2008 Mazda3

*Est. $13,995 to $20,295
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Pros
  • Precise steering and good acceleration
  • Fun to drive
  • Solid craftsmanship
  • Lots of available options
  • Very good predicted reliability and customer satisfaction
Cons
  • Cramped backseat
  • Mediocre fuel economy
  • Side air bags are optional on base model

The 2008 Mazda3 is not your typical economy car, according to reviewers. They say the versatile and stylish Mazda3 incorporates athletic handling and refined engine choices. While the base-model Mazda3 has fewer standard safety features than the rival Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250), it does have a lower starting price, and the features are available as options. The 5-door Mazda3 hatchback competes well with the highly regarded Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) but measures more than 20 inches longer. The Mazdaspeed3 (*est. $22,440 to $24,155) is a high-performance model, much like the Honda Civic Si (*est. $21,110 to $29,500). Altogether, reviews say each Mazda3 variant is an excellent performer and a viable alternative to Honda's compact cars.

The 2008 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan and the high-performance Mazdaspeed3 all receive abundant, mostly positive reviews. The sporty Mazdaspeed3 is one of 2008's 10 Best Cars, as chosen by editors at Car and Driver magazine, and the Mazda3 lineup is a recurring honoree at Edmunds.com. Editors at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine name the Mazda3 Best in Class among cars with prices starting below $20,000. Both Motor Trend and Car and Driver magazines conduct head-to-head tests in which the Mazda3 sedan and Mazdaspeed3 hatchback triumph over their competitors. Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com, agencies that perform comprehensive evaluations, both report on the Mazda3. A concise "Ruthless Review" from CarCritic.com addresses issues often overlooked by other publications, such as long-term reliability and retained value.

Where To Buy

Our Sources

1. Car and Driver

After evaluating the new-for-2008 vehicles, along with last year's winners, Csere and Swan call the Mazdaspeed3 "the current leader of a small but competitive pack". They praise its acceleration, handling, utility and overall value.

Review: 2008 10 Best Cars, Csaba Csere and Tony Swan, Jan. 2008

2. ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports tested 2006 and 2007 Mazda3 models. The results are applicable to the 2008 model. Along with road-test data, this article includes notes on safety and predicted reliability.

Review: 2008 Mazda3, Editors of Consumer Reports

3. Edmunds.com

Every year, the editors of Edmunds.com extensively test current vehicles and choose their personal favorites. The 2008 Mazda3 makes this fairly exclusive list because of impressive performance, build quality and interior appointments.

Review: 2008 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Awards, Editors of Edmunds.com, Jan. 6, 2008

4. Motor Trend

This comparative review evaluates four similarly equipped compact cars. The incumbent Honda Civic EX is voted out because the 2008 Mazda3 is more fun.

Review: Comparison: 2008 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Subaru Impreza vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla, Ron Kiino

5. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com's comprehensive road test results indicate that fuel economy and steering/handling are high points for both hatchback and sedan versions of the Mazda3, while the sporty Mazdaspeed3 wins praise for impressive acceleration.

Review: 2008 Mazda3, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 12, 2008

6. Kiplinger.com

'Short reviews in Kiplinger's magazine include predicted five-year service costs, predicted three-year and five-year resale values, and insurance costs. In the $20,000-and-under range, the stylish and agile Mazda3 is judged Best in Class.

Review: The Best Cars for 2008, Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson, Mar. 2008

7. Car and Driver

Editors at Car and Driver magazine designed this comparison test to reveal the best bargain-minded performance cars. The Mazdaspeed3 GT bests four other cars, thanks to its playful and engaging drive-feel and comfy seats.

Review: Power Toys, Patrick Bedard, May 2007

8. CarCritic.com

In a short, broad-based evaluation, the 2008 Mazda3 is said to be the "most likeable of all Mazdas." Vorderman especially appreciates the high-performance Mazdaspeed 3 hatchback. The Mazda3 isn't formally compared with other cars, though.

Review: 2008 Mazda3, Don Vorderman

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