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2008 Mazda Mazda3 consumer reviews

$13,895–$14,895 MSRP range
side view of 2008 Mazda3 Mazda
(107 reviews)
93% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.5
Explore the 2008 Mazda Mazda3
Shop the 2008 Mazda Mazda3

2nd Mazda I've owned

Just traded in a 2004 Mazda 3 and purchased the 2008 Mazda 3 touring value. The new model includes a power package and updated interior. Handling is great and is very appealing to the eye. Researched both the Toyota Corrola and Honda Civic - niether compares to the total package the Mazda 3 offers.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Awesome Buy

Recently purchased an '08 touring model and am extremely pleased. Hands down this car offers the most features for the money. From the Six-CD changer to the titanium exhuast, the sporty looking interior and smooth handling, I can't find many bad points. I does lack a power button on the steering wheel to control cds and lacks a power truck release, but after that, this is a solid car for anyone who wants a sporty, fuel efficient, and economic car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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First New Car

The 2008 Mazda 3 is the 2nd car I've bought, but the first new one for me. It is a huge improvement over my older car, but at a much higher cost. I've been comparing the civic, corolla, and mazda3 for a few months and ended up buying the mazda3 after I test drove it. The handling is much tighter than the corolla and I can feel a little more power in the mazda3 (2.0L). I feel more comfortable at higher speeds in the mazda3 than the civic, because when there are bumps on the road the civic has a lighter feel and it's easier for the wheel to change course (possibly lose control). I enjoyed learning about all 3 cars, but I am really happy with the purchase.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Mixed Feelings about My Mazda

I bought an 08 Mazda3 two months ago and it seems to run pretty good. The gas mileage has been disappointing but it feels like it has a lot of power. My interior is black and I love it! Be careful about choosing exterior color though because I got the Galaxy Grey Mica and it looks blue...not grey! But it's really fun to drive and there's a huge trunk.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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best value in class

i just recently purchased a base model 08 mazda 3, 2.0 auto. This car is the best value in its segment, im a first time mazda owner and im very satisfied. The handling on this car is simply AMAZING, great road feel and cornering capabilities, acceleration is good especially low end torque. Interior design is german like. Im 6'2 and have plenty of headroom, legroom is slightly tight in front. sound system is good also. The only complaint is the standard 15" wheels which are very small and narrow. Other than that this is a cant miss vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Not the typical boring "econobox"

Excellent car on all accounts. I recently purchased the sedan version of the Sport Grand Touring model and have been very pleased with it so far. The build quality is outstanding and performance is above most other offerings in the compact market segment. The Good: Great looks, high quality and intuitive interior design, tight and confident handling, a joy to drive even to the grocery store. The Bose sound system should please any audiophile. Standard 1/8" auxiliary input jack in the center console. The Xenon HID headlamps make the road highly visible at night. The Bad: Fuel efficiency not great for a compact, tight sport suspension and low profile tires make for a crunchy ride. Trunk space is decent, but getting large-ish objects into it to begin with can be difficult or impossible. Great car. The Mazda3 in general makes the Toyota Corolla unworthy of consideration (outside of MPG) while giving the Honda Civic a good run for the money.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Great car

First time Mazda owner and I'm very happt. The Mazda 3 is fun to drive, very sporty, has a great bose sound system, nice preformance and milage is great. Wish there was more sound insulation from road noise, but the stereo solves that issue! zoom zoom..

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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