Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch |
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.9 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 176.6 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.1 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.7 in |
Curb Weight | 2729 lb. | 2779 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 38.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 54.0 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 36.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 11.4 ft3 | 17.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 11.4 ft3 | 43.8 ft3 |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very sporty seats, excellent lumber support. Seats will ensure that you stay where you are supposed to be, even in tight cornering. After a straight 12hr trip, the seat still feels comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg space & head room, and seat adjustments possible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This IS a smaller car. That being said, if the front seats are all the way back, people in the back had better sit Indian-style on the seats. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda 3 has very limited footroom except when the driver is of very small stature.it helps somewhat if you puchsae the model with the height adjustable seat.seat fabric on the none leather models goes bally,and becomes difficult to clean!! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats are really small and tight legroom. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
Trim | i | s |
Standard Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 148 hp@6500 135 lb-ft@4500 | 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 156 hp@6500 150 lb-ft@4500 |
Standard Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Optional Transmission(s) | 4-speed manually-shiftable automatic | 5-speed manually-shiftable automatic |
Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Standard Tires | 195/65HR15 tires | 205/55HR16 tires |
Optional Tires | 205/55HR16 tires | 205/50VR17 tires |
Trim | s | MazdaSpeed3 |
Standard Engine | 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 156 hp@6500 150 lb-ft@4500 | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
Standard Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
Optional Transmission(s) | 5-speed manually-shiftable automatic |   |
Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Standard Tires | 205/50VR17 tires | 215/45YR18 tires |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Powertrain: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
263 hp, handles exceptionally well combined with practicality of daily driver for family of four. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Very high level of power available and the push of the pedal. Smooth operation of turbocharger. Puts a huge smile on your face. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Unbeleivable torque, fast pick-up, passing ability. This car is a true pocket rocket. I love the look on a Mustang/Charger/WRX/GTI/Civic or other car owners face as you outperform them. Driving this car automatically puts a big grin on your face! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
With the 2.3 liter engine, this Mazda is extremely peppy.. And it only begs for more modification. With the available 5 speed manual transmission, you have nothing but control over how fast you go. Hill climbs are a breeze. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Very fast and fun car without the need to upgrade. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
the power train is what it is all about. after 77,000 miles, it has been flawless and fun. the 1st to 2nd shift is a little grinding in cold weather if you rush it. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Most responsive front drive car I have ever driven. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Very powerful and fast, yet economical if you drive conservatively. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 has better than average performance for a compact car in this price point. The gearing of the car seems to be optimized for better than average acceleration on both streets and highways. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
pretty quick car, really fun to drive in 5-spd config see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Powertrain: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Not enough HP and Torque for hilly situations. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Any normally aspirated 4-cyl will have limited torque and hp. This car is no exception. Probably better than average. Good 5-spd manual transaxle. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Engine surged at low speeds, did not lug well. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I absolutely hate the torque steer that it has in 1st gear. Honestly 1-2 are pretty useless and the fact that there is wheel spin distrats me from what the car could be. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I like Mazda, I used to own one. My only issue with the powertrain was that it was not AWD. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rough changing gears in automatic (auto = best mileage) & changes at odd times - into 4th at 50 kph, but after gearing down to 4th to pass on hwy, will stay in 4th long after cruising at 120 kph b4 going back up to 5th. Told this is "normal" by dealer. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
None of our members have yet commented on the tires of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3.
Body | Trim | Base Price | Invoice | Destination |
4dr Sedan | i | 13,995 | 13,115 | 650 |
4dr Sedan | s | 17,535 | 16,416 | 650 |
4dr Hatch | s | 18,025 | 16,873 | 650 |
4dr Hatch | MazdaSpeed3 | 22,440 | 20,991 | 650 |