Name: 2008 Mazda 3
Brand: Mazda

Mazda 3

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2008 Mazda 3

$4,375 - $5,350

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Aveo

$3,250 - $3,350

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,900 - $4,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2008 Chevrolet HHR

$3,275 - $5,075

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$3,075 - $4,075

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2008 Dodge Caliber

$3,175 - $5,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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2008 Ford Focus

$3,075 - $3,700

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Civic

$3,075 - $7,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Fit

$5,425 - $5,475

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Accent

$3,400 - $4,050

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Elantra

$4,075 - $4,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Rio

$3,125 - $4,425

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Rondo

$3,950 - $4,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Spectra

$3,000 - $3,875

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,050 - $14,750

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Sentra

$3,475 - $4,825

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Versa

$3,425 - $4,200

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Vibe

$4,700

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Astra

$3,175 - $3,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xB

$5,600

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xD

$5,125 - $5,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Impreza

$4,550 - $12,650

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Forenza

$3,200 - $3,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

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2008 Suzuki SX4

$3,000 - $4,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Corolla

$5,300 - $5,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Matrix

$5,350 - $5,875

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Prius

$5,650

EPA MPG 47 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Yaris

$5,175 - $6,050

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Jetta

$3,500 - $4,050

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

$4,350 - $4,950

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo V50

$5,300 - $6,600

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Model History

2019-

Current Generation

The redesigned Mazda3 is offered in sedan or hatchback forms. The sole engine is a carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is now available. The interior is nicely furnished and features a new infotainment system that drivers interact with by using a screen exclusively through a rotary knob. Handling is still nimble but less sporty than in the previous 3. Mazda has improved the ride; it’s firm, but absorbs impacts well. The cabin is relatively quiet and nicely finished. There is an available Driver Monitoring System that watches the driver's face and sounds an alert to warn of fatigue. For 2021 a new 2.0-liter became the base engine, and a much more powerful 2.5-liter turbo is optional. The latter is coupled to all-wheel-drive. The 2.0-liter engine was dropped in 2023. ACC is standard for 2025.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

Available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, the Mazda3 is a joy to drive, thanks to super-sharp handling, sprightly yet efficient engines, and smooth transmissions. Mazda's entry-level car also offers a number of features normally found on luxury cars, including a modern infotainment system; it is controlled by a console-mounted knob and can be somewhat frustrating. Optional active safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are standard on Touring and Grand Touring trims, a nice touch. Ride comfort takes a back seat to sporty handling and interior noise levels are a bit high. A 2017 update brought some improvement, as well as more features. The four-door hatchback has a good sized trunk, while the hatchback offers more flexibility; both have a somewhat cramped rear seat for the class.

2010-2013

2010 Redesign Year

With its 2010 reboot, Mazda3 remained one of our top-scoring small cars. Just as with its predecessors, this version of the Mazda3 is gifted with agile handling and a well laid out passenger compartment hosting quality materials. Still, while the interior is upgraded, the rear seating area remains a bit tight and road noise is somewhat pronounced. Stability control became standard for all trim lines beginning with the 2011 model year. For 2012, Mazda added a new 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine and that boosted fuel economy to an impressive 32 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission. A blind-spot detection system was made available for 2012.

2004-2009

2004 Redesign Year

Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the Mazda3 holds the distinction of being one of the better small car choices. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Protege, it features strong and refined four-cylinder engines, along with precise, responsive handling and a firm, but comfortable ride. Interior quality is very good, though the cabin is noisy and the rear seat somewhat tight. If you're shopping in this model year range look for one with the available curtain airbags, as the Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without them. These were added as a standard feature for the 2009 model year, along with side airbags. Uplevel Touring and Grand Touring models have standard stability control, starting in 2007; these are the versions to get.

Mazda 3

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings