Dispensing with the use of catchy, flashy nicknames, Mazda tells it like it is with the 2008 MAZDASPEED3. This front-wheel drive hatchback is about the fastest car in its compact class, delivering more horsepower at a cheaper price than the comparable WRX from Subaru. Introduced last year, there are no major changes for 2008.
With a lower sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, 18-inch wheels, performance tires, and a turbocharged version of the 2.3-liter inline-four engine, the 2008 MAZDASPEED3 hits 263 hp and makes 0-60 in under six seconds. Torque is rated at 280 ft-lbs at 3,000 rpm. This hatchback loves the open highway, with confident acceleration and good road grip around curves, although there is noticeable torque steer in the latter situation. The sporty theme is carried through the side sills, rear spoiler, and large chrome tailpipe. The interior continues the theme with black dash covers, black seats with red stitching, and sport seats with leather bolsters. The 2008 MAZDASPEED3 comes in Sport and Grand Touring trims, both with dual front and side curtain airbags, ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and the full array of power features. The Grand Touring adds a 6-CD player and leather seats, along with rain-sensing wipers and xenon headlights.
Based on the regular MAZDA3 hatchback, the MAZDASPEED3 seats four, with split-folding rear seats opening onto a cargo area that expands from 16 to 43 cubic feet. Passengers say the back seat is very cramped, however, and the roomiest feature seems to be the glove box. Though complaints mention a noisy and harsh ride and the lack of all-wheel drive (lending to the torque steer problem), most drivers rave about the power and performance, saying it's easy to forget how fast this car moves (watch out for tickets!). Handling and a tight turning ratio add to the driving excitement.
Happened 2008 Mazdaspeed3 that I'm replacing the oil pan on and when I took the pan off I found a like set pin type thing in the bottom of the pan and I don't know where it goes or what it's for it fits in the back of one of the round things on the pump I think it is
When my cars rpm rising pass 3500 the battery light comes on. My tool scannner show the battery bolt and when the light pops up it shows 11.2 But at stop it goes back up to 14.2
After doing oil change. My oil still kinda dirty after a couple of days driving. Should I buy cheap Synthetic oil and keep drain and fill until it clear.
Hi I have 2008 mazdaspeed 3. I think I might have bad piston rings. Having someone do leak down test. If I do how much money would it cost to replace them
Hello, I had brought my 150k mile car in for service, they recommended that i replace my timing chain, water pump, vvt, main seal gasket(etc), entire oil pan, and oil pan gasket along with adding new oil and filter(of course). I drove less 2000 miles and my engine blew. There was no oil on my dipstick and when i checked under the car there was oil leaking EVERY WHERE! This is obviously related to the dealership's repairs. Does this mean they have to replace my motor?
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.35 · Limited slip differential: front
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 222 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.35 · Limited slip differential: front
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: summer performance
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent