DecodedCars2008 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2008 compact car (21.9 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 50 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mazda 3 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.3L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 23% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
- Engine dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +23% | $2,500 | 329 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +19% | $2,600 | 342 |
| 3 | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +14% | $2,700 | 355 |
| 3 | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | +10% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mazda 3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda 3 (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mazda 3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →