Used 2008 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Fun drive but....
CT driver, 01/21/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car after my Toyota was involved in an accident. This car is fun to drive and solid. Has decent acceleration and excellent braking steering, cornering. I like the flexibility of the hatchback and it's look. The gas mileage is a disappointment only 25 mpg with combined driving (no lead foot). After my Toyota I note too much road noise and feel every seam in the road. Pricing and multiplicity of trim levels is somewhat dubious/confusing.
Warm Weather Car
David, 01/29/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in June 08, loved every mile i drove behind the wheel sing its praises to all my family and friend. Until winter of 08 and it snowed. This is by far the worst front wheel drive car I have ever owned or driven in any type of slippery condition. The anti lock brakes are always on and off at every stop and go situation as wheels spin out of control. I love this car in good dry weather, but this is not a car for upstate NY. I spent $900 for snow tires, didn't make any change in performance or handling. This car will not make it to next winter of 09.
2008 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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M3 5 door--Budget Sports Hatchback
B. Hunt, 02/03/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only car in its class that I seriously considered. I wanted a real nice, fast, sporty handling hatchback with great reliability and decent fuel economy that wasn't more than $21,000 in my driveway. That's what I got with the Mazda 3 GT 5-door.
Best Car I have Owned
Kevin , 05/16/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my 3 series BMW for the 08 S-GT Hatchback . Got it loaded with the Bose Audio, front Spoiler and the base accessories are mind boggling , Xenons, Leather , Roof , Power all around , heated seats . It was an outstanding value and now that they changed the body in 2009 I realize what a masterpiece of beauty this body style is. Designed By the Jaguar designer and he did a top notch job I must say. It launches with ease cruises at 90 not even breathing and has the suspension to match.After I hit 30K had the fuel injectors clean'd and the throttle body and after that the car was like new and started giving me an extra 3 mpg on the fwy with more power. Dealer said stop using 91 it worked!
Zoom-zoom
quicksilver, 01/04/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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, I'll focus on the stuff they don't 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!
Driving Is Fun Again
John, 01/16/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for two reasons: I drove a 1996 Protege that I treated me dearly and I recieve special pricing being a part of the Ford family. My only thought now every morning as I hop in my car is, "driving is fun again". I have never been more proud of a car, both in style and reliability. There's nothing about this car I don't like.
Best Value for Its Class
anenders, 06/27/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Mazda 3. The interior is well designed. It has many fun features such as rain sensor, bose speakers, heated leather seat, moon roof etc. I still could not believe that I could get mine for less than 20000 with 0% interest.
Super fun sport-like drive
Barbara Martin, 01/25/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Mazda 4 Door (with hatch) Grand Touring sedan for two days and am VERY happy to have chosen it over the Toyota Matrix which, although of reputed higher quality, was a total drag to drive. The Mazda is zippy, smooth, and responds quite handily. Of course I won't get quite the mileage, but then I'm coming off a 3500+ lb. mini-van so I'm still way ahead. I have no complaints at all and recommend this vehicle entirely. If you want a fun yet semi-sophisticated car that's just roomy enough for 4 adults in super comfort and is also incredibly cute, this is your vehicle. I got many more features for less money than the Matrix but ended up with a much better and more nimble ride.
A nice car that somehow is made cheaply
ejh, 10/09/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 15 months and 18k miles. It is a fun car and until recently I would recommend it to anyone. I've had a few things go wrong that should never be an issue, especially for a Japanese car. Some are minor, some are not: * The plastic battery box cover broke the first time I opened it. * The gas cap broke, with part of it stuck on the filler tube. * The clutch is not working right. Something inside the clutch assembly broke causing poor engagement/disengagement of the clutch, which is felt as a notchy, clicking sensation in the pedal. The actually clutch friction plate is fine (this is not an issue due to poor manual driving skills). * Stock tires only lasted 17.5K.
Mazda 3 Wagon: happiest Car on Earth
JAGGER1024, 01/19/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a Mazda 6 Wagon. Loved it. Went to replace it, but 6 wagons were discontinued. Tried out a 3. Loved it. Comfortable, zippy, no problems whatsoever. As much as I liked my 6 wagon, it did have a faulty gas tank. No issues with the 3, however.
Sweet Ride
Uncle Stu, 03/01/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought my wife an 2008.5 grand touring hatch, manual transmission new in 2008. So far no problems aside from once, the power steering failed then started working again (about a year ago). I have a g35 but I take this car on the weekends -- it handles better.
I upgraded and had some ups and downs
Damian, 09/05/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the way it handles now versus how it did when I bought it. It's a used car with only 17,700 miles on it so it's a good deal. Of course I needed to fix some things before I could actually enjoy it like I now do. I like how it gets up there when I need it and when I out on a 1 to 2 hour drive I love the bose system. It helps to have soft tires greatly. This car corners nicely.
Totally love this car
Steve, 02/20/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Last week I finally went ahead and purchased this car (5 door Grand Touring). I was a little worried about not having snow tires and being in the midst of winter but it actually is better than my previous ride. The wheels will spin when initially accelerating, but seems to grip the road well after that (I will get snow tires next year since I live in MI). The car is just so much fun to drive. It feels so much like a European car. I am still trying to determine the average MPG. Since I bought the car with 14 miles, the trip computer appears not to have enough data to make an accurate read.
Great Car
Jct06, 09/23/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just got rid of my 98 E320 Mercedes and I could not be happier. I only have 35 miles on my new Mazda and I love it!! I will never buy a Mercedes again and I should have bought a Mazda years ago. It is a very fun car and I can now rest and not worry if my dash light check engine is going to come on. I am really digging it and for those of you who are reading this and are not sure I say go do it. Buy a Mazda. If you want fun and sporty check out the 3s.
Amazing car
scttsprg, 09/27/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am simply amazed and thrilled everytime I get behind the wheel. For the price, I couldn't have made a better choice. I had my friend who owns a 3 series BMW drive my new 3. He was so impressed. The handling and power, road noise is no different than his. He is a sports car enthusiast and knows his cars. He only confirmed my choice was the correct one.
Great car
Justin, 03/11/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great, the underpinnings are derived from a Volvo s40. The design of the interior looks good and is functional along with the multiple airbags and H beam overhead for rollover protection. The exterior looks great. The engine has plenty of power for the vehicle and tranny doesn't shuffle around for gears, the manual feature is great too. As far as the suspension and brakes are conserned they exceed my expectations by far. For a fwd you can't beat the handling. Overall this car is definitely worth the money.
Best car I've owned yet
koopzilla, 03/12/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Mazda3 Hatchback, Great gas mileage fun to drive no complaints at all if havent driven one do so and if your serious about buying new car give it a chance they really give you a lot of car for your dollar
Zoom for the money!
Happy, 03/15/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 53 sold my impractical touring motorcycle so I needed some sport w/practicality. Drove VW Rabbit, but 2.3 Mazda 3 was smoother and have owned both in the past, Mazda more reliable. Most important is Electronic Stability Control, have not been able to get it to skid, it is like glued to the road like a Porsche 911 but more balanced. Precise steering. Acceleration is good, better than I expected and it is fun to pass 3 cars at a time on two lane highway. Needed manual and sun roof to keep sport feeling but is clumsy with cell phone in traffic. Very quiet at hwy speeds, 3,050 rpm at 70 in 5th, redlines at 6,500 rpm (top 149 mph??). S Touring has lots of features, cruise, etc. Doors solid.
Mazda protege 5 out Mazda 3 wagon in
renoman, 12/05/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've 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, I'm a little disappointed, but I chose sport over economy. The car is fun to drive, handles well, nicely finished for the price, and that's why I'm on my second one
Handles great, but not perfect
kyjd75, 03/22/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car handles fabulously! I've owned great handling cars for years (BMW 528, Nissan Zs, Mustang GTs, etc.). This car can hold its own with any of them--that makes it worth it for me. However, it is not perfect. I've had some problems, such as air bag system failure, peculiar engine noises at idle, and paint chipping. It also has lots of road noise as well. Also, gas mileage is good but not great (24 mpg overall). I bought this car for my wife as a supplemental car to her Mustang GT convertible (didn't want to drive it in bad weather). It serves well in that role. Overall, I would recommend this car, but you need to understand what you are getting.
Fun to drive hatchback
Steven Kim, 03/28/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought an 08.5 Mazda3 Sport Hatchback after a dump truck trashed my 2006 Mazda3 I-Touring Sedan. They call it 08.5 because of a model change mid-year. I went to the dealer to buy another Mazda 3 I-Touring but the Copper Red color of the hatchback caught my attention. It steers and accelerates very nicely and definitely fun to drive. It makes my 100 mile daily commute bearable. As far as MPG, I've gotten, 28, 29 and 30 MPG. I'm not usually interested in a hatchback but the styling is sporty and far better than the Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit. I checked out the Honda Civic coup also and the roominess and interior didn't match the Mazda.
2008 Mazda 3s Hatchback GT
RS, 05/05/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Took delivery early April. Have driven about 1600 miles already. Average mpg 23-24. Very lively and comfortable to drive. Like the dash layout and the feel. Nav system limits operation to while stationary. Unable to tell if the outside review mirrors are heated? Front seats comfortable. Rear seat leg space tight. Front seat heaters do not turn off automatically!
I went from a 01 Miata to this...
Dave, 05/11/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love Mazda vehicles to begin with. They are one of the few car manufacturers that actually build 99% of their cars in Japan. The quality shows. I was very skeptical about a 4cyl. engine with an automactic. The 2.3L with the 5 speed auto is an absolute blast to drive. The 6 speed Miata was a blast to drive, but try commuting 70+ miles a day in LA's freeway traffic. The fit and finish is s good as any BMW 3 series, and the performance will make you wonder why you need to spend an extra 15K on a Bimmer. I have owned them as well. First thing I did after I had 1500 miles was change the oil to Royal Purple, K&N oil filter and K&N air filter. I know the car doesn't need this.
Zooming!
rsen, 05/17/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewed many similar cars but I knew this was the one. Edmunds gave a favorable review. Stylish, powerful engine, comfortable, safety, and best of all the kids aren't shy to ride in it. The handling is great! Seats are comfortable and the kids love the dashboard's lights. Haven't had a chance to do the MPG thing but I'm sure it'll be better than my F-150!
444,000 kms on odometer,like new condition adition
Roy, 05/30/2021
updated 06/08/2022
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car hands down.Change your oil regularly,drive sensibly and this car will go forever.
Zoom, zoom, zoom!
NDecker, 08/10/2024
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car used with 160k. Now almost 190k and I still love it! Only thing I had to do was replace TCM on top of transmission which I did myself for $450. Average 26-27 mpg. I have the notorious clunk in the back, but am used to it! Oh yeah, paint is thin!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car - not so fuel efficient
rsilverst, 10/01/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
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 it's 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 - it's great fun to drive. But maybe I will end up going for a hybrid in a couple of years.
So far, so good
mary_228, 06/21/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I"m writing my review after the thrill of new car ownership has faded. I'm happy with the car in general, but there have been a few problems. The brakes are still extremely squeaky even after 7500 miles. The dealer changed the front brake pads but this had no effect. Secondly, there is still a noticeable catalytic converter smell if you go to the back of the vehicle after turning it off in the garage. The dealer claims there is a break in period for this. How long, I wonder?? There is no area for a purse if you choose to use the driver side cup holder. Finally, the car handles badly in snow. The small incline to my garage is impossible to manage with even the smallest amount of snow.
Great car, bad city mpg
lurch, 03/11/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Most reliable car I have owned. Logical layout of interior, sporty looks and good performance for the price.