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Used 2008 Mazda 3 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
223 reviews
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Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun and reliable

k robbins, 04/07/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I 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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive with great value

Dennis, 07/15/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I don't 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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

No Compromise

Montana Driver, 06/10/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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 haven't smiled like that since I got the Miata. Of course it doesn't 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. I'm 6'4" (yes I fit in the Miata) and found the front seats as comfortable as any I tested.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3 high milage reliablity

ksmike, 03/14/2013
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

I have a 2.0 liter, 5 speed manual that I bought new in 2008, which I use for commuting to work in a rural area. 175000 miles now and still get 34-38 mpg (depends on the tires and season). The only part replaced was a new power steering pump was replaced as a recall. Other than that, changed tires every 40,000 miles (you have to have frequent tire rotations due to positive camber), oil changes every 5000 miles, coolant flush. I have not even changed sparkplugs, needed an alignment, or even needed to have the brake pads replaced.

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4 out of 5 stars

I'd buy it again

gregf5, 05/18/2015
updated 01/31/2022
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car new in 2008 and owned it until 2019. It had almost 170k miles on it when I sold it, and was still running great. The car performs and handles very well, has excellent fuel economy and plenty of storage space. The one weak point on this vehicle is the suspension. During the time I owned it, the front axle was replaced once (covered by the extended warranty), and the cv joints and struts several times. Aside from these items, only routine scheduled maintenance was needed. Overall, I was quite happy with this vehicle, and if I had it to do over, I'd definitely buy it again.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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