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Used 2008 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
145 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

poor front end but great trani. and motor

Alisha R, 03/06/2016
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

At 70,000 miles I replaced all four struts all 4 wheel bearing front hub assembly rear control arm front sway bars front tie rods and ball joints but a great car great trani and motor

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 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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2.38 out of 5 stars

Terrible! A huge regret!

bumbieb, 10/12/2011
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful

My mazda is 3 years old, has broken down on me 4 times, and I am now told by Mazda that my car needs a new engine. I regret buying this lemon. Terrible customer service too. Stay away!

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4 out of 5 stars

Fun car, but replace tires every 12,000 miles!

mrobveeus, 03/24/2011
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 10 people found this review helpful

The car, itself, is fun to drive and packs some punch. Gas mileage in the city is not great (my experience has been around 20-22mpg), but on long trips, my experience was 32-34mpg highway. THE REAL PROBLEM with this car is the tires wear out very quickly! My oil change guy noticed that the original tires were wearing badly at 8,000 miles! At 10,000 they were done! The second set of tires lasted about 14,000 miles. The current set has approximately 10,000 miles and need replaced! The soft compound, speed rated tires are very expensive to replace and will bubble or blow out when even a small pothole is touched. I doubt tires were factored in enough to the True Cost to Own, so buyer beware!

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1.75 out of 5 stars

Engine Failure

jrl6, 08/05/2014
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 27 people found this review helpful

Beware of Mazda engine. Our story is like many others I am reading, and if only I were aware of the problems with Mazda engine, I would not have experienced such a financial loss. I bought the 2008 Mazda 3i for my graduate student daughter from a known party, well maintained at 61000 miles. We continued the routine service/small repairs for the last year. at 74000 the engine timing chain broke on the freeway, engine overheated and car is a total loss. Don't go near Mazda, we left the Mazda lot and walked into the Honda dealer, where I have many years of reliability. Never again Mazda! You can google the issue and we are not alone.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda3 iSport 2.0L Auto Base Model

PeteTheGreat, 06/19/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The 2008 Mazda3 is a typical 4-door sedan with an atypical drivetrain. From the line, the car gets decent acceleration, easily capable of bypassing the ridiculous Atlanta drivers (regardless of type of car) from a dead stop. Handling is great, with a fantastic turning radius and the great ability to carve corners at speed. Interior design is nice, the sound system is very good, and there isn't enough road noise to be distracting from a conversation, even on the highway. The only real gripe I have is fuel economy, but I knew this before I chose to purchase the car. As a 23-year-old professional, this car suits my needs without being flashy or expensive.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

4 Years of Driving

kantankerous, 07/01/2012
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

After 4 years of driving this car, the car runs smooth and have not had any serious issues with the car. Everything functions well. I did have to bring the car in for warranty repair because of an oil leak coming from the oil pan but I think my local dealer messed up repairing it and had to replace one of the cylinder head and that took about two weeks. The tires are just about wear out after 45,000 miles and I didn't experience any issues with tires wearing out fast. I averaged about 30 MPG on a 2.3 engine but my driving style usually gives me higher MPG than manufacturer's MPG rating. I couldn't find a vehicle with more features than this car for the price I paid.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great little car for little cash!

ZoomZoom, 01/13/2016
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Comfortable, stylish, fun, efficient.

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

Had a Mazda 3 sedan 2008 for 9 months in Upstate NY

regraphic, 12/18/2011
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

It was a great car at first and it's lasted throughout all of this crazy weather we've been having in the northeast with the hurricane and rain. I purchased the car used at 36,000 miles or so and now has about 44,000. On one occasion I left for a trip over a weekend and the car seemed to be hesitant to start. Again, this past weekend I left it over the weekend, which wasn't especially a record cold temp. weekend and came back to a non-starting vehicle. It sounds like it might be the battery, but I left the car a night and if the lights had been on this annoying buzzer goes on in my car before I remove the keys. I'm not sure what it is that is wrong, but I will be bringing it in to find out.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Unsurprisingly Suprising Quick

SA 3 Driver, 01/09/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my 3 a few weeks ago and do mostly highway driving. Although the fuel economy is not up to par with Honda, it does better than my previous auto. Road noise is a bit loud over 70MPH, but the car has super handling.The responsiveness and handling makes you feel connected to the road. A definite best-buy for its class. Very Pleased. 2.0L is great, but 2.3L is better, if you have the extra $1000-$1500

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4.88 out of 5 stars

True zoom zoom

Paul F, 07/24/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I owned a 97 Acura Integra, put 190k miles on it without a problem and thought it was time for something new. Boy was I surprised by the Mazda. It is way better than the Acura in all areas. I did a 1300 mile vacation trip to New England and averaged 34 MPG. The sticker shows 22-29. I was impressed. It is comfortable, peppy and very agile. My only negative remark is the amount of road noise that comes into the cabin, I think Mazda could insulate a bit better. Overall it is a great value and a fun car, I am very happy with it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

The Horn

Eroteme, 01/07/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall quite satisfied. However, I will say I am not pleased with the silly horn, it sounds like it belongs on a small scooter, maybe a motorized bicycle. The bird chirping horn does not match the quality of the car. And I can't say I am all that pleased with the heater, it takes 15 minutes or better to attain comfort, at which time I am usually at my destination, freezing from the cold. Also, the panic button on the switch fob has a range of about 20 feet. My previous car panic button had a much greater range, helping me find where I parked the car on occasion. But as said, I am quite pleased with the car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun car to drive-excellent car

Luis, 06/30/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was looking into getting rid of my chevy s-10 truck and getting a reliable sedan. Mazda is that car and more. I love the car and have owned it for 1 week. It drives like an expensive sports car and the feel on the road is excellent. You cant beat the price and the extras that the car comes with. If you need or are looking into a new car, test drive a Mazda and you will see what I mean. Love my Mazda 3.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Glad I Bought It

Penten15, 10/16/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When I bought my Mazda3 it was actually my first new car. It is very fun to drive and the steering is more precise than anything I have ever driven. The leather is very comfortable although the dark leather certainly keeps the car warm. Fortunately the AC is amazing. Fuel economy is good but not amazing, but the car is more fun than anything that that gets better gas mileage.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun Zoom Zoom

Happy Zoom Zoom, 01/14/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my 3 for cheap reliable transportation, so far not diappointed. Love the response and drivability. I am a 300+ 6'1" male and I fit in the car nicely and comfortably. This car is roomier inside than it looks... Happy Zoom Zoom!!!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Overall happiness

thark57, 10/13/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have 2000 mi. so far. All city miles so far. Mileage has steadily climbed starting at 28.5 to 31 mpg. There seems to be a gearing gap from 1st to 2nd gear. Trunk is roomy and back seats work great for my 7 and 11 yr olds. I think there should be more interior colors available. I wish there was a 6th gear for the highway. Not sure why the a/c turns on when you turn the temperature control know back all the way to cool.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great First Car

Tyler, 07/24/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have the 2008.5 Mazda 3 GT sedan. I have one semester of engineering school left and I am so happy with my first vehicle (and first big purchase). This car is fully loaded and I couldn't ask for more. Car handles great, corners great, and has good acceleration (which you can improve with the automanual). The black leather seats are very firm yet very comfortable and the heated feature works very fast, ~30 seconds. This car has the best turning radius of any car I've ever driven. I could say a lot more but just know it is a great car and you really can't go wrong purchasing it.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Bang for buck

bstern92, 09/11/2013
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought car for $13,500 in 2010. I love the steering wheel feel and the radio controls. Sound system is very good. Seat material is very sturdy. The car has 112k on it and the seats still lokk new. Engine is very peppy and the steering is sporty. Only negative is the design is a little feminine. Only repair was a temperature sensor.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Just a Great Value

Heidi's3, 06/06/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I did research for a couple years prior to deciding on a Mazda 3. My mom had owned the 323 and a Protege for as long as they've been around, and this Mazda 3 has the same peppy driving feel. It's small, but feels so roomy inside. The handling is fantastic and feels like a much pricier sports car, especially around the turns. I've only had it for a month, but am absolutely in love with it! It's getting around 30 MPG but that's mostly been in the city, not highway. If you want a cute, sporty car, that's fun to drive and an incredible value, this won't disappoint!

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5 out of 5 stars

15 years NO MORE HONDA

Mom2DrewAidan, 10/19/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 15 years of Honda's I have moved on. I gave my husband the 2004 Honda Element which is still a great vehicle for driving around with kids and everything at Lowe's. But mom wanted a sporty fun car for the commute to work and pick the kids up in school. LOVE IT. Great gas mileage. Pulled ahead during the gas shortage in the Atlanta area.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Amazing Car

Chillaxin171, 08/02/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car, had it for a year and a half now and love to drive. Honestly would've rather the Speed3, but got this instead. For a 4 Cylinder engine this car is built well, sounds good, and picks up pretty damn fast.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great First Car

jax, 10/09/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first car and it has met and superseded all my expectations. As all others I love the handling and the acceleration is great. It looks great, a lot better than the new 2010 (smiley face and ugly tail lights). I have driven 27,000 miles in one year and it runs great with no problems. Get a car bra to protect the paint if you drive on highways often, otherwise it will surely get chipped. The tires are a bit skittish in wet conditions although was fine in snow and I live New England.

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5 out of 5 stars

Good Car

Mazda Happy, 12/24/2007
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car for the highway miles that I drive. Very happy with this little car. The only dislike is at the higher speeds the engine is buzzy. A six speed would have been nice. But it is a $13k car. I am happy though.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Can't ask for more

Spencer, 12/23/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car less than 1 yr ago after test driving 14 other cars. It was the last 2008 on the lot, and the only options are side airbags, 4 wheel abs, and A/C, so I got it for $13,000 OTD. Handling is superb, especially since I upgraded to 17" alloys with 215 tires over stock steel wheels with 195 tires. I consistently got 38 mpg driving carefully with about 85% hwy...got 42 only time I drove only hwy. Mileage seemed to go down to 33-34 mpg since wheel upgrade, but more verification needed. Acceleration is more than adequate, but you're not going to win too many drag races. Not crazy about clutch as it is a bit light and engagement point is difficult to find. Have not had any issues yet

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5 out of 5 stars

More amenities than a loaded BMW

gina4321, 01/07/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this 2008 Mazda S Grand Touring since July of 2008 and just LOVE it! I sold my BMW X5 to buy this Mazda and it has more bells and whistles. Heated seats, Xenon headlights, leather seats, Bose Stereo, 6 disc, auto wipers etc..It was used with 14k miles and I paid 17500. for this in 2008. What a deal. Currently has 23000. miles on it with no problems what so ever!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Luxury at a lower sticker price!

arjag2010, 01/08/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I LOVE my Mazda. I purchased a used 2005 Mazda3s in September of 2009, which was totaled when I was rear-ended in November. I did not hesitate to purchase another Mazda. Taking advantage of the fact that there was a new body style (2010) coming out, I got a great deal on a 2008 3s GT. I definitely recommend the s. The 2.3 makes a difference. I test drove an i and it just didn't have the same sporty feel, especially going up hills. I have had various rentals in the same class as the Mazda, and have also test driven quite a few cars within the class. None have compared. The handling is superb, very tight and responsive.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I LOVE MY MAZDA3

Dobermanlvr, 11/08/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my MAZDA3 about 3 months ago and I love it. It is a pleasure to drive every time I get in and start the engine. My husband has a new 4 door jeep and he even loves driving my smaller economy car. The pick-up is fantastic and the exterior styling is so attractive! I could not have purchased a better vehicle!!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

my life post-BMW

stasia miaskiewicz, 03/01/2010
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i am a 50-something woman. 10 years ago i got my midlife crisis car, a BMW 328i. I loved that car. eventually, rather than repair, decided to move on...I must have driven 10 different types of cars before i settled on the mazda3. went for the 2008 because i think the rear lights on the newer models look sinister - just me. it's been 8 months since purchase and i really like this car! - it's fun!! drive one, you'll agree!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best Car for the money

Digga3, 07/05/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Car w/ room

Sprigs, 08/02/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car as a fuel efficient commuter ride. I travel 30 miles of rural roads to and from work and from day one I have been getting 32 mpg. I am 6'4" and have taken the car on several day trips with my wife and three teen age kids. We fit snugly into the cabin, but everyone seems to have enough room to be comfortable. When alone with the seat back there is ample room and the seats are extremely comfortable. The 3 is very fun to drive, the fit and finish is a good as any car out there. The buying experience was the best I've experienced an would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cool ride with good fuel mileage.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I Love My Car!

SarahF, 03/11/2010
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my Mazda 3 for about a year and a half now, and love it! It is very responsive and fun to drive. Driving it feels "sporty", unlike other cars I test drove (the Nissan Sentra for example). I also felt like it had more interior room and better visibility than the Civic. It would be nice if the fuel economy was a little better, however, I still usually get about 28 miles to the gallon (suburban driving), and on road trips it averages about 31.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Zoom zoom

:), 05/30/2010
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my Mazda 3 for about a year now, put 15k over the past year so I drive it alot. :) Honestly, it is a fun zippy car especially for those with a lead foot. :D Car is great so far. Love it! Better than my last Honda Accord. Zoom zoom!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great choice

mark, 06/02/2010
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought new in 08 over a Civic and have been extremely pleased. Got rid of the performance rubber for some all- season tires which made the car a lot quieter and less nervous. Handling is still great. I have been getting 35 mpg in the summer and 32-33 in the winter ( I am some what of a feather foot). The 2.0 liter engine spins more easily with every mile, the chassis is still tight, and the car has not had a single issue. I also think it is better looking than the new model.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Road Hugger

Paul D., 08/01/2010
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car doesn't seem to lack all that much. Best priced in it's class. Ample power from the 2.0 engine. The stiffer suspension allows the car to hug turns in the road like a nothing else I've driven except a corvette. Fun to drive.Road noise is a bit above average on the highway. Stock Goodyear tires are junk. The wear way to fast and are no good in light snow. MPG is not bad I've gotten 26 mpg combined many times. Interior is smartly designed and comfortable for a small car. Base sound system sounds good but aftermarket speakers dramatically improves sound. If you're looking for a sport compact without a high price, this is the car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

A thrill to drive; wish MPG was better

Chris, 08/10/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A thrill to drive, but gas mileage not as good as Civic (I am getting 25 mpg combined). Engine performance suffers when A/C is on. Missing a few operation features such as auto headlights and auto door locks. Handling is great, looks great, love the snowflake wheels. 2008.5 models get updated interior, and choice of tan seating surfaces instead of all black interior with some paint colors.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

6 months later!

Melissa , 12/20/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I wrote a review about a month after I bought the car. I was overall happy with the car and still am. I just notice lots of engine noise. I inquired about Sirius radio and it's $715 to install and for parts that is insane. If they put the SAT button on my dash it should have already come installed and only needed activation. The paint chips ever so easily thankfully the touch up paint was only 8 bucks. I think it may be the alloys but when you hit a bump or pot whole the tire feels likes it about to fall off. I drove one with reg hubcaps and didnt feel that! I love everything else about the car and still dont regret trading my Cavalier...although sometimes I do miss her!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

So Far I Like

NorCal Driver, 01/31/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Was looking for a stylish car with good gas mileage for my budget. Mazda3 so far is meeting my expectations. Have only driven about 500 miles on it. It has quick acceleration and looks good on inside and out. Love the orange lighting on dash and six disc changer also aux jack is a plus. Glove box is huge and trunk is good size for car. I am getting around 25-28 miles to the gallon, that's with mixed freeway city driving. Engine is a little noisy and first minute of starting up it idles a little rough. I have not noticed much road noise. Takes corners like a champ. Speakers are average, will be replacing with some components soon. If you have extra 5k go with the Grand Touring.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best value for fun and economy

woofer, 10/11/2010
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good looking, fun-to-drive, low purchase price, and good fuel economy make it hard-to-beat for the $. Much more of a 'driver's car' than the Civic, Corolla or Sentra. MPG is usually 32-35 MPG (combined) after break-in, and already saw 39 MPG, all highway miles. No rotor warp as others have stated: a torque wrench MUST be used when tightening lug nuts! No issues to date, only service has been oil changes.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2008 Mazda3 i sport

Elliott, 08/15/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am leasing the new 2008 Mazda3 with the 2.0 liter engine and so far, it has been great. It is the later 2008.5 model with more standard features. It handles extremely well and corners sharp-great for city driving. Amazing MPG as well.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Easy choice

Mike, 12/21/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Mazda3 is hands down the best car to buy out of all the compacts if you're looking for value and maybe a little respect on the road. I test drove every car in this class trying to find a car that wouldn't bust my bank and was still fun to drive. Nothing compared to the Mazda 3 when it comes to the fun to drive factor and the amount of options for the price. If you like driving a manual transmission make sure you test drive this car. Nothing else compares when it comes to 5 speed manuals at this price. I've been nothing but impressed with my Mazda 3 so far. Mazda has done a great job of reinventing themselves.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great purchase

retiredinaz1, 03/16/2014
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought new in May of 2008 when I moved to AZ. I only have 43,200 miles on it and it still runs like new. I did have to replace leaky shocks once but that was only problem. I change oil every 3,000 miles so believe that helps. I LOVE this car and hope it lasts me another 6 years!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda3 Line Still The Best

vaclubmaker, 02/13/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned Mazda vehicles since 1984 and the 3 series (GLC, 323, Protege, Mazda3) have always been the best when it comes to value, performance, and style in sedans. Bought the "3" to be used by my college-age daughters while Mazda was offering the 0% APR deal (and to avoid the stupid No. VA transportation tax). As with all my Mazda vehicles, the driving position, design, and sporting nature have been retained even in the base model i Sport I purchased. I liked the fact that finding one with ABS and side curtain airbags was not impossible in the base model. My only complaint would be the colors on the instruments. There's just not enough contrast for my 50+ year old eyes.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The Yank Mk. 2 Ford Focus

AufMitter, 01/03/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3 = BEST car for the buck.

zoom zoom guy, 02/13/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Hello to all possible car buyers. If you are looking for a car with style, interior and exterior beauty, performance and even good gas mileage for under 20,000 dollars look no further, this is the car you are going to get. Mazda compares this car to the honda civic and toyota corolla. First of all, bad comparison, the mazda3 surpasses both these cars by far. The mazda3 offers more bang for the buck in every single possible way. You get far more features then both other cars can offer, and these features are included standard, not for extra money. 22/29 is what they say, I've been getting 24.5 miles per gallon,50/50 streets/highway. LOVE the car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3

DannySyr, 06/16/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent car. Very good balance between style, performance, comfort and reliability. Sporty and fun to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The road car

willie robinson, 07/14/2008
2008 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After test driving Honda,Toyota. Nissan, BMW, Volvo, Mitsu, the Mazda 3 came out on top for me to replace my wife's G35 and we were not disappointed. Put about 400 miles in three days and what a road car we got - every thing in it but the nav. My wife said it's quick and fast, love the car, do your research and test drive all the rest, but you will love the 3 trust me.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good Car for the Price

GAJeff, 08/16/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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I replaced my Mazda 626 of 15 years with this new Mazda3. I really want to buy an electric car, so this car is to get me through the next few years. Other than being 20th century technology, it seems like a solid, nice car. I would have preferred to buy a hatchback but did not want to bump up to the wagon with its heavier weight and bigger engine. I've had a difficult time getting accustomed to the clutch -- it seems to engage much higher on the pedal than I'm used to. I've also noticed the air conditioner seems to place a lot of drag on the engine; this can make judging the gas/clutch mixture a little tricky sometimes. Overall, I'd recommend it for the price.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Bang for your Buck! Fun to drive!

DEDM308, 01/08/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just bought a brand new silver 2008 Mazda3. I got the i Touring Value package with the 2.0 liter engine. This is an awesome car. The ride is smooth, and it's really fun to drive! It gets average fuel economy for its class, but the power from the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine is much better than you would expect! This car can definitely take off, and the manumatic shifting on the 4 speed automatic transmission is a nice touch. Kudos to the people responsible for this design! It just goes to show you that you don't have to sacrifice style for your money! This car is beautiful! From the halogen headlights, to the black-out tail lights, and the optional 17-inch alloys - this is a sporty car!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

LOVE my 3...

Christy, 08/25/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded in my CX7 for the Mazda3 and love it! The 3 is fun to drive and is very sporty. I am surprised it doesn't get better gas mileage though considering it's size. The fit and finish of the interior is surprisingly nice for the price. The exterior style is far more trendy than others in its class like the Sentra, Corolla, or Civic.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

5 Month Review

gzabts, 01/13/2009
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very happy with this purchase so far. Car performs well on the highway, but where it really shines is off the beaten path (this car loves curvy roads). TVE packed with features, though not quite the gas mileage I had read about... yet.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Better than the last.. BY FAR!

LVMAZDAtres, 02/20/2008
2008 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 12/07 (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My last car was an 02 Mitsu Lancer. This Mazda3, purchased about 2 weeks about, is loads better!! Handling is excellent, power is there, even on the 2.0, and it is just fun! The reason I traded the Lancer was because it was just no fun anymore. When I purchase a car I look for fuel economy, comfort, all that stuff but over all it has to be fun. You can't sign your name away and 350/m for 5 years if it isn't going to be worth your while. This little Mazda certainly has proved to be so far.

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