DecodedCars2008 Mazda Speed 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 151 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mazda Speed 3 is a midsize car offered with a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed 3 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
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 Speed 3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda Speed 3 (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda Speed 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mazda Speed 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda Speed 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mazda Speed 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 Speed 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Speed 3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Speed 3 | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →