastics and good interior feel, and neat interior illumination. I have had it for about 2 weeks and cant wait to get in it every time. First time I got 29.92 mpg with the 2.0 5-speed but that was mixed driving. Only city, I get about 24 or 25. After comparing to the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic respectively, this was definitely the best choice

  • Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    Traded in my 2003 Mustang GT convertible for this vehicle and I must say I love this car. Even with going from 8 cyl down to 4, I still get plenty of power and pickup from this car, especially from a stop. Ride is great, very quiet and tight. Bose stereo system is very nice as well. This is a great car for someone looking to get a small car, but still wants to spend a little money for comforts and options (auto lights and wipers are cool!). The only "complaint" is the somewhat low MPG for such a small vehicle. I have been averaging 26-28 MPG combined according to the onboard computer (if I calculate it the old fashioned way, I estimate 28-30 MPG).

  • Fun to drive with great value - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I dont know where you can get a better car for the money. The body style, fuel economy, and "fun to drive" factor is amazing. I downsized from an SUV and wanted something sporty but under $20K for mostly city use. After 2,500 miles I am getting 24 MPG in town and 30/31 MPG on the highway. The Mazdaspeed 3 was even more exciting but it was too much car for my ice and snow roads. My only minor gripe is that the seats are a little firm for my taste.

  • A very well put together car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    Having driven it for over a month now, I must say there is absolutely no buyers remorse. Handles very well even if you do feel the body roll a bit more than say a mini but a lot less than the civic. Acceleration isnt great off the line but acceleration in the 40-70 MPH driving band is very adequate for passing. In short the gearing to HP gives you the acceleration where your likely to need it more often than not. Mileage varies based on how sporty Im driving it. Ive done 27 (70 MPH long freeway drive with a small bit of in town stop and go) but the car does give you the urge to well drive so more often Im getting in the 22-24 range mixed driving.

  • Amazing Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I love this car, had it for a year and a half now and love to drive. Honestly wouldve rather the Speed3, but got this instead. For a 4 Cylinder engine this car is built well, sounds good, and picks up pretty damn fast.

  • Good Car for the Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I replaced my Mazda 626 of 15 years with this new Mazda3. I really want to buy an electric car, so this car is to get me through the next few years. Other than being 20th century technology, it seems like a solid, nice car. I would have preferred to buy a hatchback but did not want to bump up to the wagon with its heavier weight and bigger engine. Ive had a difficult time getting accustomed to the clutch -- it seems to engage much higher on the pedal than Im used to. Ive also noticed the air conditioner seems to place a lot of drag on the engine; this can make judging the gas/clutch mixture a little tricky sometimes. Overall, Id recommend it for the price.

  • Great little car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I went from a Honda civic (very comparable purchase price!) to the 3i Touring.. and most of all I cant beleive the improvement in handling! Its a way nicer riding car- just seems more solid. It also handles quite a bit better in the snow. I get about 8 mpg less, but it is worth it. I feel more safe/secure in it, the stereo sounds much better, and its fun to drive! Many people have said how cute/nice it looks.

  • Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    I spent forever researching cars to buy and I test drove a few (the VW Rabbit, the Civic and the Toyota Matrix) before I was definite on the 3. The test drives clinched it. My mechanic of 15 years was also enthusiastic about the Mazda and now I know why. I am in love with my car. It is so sporty (looks and performance) and I couldnt be happier. I have the 5 speed and the shifting is so smooth, I would swear it was a pricier model/brand. I love to drive but I was looking for fuel economy too and I definitely picked a winner. The acceleration is excellent, but so is the fuel economy. 25-27 in the city, in heavy traffic, and 32-35 on the highway. Nice! You wont be disappointed at all. Im thinking of buying another for my husband.

  • The Horn - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    Overall quite satisfied. However, I will say I am not pleased with the silly horn, it sounds like it belongs on a small scooter, maybe a motorized bicycle. The bird chirping horn does not match the quality of the car. And I cant say I am all that pleased with the heater, it takes 15 minutes or better to attain comfort, at which time I am usually at my destination, freezing from the cold. Also, the panic button on the switch fob has a range of about 20 feet. My previous car panic button had a much greater range, helping me find where I parked the car on occasion. But as said, I am quite pleased with the car.

Mazda Mazda3 Reviews By Year:
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