The Mazda3 is a driver's car that's practical. The Mazda3 is useful, space-efficient, economical and pleasant across a broad range of driving situations. It also has the style, comfort, features, and personality to transform any driving experience into a sporting proposition. It's slightly less refined than its competition from Honda and Toyota, but you seem to get more car for your money, and that means personality as well as features. Compared to the competition, the Mazda3 is a driver's car, meant for people who enjoy their time in an automobile.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
Model Lineup:
Mazda3i Sport sedan ($13,895); Mazda3i Touring sedan ($16,595); Mazda3s Sport sedan ($17,435); Mazda3s Touring sedan ($18,425); Mazda3s Grand Touring sedan ($20,195); Mazda3s Sport hatchback ($17,925); Mazda3s Touring hatchback ($18,425); Mazda3s Grand Touring hatchback ($20,195); Mazdaspeed3 Sport ($22,340); Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring ($24,055)
Engines:
2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4
Transmissions:
5-speed manual
Saftey Equipment (standard):
two-stage front airbags with passenger weight sensor; LATCH anchors and tethers for child safety seats in the rear; collapsible brake pedal; tire pressure monitor
Saftey Equipment (optional):
anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; traction control, electronic stability control; side- and head-protection airbags for front seats; side curtain airbags for front and rear
Basic Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:
Hiroshima, Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model Tested (MSRP):
Mazda 3s Touring 5-Door ($18,425)
Standard Equipment:
air conditioning; cruise control; six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; driver's seat with height and lumbar adjustments; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 17-inch alloy wheels; foglights
Options As Tested (MSRP):
power moonroof and in-dash 6CD changer ($890); front air dam ($550); all-weather floor mats ($78)
Destination Charge:
635
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):
20578
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
156 @ 6500
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
150 @ 4500
Transmission:
5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
22/29
Wheelbase:
103.9
Length/width/height:
103.9
Track, f/r:
60.2/59.6
Turning circle:
34.1
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
38.2/53.8/41.1
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:
38.3/52.5/36.3
Cargo volume:
43.8
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
4.8
Curb weight:
2930
Tires:
205/50VR17
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
14.5
2008 Mazda MAZDA3 consumer reviews:
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
The Mazda3 5-speed hatch is a great car to drive -- good handling and driving dynamics. Euro-tuned suspension. Smooth engine and great manual transmission. The only thing keeping this car from blowing out the competition is fuel economy. The next generation 3 should address these issues.
posted by M Rosston on Nov 05 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
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. Love the car.
posted by Blair on Sep 04 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
I love this little car, it handles like an Infiniti and even the interior is comparable to the Infiniti. This little car is surprisingly fast and it has that agressive street racing look. I am happy I choose it over simlar cars in its class. It delivers the most bang for its reasonable buck.
posted by Drew on Apr 04 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
I like the way it looks, the equipment panel setup and lights, sound system, seat comfort. I am getting pretty good gas mileage... at least what was expected... or better.
posted by ScIymgeour on Mar 27 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
Great, great handling. Very comfortable and grippy seats. Very easy to drive and maneuver in city. The exterior looks great. The engine has plenty of power for the vehicle. Overall, I would recommend this car, but you need to understand what you are getting.
posted by Toran on Jan 19 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This car handles fabulously! 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.
Add your own review or comments
