2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Safety Review [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Mazda3 does well in federal government crash tests, earning a four-of-five star rollover rating, as well as for driver and passenger frontal crash tests. The Mazda3 earns three stars in driver and passenger side crash tests. The insurance industry, however, reports grimmer results. While the Mazda3 earns a rating of "good" (the highest possible) in frontal offset crash tests, it receives a "poor" (the lowest possible) for side impact crash tests. Within the class of affordable small cars, the Mazda3 receives one of the lowest safety scores -- only ranking higher than the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio.

• "Active safety is addressed by nimble handling, good acceleration, and strong four-wheel disc brakes." - The Auto Channel

• "What's New for 2008 Mazda makes front side-impact and side-curtain airbags standard on s Sport models." - Kelley Blue Book

• "This year, the only updates are the addition of front-seat side and full-length curtain airbags to all s trim levels. This lack of some standard safety features had been a problem in the past, and with items like antilock brakes remaining an option on the i trim level, it still is." - Edmunds

• "Side-impact and side curtain airbags are optional. All-disc antilock brakes with brake assist are standard on s models and optional on i models. Traction control and an electronic stability system are available on s models." - Cars.com