Used 2008 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Getting a good, fun car can be simple!
kevin, 12/16/2015
updated 12/16/2016
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
63 of 65 people found this review helpful
this car is fun to drive, while it may not have the same power as the new 3 or many new small cars now (2015) it still gets up and goes with the 2.3L motor 7.2 seconds to 60 in my test with a stopwatch and a friend with the 5 speed manual. the passenger motor mount is fluid filled and breaks frequently spilling the fluid and causing vibrations that feel like a bent rim but the mount is cheap to buy and easy to replace with a jack and simple tools. gas mileage is simply ok. its not great but not horrible i get about 25.5-28mpg average depending on how much highway i drive and how much fun i decide to have that gas tank, but i did not get it for the mpg but for the fun i have driving it. the seats are comfortable and me being just at 6' tall i have plenty of room to move around. the interior plastics are well made and feel solid and at 7 years old still look new. the a/c is ice cold. the regular non hid lights are still decently bright and when upgraded with brighter bulbs give great beam pattern. I have owned mine for almost a year and put 8500 miles on it and the only issue was the motor mount and a thermostat (but thermostats go out on 99% of all cars) the sunroof motor was also loose and quit functioning but 3 screws fixed that and its worked just fine since then. the car handles great and feels rock solid driving down the road. it does have a minor amount of wind noise but nothing that makes it unbearable, just noticeable (and may just be because its 7 years old) simply put this car is fun and handles great it seems to be built well and has not given me any major issues. just like all small mazda cars its zippy and fun. test drive one thats been well maintained (as thats what all cars need) and you will be pleasantly surprised at how it handles and the amount of power it has. Well I must say the car held up well, through a wreck in the rear that was not my fault a 11,000 pound f350 hit me and it was still drivable, got that fixed. then it got totaled by a wreck that was my fault, but it did its job and protected me. so I bought a 2011 to replace this one. they are great cars
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Great used car!
Jordyn M., 02/16/2016
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful
I bought mine used with 72,000 miles. Pristine condition for a 2008 and so far everything is going great! Definitely recommend if looking for a used vehicle.
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2008 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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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)
7 of 7 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.
No Compromise
Montana Driver, 06/10/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 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.
I'd buy it again
gregf5, 05/18/2015
updated 01/31/2022
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 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.
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Fun but problematic
rusxdrums, 03/24/2015
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
I love driving this car. I hate how many things have stopped working. Air Conditioner, electric windows, electric door locks, Stereo. All broken. I'll not be buying another mazda. My wife bought a VW rabbit pretty much the same time I bought the mazda and her car still drives like new. FEH.
2008 Mazda 3 s GT
David Nally, 12/11/2016
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Not for everyone; trade-off for handling is harsher ride, for light weight is more interior noise and, because the car encourages the driver's involvement, the gas mileage is not like a Civic or Accord. I personally accept these trade-offs for the handling, steering and performance. Spend a day driving on a curvy mountain road and arrive at your destination with a smile on your face.
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Back suspension costing a fortune!
Not Happy, 07/09/2017
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
Beware. Noises from trunk, moved everything. Went to mechanic, new shocks/mounts. Still makes noise over bumps. No luck repairing it. Also had to get new wiper motor. No accidents, but hood is loosened from front side plates, the list goes on. CHEAPLY made vehicle. Back hurts from hard seats. It's a total waste of my money.
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Fun and economical
mehra, 12/11/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
A car you should have if you are looking for practicality, fun and power. Mileage is great and balance on curves make it strongest in its segment/category. Great resale value and lot of things are already included in the base 's' model.This is not possible in civic as the required options make it $3k more expensive than Mazda3. There are no Cons, other than car could have used little stronger AC.
bang for the buck
prazvt, 11/24/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Interior design is superb, ergonomic, tasteful,. the 5mt shifts nicely, and the engine doesn't sound obnoxious. Climate control is almost too effective. Aux input works beautifully. All available speaker systems (bose and stock) stink. Replaced the speakers (but not tweeters), so that's remedied. Aux input works w/ iPod beautifully. 27 mpg thus far which is awesome! No rattles or initial failures the first month. Corners wonderfully. Thus far, no real torque steer under hard acceleration. Great clutch - not on/off or stiff. Awesome brakes, though sometimes I've noticed squeaking. Steering wheel controls work well.
Sweet Ride, Designed in 2004
detroit1701, 04/17/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Mazda3 5-speed hatch is a great car to drive -- good handling and driving dynamics. Designed to compete with the VW Golf / Rabbit, it offers similar performance and fuel economy out of its 2.3L 156 hp engine. The only thing keeping this car from blowing out the competition is fuel economy. The next generation 3 should address these issues.
2008 Mazda MAZDA3 s Touring
Sal, 03/05/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was shopping for a new car, had a 98 Honda Accord for 11 years, needed something sporty and fresh. I really liked the styling of the Mazda 3 and was attracted to the many features and 156 HP. Love at first sight at the dealership, took it for a test drive and was impressed by the tight handling of this car. Have put about 800 miles on it so far, mostly highway miles. I find the mpg is a bit lower than I had hoped for, but it might be that I just can't go slow in this car! So far my best mpg is about 28 when I keep it on cruise control 70mph. So many great features-roomy, stereo is awesome with 6 cd changer, tight cockpit, bright orange instrument panel, safety features-great deal for 17k!!
Best car I ever owned
trf10412, 09/28/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
By far this is the best quality car that I have ever owned. I had a 2005 Mazda 3s and I loved it. Just traded that for a 2008 Mazda3 Grand Touring 5 door. This one is even better that the my first one. The standard equipment is incredible.
Yet another engine failed
densem, 05/17/2013
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful
"It must have love but it's over now..."Just as so many of them, my engine failed at just 28k very light miles. Bought the car used (Certified) at d Mazda dealership with only 19k miles. No warning signs, no lights, not even signs of oil consumption. Noticed a subtle rattling noise over 2500 RPM, took it to the dealer - death certificate issued in 2 hours. The car was still under Mazda power train warranty. Mazda Motors of America refused to honor it. Used top shelf synthetic oil, name-brand filters, never seen jiffy-lube places...kept all records and receipts and yet - warranty denied due to "lack of maintenance". Save yourself the trouble, do your research, on the 2.3l engine. Don't buy.
Mazda Is Horrible In Snow
Scott Mayer, 12/29/2009
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I would be happy with my Mazda if it weren't horrible in the snow and ice - absolutely ZERO traction. And the braking system they have in it is awful as well - loud and unnerving.
2008 Mazda 3 S Touring 5dr 2.3L Manual
jfahl, 06/14/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded my beloved 04 Toyota 4Runner SR (V8 4WD) for the Mazda 3 and really though I would miss it. It's only been a short-time but so far the 3 has been so much fun to drive that I haven't missed the big SUV. With 31 Cu Ft of cargo space (seats folded down) I should be able to transport my kids back and forth to college with ease. So far I have been saving ($4.20 per gallon) $36 per week on fuel.
Very glad I bought this car!
JoanC, 09/13/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is one snappy little car and I'm very pleased with it. I've had it about a week and traded a loaded 2002 Jetta turbo for it (hooray, no more premium gas!). The cars that got great mileage (e.g. the Honda Fit) didn't have the power I need for a local highway where certain onramps force you to merge from a standing stop, so the Mazda was a compromise between mileage and power. It handles and drives beautifully, is well-equipped and well-designed with excellent fit and finish. Cons: there's more road noise than I'm used to and the sporty ride is stiff/bouncy. Also, the automatic transmission shift gates take some getting used to. These are just nits--I highly recommend this car.
Ol Dad's Retirement Present to Himself
Ol DaD, 12/03/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first new car since 1971 so I did lots of research and drove many cars before deciding on the Mazda 3. I needed the utility of 4 doors & a hatch, but wanted a car that was economical & fun. My driving is evenly mixed interstate & city, 5,000 miles since July. So far I'm very pleased with the car. It's fun to drive, quick, handles like it's on rails & never below 30 MPH. Mine is Copper Red, the interior is Beige & Black, very sharp. I have seen only a couple like mine in Indy. The 5-speed is precise & smooth. The traction control permits a squawk in 3 gears, with it off first gear will smoke the tires. Check out the competition, bang for the $$ Mazda wins;-) I would buy it again!
An Okay Vehicle
Fluffy, 02/28/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car a couple months and it is not a bad car, but it could use a few improvements. The road noise is the worst, esp. when travelling on road paved with recycled blacktop. The carpet is cheap, more like a felt. I probably will go to the 09 Toyota Matrix which is offering Bluetooth and XM. I got a good deal on this car, but I don't think long term that it will hold up.
Great Car
aiseop, 09/23/2011
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it new and had to let it go when my son was born. Owned it for 56K miles. Never had any problems with it. I commuted from NJ to CT every three days and the car was very comfortable, excelled well on I-95 and the Merrit Pkwy, and had great fuel economy. No complaints. Would have kept it forever, however, the rear seats, once my son moved beyond the infant car-seat stage, became too small. Great for a couple or if you have older children in front-facing booster seats. Miss the car!
Don't hesitate, just get one!
gishapir, 09/06/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I couldn't be happier with the car so far and I've only done a few hundred miles. The AC works beautifully (I know some people have complained with the '07 model). The back seat area, although small, fits 3 people in the back rather comfortably. When only 2 are in the back, there is a rather wide seat separator with two cup holders. Even the doors have cup holders on the sides! The car is a 4 cyl. car so don't expect crazy acceleration, but it does an amazing job of taking off and accelerating via the manual control from 3 to 4th gears. The car takes turns amazingly. The car is virtually silent while idling. There is also amazing room in the glove comp. I'm very pleased so far!
More bang for your buck!
Bps1977, 09/03/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Mazda 3, I previously owned an 04 4 door and while the car remains mostly unchanged, it's excitement keeps rising. The included dynamic stability and traction control with this model will be sure to help in the ice and snow, while the moon roof will comfort during the warmer months. The car is absolutely a work of art and I could not think of a better car to get, even for my second go around with it.
very reliable
delesher, 02/27/2012
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 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.
2008 Mazda3 s hb
dukefirst, 06/16/2013
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just traded our 2008 3 for a new 2012 Mazda5. Sad to see it go, the car has been absolutely bulletproof for us from Day 1. Can't recommend it enough. 67k miles and nothing other than scheduled maintenance for us! The is the poor [smart?] man's GTI.
Can't get a better car for the money
jjinqueens, 03/26/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for 2 months (sometime in that 2 months they started calling it a wagon, not a hatch?). I bought it in Feb, during some of the worst driving weather possible, and it handled as though it were a dry sunny day. I love the performance, and the stability control in the Touring model really helps grip the road (we have some tricky ones in the mountains). My husband loved it so much he bought the same in an automatic, which also handles beautifully. We wish we got better mileage (I get about 27 mpg) for a small car, but the emissions ratings are good. We recently had 3 teens, 2 adults, and all the teens' college gear in the Mazda, no problem!! Cargo space is great.
A very well put together car
AJH, 07/25/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having driven it for over a month now, I must say there is absolutely no buyers remorse. Handles very well even if you do feel the body roll a bit more than say a mini but a lot less than the civic. Acceleration isn't great off the line but acceleration in the 40-70 MPH driving band is very adequate for passing. In short the gearing to HP gives you the acceleration where your likely to need it more often than not. Mileage varies based on how sporty I'm driving it. I've done 27 (70 MPH long freeway drive with a small bit of in town stop and go) but the car does give you the urge to well drive so more often I'm getting in the 22-24 range mixed driving.
All The Good Stuff
Fun to Drive, 05/30/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We were looking for a new vehicle with good gas mileage that uses regular fuel, has a best of class reliability and some personality! I believe the Mazda3 hits the mark. We have only had the car for about seven weeks. The factory radio had a problem with the volume (the bass would cut out at higher levels). Our dealership checked into a possible software glitch and replaced our radio with a brand new corrected unit. My radio works and sounds great now. This is our very first Mazda and we are looking forward to many happy problem free miles. Driving this car makes me smile. I love my little wagon! To all Mazda3 owners you choose a nice car! Zoom Zoom.
2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT = Problems
darkface23, 04/03/2014
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
12 of 46 people found this review helpful
I can't believe any of these reviews I'm reading, so I am moved to write my own TRUTHFUL review. I bought my 2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT new off the lot. I made that mistake once, and I won't make it again!
The best car
Steph, 06/05/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Aurora Blue s touring hatch! I just bought it a couple days ago and feel that it is the best. It is so cute, sporty, luxurious and fun. Road noise is not an issue and it's quieter with less wind noise than my father's 10 year old avalon that cost more money. It's great on the highway too. The engine makes a satisfying sporty growl. When you press the unlock button twice, all doors plus the hatch open. This car beats all of the competition and is the best value for the money
Keep on ZOOMin'!
Paulis72, 09/20/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had to replace 03 Protege hit by drunk driver while parked. I'm so excited I went with another Mazda. My Mazda3 is amazing! I can't wait to drive it every day! My boyfriend has a BMW and only prefers German cars and is heavily considering trading for Mazda3, he's 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 I'm not driving a German car.
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!
Mazda 3s GT Hatch is fun
RS, 08/21/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
Thrills on the cheap!
revhappy, 12/19/2007
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this Mazda for four months now and have loved every minute of it. This Mazda hatch has it all compared to other economy cars in its class. Superb interior fit and finish, European inspired exterior, crisp handling, and sporty stance. The Zoom-Zoom of this 3 really differentiates it from all others. The 2.3L loves to be revved and the manual transmission definitely helps squeeze every ounce of power from the four-banger. I was debating whether or not to get the navigation system but decided against it as is not worth the $1500 price tag because it does not even have the touchscreen like the CX-7. At the end of the day, this car is near perfect for the price at around $20K!
Fun to drive
RA, 07/07/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Needed something small and economical, without being a lame ride. Looked at corolla, and sentra. By far the Mazda 3 has the looks and the performance. Fun to drive, very quick. Not so fuel efficient only getting about 21 combined. Excellent handling.
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.
Now I know why they say "Zoom Zoom"
Amy, 09/14/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my car!! This is my first Mazda! I had traded in a Chevy Cavalier which I had really enjoyed - until I test drove this car! I have the Grand Touring Hatchback. The moonroof is nice and I love the Bose speakers (the sound quality is excellent) and the leather interior is very comfortable! I drive a lot of city miles and average about 22.5 mpg. When I go on trips though and am on the highway I am getting more like 30 mpg! I am very happy with my purchase!
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.
Great Car!
Dean, 07/10/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very sporty, fun to drive and loaded with features. The seats are very comfortable, love the aux input, peppy engine (2.3) and best in class looks.
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.
Most fun and utility for the money!
DAVID A, 09/22/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got the top of the line, hatch back, leather, heated seat, cd, iPod link, manual shift, 2.3 liters, etc. Lots of fun to drive, great looking car, not the most economic small car though. In the city I average 22 mpg. Test drove other similar cars, like Civic etc, M3 is the most fun to drive. I love the hatch back. I have loaded things in the back of this car that I could not have done with any other 4 doors car, Hatch back are considered 5 doors! It should have a roof rack! That is a great let down for me on this car. I learned that it is not available from factory after I bought the car. Now I have a thule, but it is not the same as having a factory one!
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.
ZOOM-ZOOM !
Lee, 07/09/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 03 vibe to get ABS, traction control and a little more power, what I got was a car in another league entirely. I thought the vibe handled good when new, but as time went on I realized it wasn't that great (no ABS or traction control). I was surprised to be getting about the same gas mileage with the Mazda3, with better power.
Better than expected
Bob, 10/01/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having driven mini-vans for 20+ years, I wanted something more economical (MPG) but still had some room to haul things. I also wanted to stay with Japanese. The M3 wasn't on my radar screen until pretty late in the game. I'm embarrassed to say this but the heated seats sealed the deal for me. The price was VERY attractive, too. Now that I've had the car for a few months and have put 6,000 miles on it, I'm quite enamored with it. Great amenities. It's fun too drive -- too fun maybe. I often have a hard time going easy for the better MPG. I miss the space/convenience of a mini-van but life is all about tradeoffs. Bottom line: no regrets, at least so far.
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)
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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.
Adorable, sport, fun
mazda owner, 06/03/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
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I was looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle than my Toyota Sequoia. I've always owned Toyotas and test drove the new '09 Matrix. I wasn't impressed with the responsiveness or the overall looks. I test drove the Mazda 3 and was immediately impressed. The 3 has a very sporty look, it's comfortable, responsive, handles well, holds the road well in curves and has lots of features standard safety and otherwise. This car has more standard features than the Matrix such as stereo & cruise control on the steering wheel, and 17" alloy wheels. I sacrificed a little gas mileage between the Matrix 1.8L 4 speed and the Mazda 2.3L 5 speed but I ended up with a car that's a lot more fun to drive.
Love this car!
Chris, 06/19/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
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Traded in my 2003 Mustang GT convertible for this vehicle and I must say I love this car. Even with going from 8 cyl down to 4, I still get plenty of power and pickup from this car, especially from a stop. Ride is great, very quiet and tight. Bose stereo system is very nice as well. This is a great car for someone looking to get a small car, but still wants to spend a little money for comforts and options (auto lights and wipers are cool!). The only "complaint" is the somewhat low MPG for such a small vehicle. I have been averaging 26-28 MPG combined according to the onboard computer (if I calculate it the old fashioned way, I estimate 28-30 MPG).
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)
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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.
At this price point, the choice is clear
gsr, 12/14/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
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I love my Mazda3 hatchback. It looks good both inside and out. It scoots around well enough and shines on the twisties. A lot of car for the money. I paid $17k with a year-end $2000 rebate for the S model with an automatic. I would have preferred a stick but had to compromise with the Mrs and opt for the auto - I've been very pleased with it though and have zero regrets with this choice of transmission. The best word to described this car is "zippy". I always look forward to getting behind the wheel. My anyone would rather buy any other car in the same price range is beyond me - but I'm glad they do because 3's aren't as ubiquitous as they should be.