Powersteering - 2008 Mazda 3

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2008 Mazda 3

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Fuel Economy

Crash Test Scores

Base Price: $14,530

Price as Tested: $21,290

Why We Drove It: The Mazda 3 is one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market, according to the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Environmental Index.

In surveys that J.D. Power and Associates has conducted with verified owners of the 2008 Mazda 3, the people that actually own and drive one told us:

“It is not easy to fit something in [the] backseat, [the opening] into the cabin area is too small.”

“I don’t like the red color of the instrument panel when illuminated. It is difficult to read the numbers and words.”

“The back window does not have defrost to the top of window; [it’s] hard to see out [the] back.”

“The vehicle interior look is nicer than most cars in its category and even [some vehicles in] higher categories.”

“The driving dynamics [make] you feel safe and comfortable when you drive it.”

“The trunk opening is too small. The tires don’t handle well in wet weather.”

“Overall, the build quality is excellent [and the] fit/finish [of the] interior is stellar.”

“[The Mazda 3 is] very agile and fuel efficient.”

“Terrible handling in snow; no traction, and no stopping efficiency.”

“The interior is very nice inside and it looks classy yet sporty.”

“The front bucket seats are well bolstered, sporty, and comfy.”

“The engine performs very well and still gets good gas mileage.”

“The controls for everything are very accessible and labeled well.”

Top 3 Things Owners Like About the Mazda 3 Sedan:
1. Appearance of exterior paint
2. Side profile appearance and styling
3. Responsiveness/effort of steering system

Top 3 Owner-Reported Problems with the Mazda 3 Sedan
1. Brakes are noisy
2. Foot pedals too close together
3. AC doesn't get cold enough, fast enough

More information on the 2008 Mazda 3
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Ratings for the 2008 Mazda 3

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Best small car i've ever owned. 200,000 km's with no issues at all!!Great little car!!

-- Posted by Rob on 4/12/2009 2:43:00 PM

Mazda 2008 3 have serious Power steering problems been waiting for 7 weeks for new one also excessive tire wear.

-- Posted by robert on 6/15/2009 7:36:00 PM

I agree with the comments about the size of the trunk opening. I feel like I'm building a ship in a bottle whenever I have to put stuff inside. For me the biggest design problem is the large number of blind-spots on the vehicle. The rear roof pillars combine with the back seat headrests and the trunk-mounted spoiler to obstruct about 40% of the view you would expect to have. I defy you to change lanes safely in this car.

-- Posted by Gerry on 6/20/2009 9:43:00 AM

Hang in there Robert, I just got my Mazda 3 back today for a power steering issue. I heard that there's a recall in the works for all of them. We handed our car over May 27th 2009. It has finally been returned to us today, July 13, 2009.Turns out the parts are on back order. Apparently, in Toronto, there are dealerships with as many as 80 cars backed up waiting for this power steering module.

-- Posted by Peter on 7/13/2009 8:35:00 PM

Dashboard drives me nuts. Indicators are located in tunnels and can not be read except in perfect light conditions. The car is dangerous. You can not see if you are going 20 mph or 70. Recall the damn thing.

-- Posted by jack norton on 7/22/2009 1:30:00 PM

Unfortunately I just had the power steering issue happen today. I was in the parking lot of a major shopping center with my wife and two small children when my steering wheel locked up. The Mazda dealership that I bought my car from was right down the road, but i had to wait an hour for the tow truck. I got to the dealership, and the repair center was closed until monday, and its only saturday. They won't even look at my car until monday, they also would not cover the cost of the rental car, luckily I had a little bit of money and the rental car attendant took pity on me. I will never buy a mazda again.

-- Posted by Eric on 7/25/2009 2:17:00 PM

I had to have my 2008 Mazda 3 towed twice in 1 week to the Mazda dealer due to the power steering locking up. Each time it was while pulling in a parking lot. The first time I was told they couldn't find anything wrong. It's at the shop now

-- Posted by Lora on 7/27/2009 10:32:00 AM

My steering wheel locked up on me and I could not steer my car. Fortunately, I was driving slowly in a parking lot when it happened. I was told today by Mazda that the wait for the power steering pump is 3-5 months! Extended warranty only picks up rental car for 6 days. I can't afford to pay for a rental car for 3-5 months and I need my car to get to work. Shouldn't they pick up the cost of the rental car? After all, it's not my fault there is a nationwide back order on the pump. I certainly can't be expected to drive my car until the part comes in... what if it locks up on the freeway? Did Mazda pick up the cost of your rental car?

-- Posted by Robin on 7/22/2009 6:45:00 PM

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