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 1 through 10 of 201.00

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  Great Car - not so fuel efficient - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rsilverst - November 28 - 5:23 am

  I am writing this review as a mostly happy owner of my new Mazda3. After driving my first 1000 miles of mixed highway/city miles, I am a bit disappointed that all 4 tanks of gas have yielded between 23 and 25 miles per gallon. I realize that the car is rated 22/29. Nonetheless, given the highway split, I am a bit surprised its coming in at the low end of middle. This is not a large car, and it surprises me somewhat that my 13 year old Corolla with 155,000 miles on it was getting significantly better mileage. For now, I am very happy with the car - its great fun to drive. But maybe I will end up going for a hybrid in a couple of years.

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  Ive had a few problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jessica - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2002 Civic for my Mazda 3... Ive had 4 Hondas in the past and regret my Mazda purchase some days. To start, the tires had to be replaced at 22,000 miles, my rotors are warped, and my a/c stopped working this summer because I had an issue with the thermostat. The only thing that the warranty has covered is the problem with the thermostat. Its not bad to drive and it starts every morning, but I certainly wont be purchasing another Mazda in the future!

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  Mazda 3s GT Hatch is fun - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By RS - November 9 - 4:20 am

  I have enjoyed the car for 5 months and over 7000 miles. On a 7 hour drive the car proved comfortable and peppy. Fitted heated side view mirrors. Overall mpg 21-26, which is okay. The car feels steady on highways - does not sway. Overall a very good car. Mazda should shorten the rear bumper depth and may be improve trunk space or the rear seat space by a few more inches.

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  Zoom-zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By quicksilver - October 31 - 9:16 am

  Lots of pluses. Zero issues in 1st 7K mls. List of standard amenities is as long as your arm. Since most the positives are listed in the brochures and Mazda info, Ill focus on the stuff they dont tell you. All cars have negatives. Consider if you can tolerate these: 1. factory speakers are horrible. Replaced all 4 with cheapo $26 speakers, for a major improvement. 2. Even understanding that performance uses gas, mileage is less than expected (26- 29 mpg). 3. Stock tires flat spot after sitting and need to warm up before the tiny thumping goes away. Otherwise stock tire performance and noise is fine so far. No need to slow down and brake for corners. That makes it very fun to drive!

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  Keep on ZOOMin! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paulis72 - July 24 - 9:36 am

  Had to replace 03 Protege hit by drunk driver while parked. Im so excited I went with another Mazda. My Mazda3 is amazing! I cant wait to drive it every day! My boyfriend has a BMW and only prefers German cars and is heavily considering trading for Mazda3, hes jealous! The ride, handling, performance is fantastic compared to other cars in its class. My Protege had 0 problems so I am confident buying Mazda again! I have nearly 700 miles on it in 2 weeks and each day it continues to amaze me Im not driving a German car.

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  Best Car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Digga3 - June 24 - 8:56 am

  The car drives great and makes me very happy. I am an ex-mustang cobra convertible driver, and although that car was fun, it was a headache on my wallet and I never knew when the next major maintenance would arise. This is a great car, so jump on the 2.0 liter before they change it to compete w/Subaru! This engine is lighter than the 2.3 and in my opinion, more fun to drive.

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  My experience so far - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason L - June 22 - 7:36 pm

  Im driving the 2.0 liter 4 speed auto. Before buying this car, I drove a 2000 Toyota Camry CE. Its really amazing the difference in interior quality between a Toyota and a Mazda. Toyota certainly beats the Mazda hands down in terms of build quality inside the car. I.E. Cheap plastics and poor stitching on cloth seats. That being said, the Mazda3 is leaps and bounds more fun to drive than a Camry. Virtually everything in the performance dept is better, with the exception of low end torque. Maybe its only the 2.0 liter, but the low end torque is a little weak. Once it gets into 3rd/4th gear, it accelerates QUITE nicely. When I need a burst of speed, the car definitely delivers.

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  Beauty is in the Eye of Beholder. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By joe mc govern - May 16 - 5:00 pm

  Car drives excellent on dry pavement. This car isnt a daily commuter if you have snow, the OEM RSA eagles slide all over in 2" of snow. Get snow tires. The car is well worth the money, but a lot of plastic and styrofoam in front end. Insurance is high on this car, but so is the Civic. The 2.0 engine is more frugal on gas than its 2.3 liter. I rented the 2.3 liter HB but it wasnt worth the extra gas money. This car is a sports sedan with the low pro tires and sits higher than a mini and Civic, thats why I bought it. However next year its history Im going with a car that has real carpets, and a more rigid build for safety.There are not enough options on a 2.0 also.

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  The Yank Mk. 2 Ford Focus - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By AufMitter - April 16 - 1:10 pm

  The car has been a joy to own since new. No problems to date, just basic transportation the Mazda way - fantastic. Proper layout in the interior; Shifter placement is superb, and the tunnel nestles next to your right leg in perfect position as a rest spot on long journeys. Pedals light and user friendly. Exterior design is that of form equivalent function, meaning there is enough emotion but all of it is usable. Of course the chassis is up to snuff, ready to drive your any and every mood.

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  Traded Fit for m3, I feel young again. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By damian35 - April 16 - 8:20 am

  Reminds me of my 1982 Rx7 except its much better. Its all in one, powerful engine response, adequate mpg, sporty handling, nice suspension, loads of features in comparison with honda vehicles in this price range. Tremendous quality build. The trunk space is adequate for a car its size and Im really happy I bought this car. Its simply the best bang 4 the buck. The stereo and sound system are awesome even when its not the top one offered in the se version. I love this car because its the best in its class. I recommend it to anyone who wants the best car out there, look no more.