2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Consumer Reviews Page 2

compact monster

Written by: Zman on 03/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

After mulling it over for about 2 months I took the plunge and traded my 2008 Mazda 3 5 door hatch for a 2009 Mazda speed 3. My only concern initially was the exhaust sound, but I like it now. I previously had a 318ti, 325i and a minicooper, so I am a tough sell for sporty car. I was blown away with the steering feel, brakes, suspension, and very linear power delivery. I was already used to and liked the Mazda 3, but the speed 3 just makes you want to step on it every chance you get. I think the 18 inch wheels are a bit overkill, especially when you consider the weight of them. I got this car for $20,000 after some serious haggling, what bang for the buck.

Favorite Features

turbo, steering, brakes, suspension, climate control, seats (although a bit short), roomy interior, practical as a daily driver.

Suggested Improvements

A bit quieter (yeah, I know - the exhaust note/droning is part and parcel of this monster... I guess I am a geezer at 40 to own this car - shifter is a bit particular from 2 to 3, but you get used to it

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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An eye-opener

Written by: Shane D on 02/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I "downsized" from a 6 cyl 3.0 Audi quattro to the MS3. I've only had the car a week but its the MOST FUN I have ever had on a tank of gas. Seriously fast, great exhaust note, comfortable, stylish, feature rich and completely inexpensive.

Favorite Features

Exhaust note, braking, acceleration, handling. TRUE RED!!

Suggested Improvements

Trunk light!

7 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Best Car for Your Money

Written by: Alex on 02/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I can't believe how much fun this car really is! it is one of the most fun car's I've ever driven. Definitely best car in its class hands down! It's got comfort, performance, handling, and its practical. You can haul and take four other people with you. This car is a beast! So I suggest going to your local Mazda dealer and driving one of these bad boys!

Favorite Features

6 speed manual, performance

Suggested Improvements

Boost gauge

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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True Red Terror

Written by: Max on 12/27/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

The MS3 can can be a little terror, or tame; a Jekyll and Hyde type of car. It's amazing how much performance is packaged in a car at this price range. The handling, acceleration and practicality are all superb, not to mention the tough sounding exhaust note. I've also been getting pretty decent gas mileage in the mid 20s.

Favorite Features

Very supportive Alcantara/leather seats, very powerful motor with an amazing amount of torque, attractive looks and great practicality, automatic windshield wipers, HID lights, True Red color (one of the brightest reds I've ever seen)

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A little monster.

Written by: 09Spd3 on 11/13/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Purchased my Speed 3 about 2 weeks ago and so far it has been a blast to drive. It handles extremely well with little torque steer when you want it to really go. Tons of torque and horsepower to play with. Little to no turbo lag when driving aggressively. Gas mileage so far has been about 20 in the city and short highway trips with a mix of spirited driving and just tooling around. The interior is comfortable and clean. Seats do a great job at holding the passengers when cornering. Plenty of room for hauling stuff with the back seats down. Recommend getting the rubber mat for the cargo area. The mirror with compass and homelink is easy to synch with garage doors. Most bang for your buck.

Favorite Features

Obviously the ridiculous amount of power it produces. Climate control, Seats, sound of the exhaust, the aftermarket customizability of it. The ability to be a sports car and cargo carrier.

Suggested Improvements

Better springs to help minimize wheel hop.

11 out 13 people found this review helpful

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TOO MUCH FUN!!

Written by: wrxforlunch on 11/10/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

If you're looking for a car that was built for the love of driving this little burner is the one for you!! It has it all - acceleration, top speed, handling, and braking!! And as added incentive, it's got all the room and usefulness inherent to hatchbacks (in case you have a family to haul at times)!! As an aside, I've gotten 26, 26, and 25 mpg on my first 3 fill-ups in mixed driving... can't beat that!!:-)

Favorite Features

All the performance aspects... that's why someone will buy this car after all!!

Suggested Improvements

Offer all-season tires as standard and the summer tires as an option.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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An amazing car at an amazing price

Written by: BHazard on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

The '09 MS3 is a blast to drive. I picked up the True Red GT and it turns heads. It's quick, handles like a dream, stops on a dime, and gets pretty good gas mileage. I had a Mazdaspeed 6, and the 3 drives much better, with an easier clutch to work with. This car begs to go fast.

Favorite Features

MPG computer, auto climate control, throaty exhaust, no turbo lag, lots of torque, comfy seats, 6 CD MP3 changer, aux input, HID and LED lights, price

Suggested Improvements

The Bose system is terrible, no bass whatsoever.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love It

Written by: djakimczuk on 10/20/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Just recently picked up an 09 in pearl white. Love it, fit and finish and overall car is just great quality.. plenty of power to get me into trouble and will be a great DD and a good autox toy. The LSD in this car works great. and with the big brakes it makes it real easy to have the back end come around on hard corners. LOVE IT

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

5 out 9 people found this review helpful

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