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 81 through 90 of 201.00-
Good Car for the Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By GAJeff - January 27 - 3:40 amI 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.
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Great little car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By mom42 - January 26 - 3:43 pmI 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.
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Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By EAG - January 7 - 11:30 pmI 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.
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The Horn - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By Eroteme - December 22 - 10:10 pmOverall 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.
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Very happy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By Tim W - December 12 - 4:00 amThe car is a blast to drive. The 2.0 has plenty of power, and gets great mpg (over 30). The manumatic is a fun feature, controls for stereo and cruse are located in perfect place on steering wheel. To me and everyone I have talked to it is the nicest looking car in its class, and is on par with much more expensive cars like Jetta and Altima (if not better). It drives like a sports car, the engine sound is clean during acceleration and almost silent when cruising. It has a massive trunk for a small car. The car looks bigger than it is, and I am 62 and I find the front spacious and the back tolerable but tight. Interior lights are red and dash has cool blue shine. Did I mention PZEV engine?
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Mazda3 iSport 2.0L Auto Base Model - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By PeteTheGreat - December 7 - 9:13 pmThe 2008 Mazda3 is a typical 4-door sedan with an atypical drivetrain. From the line, the car gets decent acceleration, easily capable of bypassing the ridiculous Atlanta drivers (regardless of type of car) from a dead stop. Handling is great, with a fantastic turning radius and the great ability to carve corners at speed. Interior design is nice, the sound system is very good, and there isnt enough road noise to be distracting from a conversation, even on the highway. The only real gripe I have is fuel economy, but I knew this before I chose to purchase the car. As a 23-year-old professional, this car suits my needs without being flashy or expensive.
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Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By ZOOM ZOOM - October 13 - 11:00 am--A+-- I researched cars for months drove 1/2 dozen others in the class, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Kia and ended up selling myself on a Mazda3 before I ever drove one. Started out considering larger vehicles, but when gas prices shot up once again and my path was clear, I commute 60 miles a day and had to consider mileage. When I did test drive my Mazda3 it was clear, this was my car, only decision left was color. Problem now is that I like it so much I dont want to put big miles on it so fast (this was a replacing my 1999 nissan P/U which already has over 170,000/miles!). Ive started sharing the commute load between all 3 of my cars so the Mazda3 is in my driveway for years
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Mazda protege 5 out Mazda 3 wagon in - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By renoman - October 8 - 1:00 amIve had the car about a month now, with a little over 1k in mileage. Once again Mazda has done a very good job on the interior of the car. Overall a nice jump in interior room from the old protege. Only interior gripe I have is that when my legs are the right distance away, my arms feel too far away from the steering wheel. No adjustment left on the telescoping wheel. The old protege just fit. Exterior wise, I just like sport wagons, so this car fits me. Mechanically mileage has been 26-27 mpg mixed driving. I hoped for better, Im a little disappointed, but I chose sport over economy. The car is fun to drive, handles well, nicely finished for the price, and thats why Im on my second one
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very reliable - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By delesher - August 18 - 2:15 amThe car has been very reliable although mileage is not very good for a small car. Plenty of room inside and can carry a lot of stuff. I have had it since new and have approximately 50K miles. Nothing but routine maintenance.
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Fun and reliable - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By k robbins - July 27 - 9:06 pmI drive about 30,000 plus miles per year so I am in the car a lot and the 08 Mazda 3 is my favorite car yet. I have Nissan Maximas, Honda Accords and Civics and the Mazda has proven to be the most fun and reliable car thus far. It handles well and feels more like a sport car than an economy sedan. The Mazda 3 has amenities that are usually only found on higher end cars such as the automatic windshield wipers, heated seats, zeon headlights, automatic moonroof and auto climate control. The absence of a truck release from the remote is about the only option I miss. Interior carpet and plastics are cheap but leather seats are adequate and comfortable.
