2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Consumer Reviews

Blvd Posers need not apply

Written by: Rico on 11/11/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

You want a rig to massage your ego? Maybe make others look at you longingly in traffic? You never take you car to the redline, don't know that 'matching revs' means, but like to pretend that you could run a hot lap at a local track day? Well then, stop reading here, this isn't your ride...not by a mile. The Mazdaspeed 3 is a stealthy performance car, with a high build quality, that can embarrass a great many more pricy rigs. It doesn't have many interior 'toys' and it's looks don't say "I dipped into my 401K for this...worship me". But it does go, stop, and handle like it cost 50K. Need coddling? Look elsewhere. Want high speed-per-$? Then this is your ride.

Favorite Features

Power. Handling. Stealthy. 'Mod- friendly' engine. High build quality. No-nonsense interior. Drives sedately until you boot it hard. I few low cost mode & it runs ~300 HP on a dyno.

Suggested Improvements

Just one--if this car had AWD it would rule the jungle. C'mon Mazda, you did it with the Mazdaspeed 6....

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Traded My Miata -> No Regrets

Written by: Chris D on 11/03/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I nearly cried when I traded in my 2005 MazdaSpeed Miata (turbo, intercooler, 178 horsies) for a new 2009 MazdaSpeed-3. After a couple weeks, I have regrets... The car is amazingly agile and "sneaky" as few expect a car of its "stature" to accelerate so well. Interior is nicely laid out, but slightly less features than the 2010 model (dual AC you can get on the newer ones). Seats are comfortable and the ride is a little aggressive, but so what? My son, who adored the Miata and was expecting to get it in three years, is now asking for the "3". Do I miss my Miata? Yes, but now I can carry my family, groceries, and even a suitcase. No regrets.

Favorite Features

The acceleration is amazing. I found myself doing 60 [mph] in third gear rather quickly. I am continually amazed by its overall quietness, but then I cam from a Miata.

Suggested Improvements

It *could* handle a little better, but what do I want in a "family" car? A slightly lower profile (like dropping the suspension a bit) might be worthwhile. Only trouble I see is the tire-pressure sensors are very sensitive and like to complain when the weather changes.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What a blast

Written by: JP on 05/25/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I traded a 2008 Mercedes CLK550 coupe. Nice car, but with its massive power, rear-wheel drive and giant tires zero traction in Seattle weather. Also kind of uninvolving from the driver's perspective. The Mazdaspeed is a lot of fun. Plenty of power, comfortable, good handling, most creature comforts, unbelievably practical. A real driver's car. So far I have driven about 2000 miles and getting consistent 25 mpg. in mix of freeway and suburban driving. I cannot believe they can produce this vehicle for the price! It is definitely better value than competitive offerings like Subaru and VW.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, brakes ... mostly the fact that the car always seems to make people smile.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe AWD option. Mazda: please don't pork up the car with useless additions like power seats etc.

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

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True Red Pocket Rocket

Written by: dagger23 on 05/14/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Owned this car for over two months now and it is by far the funnest car I have ever driven. Not quite as fast as my blown 93 Firebird but a better driver. Handling and acceleration are incredible. Nothing quite like hitting the interstate with cruise already on at 75mph and not really pushing it. I drive like that all the time and it still averages over 26mpg. Go figure. Even wifes regular Mazda 3 get great mileage (over 30). Only real issue I have (and its a minor one) is both vehicles have rattles in both front doors by the speakers.

Favorite Features

Gas Mileage well over rated specs. Exhaust note. It sounds like a turboprop aircraft when you lift off the gas. Very cool.

Suggested Improvements

A boost gauge.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great little car!!

Written by: ew on 04/29/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Did a little research on this car and had to take it for a test drive. Well one drive and I was sold! The car is a total blast to drive! The breaks, power and it seat four adults. I never expected a 4cyl to be this fast! I raced my friend in his new bmw 745! on some back roads in western Il and he could not pass me. He could not believe it.

Favorite Features

Handling, brakes, turbo!!

Suggested Improvements

Sunroof, full leather interior

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best value for the money

Written by: Tommy O. on 04/14/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

As an intro I am a senior citizen (male) going thru my second late teen episode with sporty cars. The speed3 is without a doubt the best car I have ever driven or owned. It has incredible acceleration performance with concomitant handling/braking/steering. It is a very exhilarating experience to drive though it is easy to break most speed laws. It does NOT want to go slow. It is very comfortably solid cruising at very high speeds. Most passenger just smile with an occasional ooh or ahh as they get plastered to the seat back with the force of acceleration. I bought a Valentine radar/laser detector to help me not get caught when I occasionally have a lapse of attention to my actual speed.

Favorite Features

The predominant feature is the breath taking acceleration. Next is the truly excellent handling on curves. The quick and precise steering lends to the feeling of control when hard cornering is in process. The drivers accommodations are excellent and comfortable. The seats are exceptional!

Suggested Improvements

It would be difficult to improve on this auto for the price. I would like to see somewhat stiffer suspension that would reduce the body role feeling when cornering at high speeds.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Un-Japanese Reliability

Written by: Chad B on 04/06/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

This car is an absolute adrenaline rush to drive. Until something breaks. I have to take it in 6 times for rattles. Dash rattle, chair squeaks and build quality issues are rampant. I thought Japanese cars were supposed to built better than this. My old Hyundai had 0 rattles. What gives, Mazda? I thought the 5 door styling would grow on me. It didn't. Very poor choice.

Favorite Features

Goes very fast.

Suggested Improvements

AWD. Offer a model with a trunk please!

5 out 15 people found this review helpful

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First Impressions

Written by: Brother Zachary on 04/02/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

(This is my first week's review, so I rated a 10 on reliability just based upon Mazda reputation). I had to get a red one (naturally). The minute I test drove it I was sold. It is definitely a driver's car. Handling is crisp, precise and responsive, though even with the electronic compensation, I still notice the torque steer. Being 6'3", I fit into it fine, unlike in some other makes where I feel cramped. Fit and finish is nice inside and out, and the car turns heads. Definitely a winner. I didn't realize how great this car is until they gave me a regular 3 as a rental while they put some extra stuff on it. It is like comparing an apple (Speed3) to a pea (3). Lot of car for the money.

Favorite Features

Telescoping wheel, HID and LED lights with auto function, fog lights, trunk light (not sure why one reviewer said there wasn't one), electronic headlight positioner, nice gauge display, massive glove box, aux audio jack, lots of cup holders, driver's cockpit fully adjustable for the short and tall.

Suggested Improvements

Hood scoop (notice they have it on the '10), boost gauge, digital speedo/analog tach combination (like on the RX8), iPod- specific jack, darker tinted windows, external handle for hatchback.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Speed dreams

Written by: svenspeed on 03/24/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I loved my 07 mzda 3 5dr and am in heaven with the speed 3. I love the crisp feel and abundant power as it throws you back in the supportive seats. I was looking for a little more zoom zoom and found more than enough. The speed 3 is a confident little monster in subdued wrapping and has just enough visual touches to set it apart without shouting how special it is. Highway MPG is not bad, but around town you have to fight the urge to stick you foot in it, which costs at the pump. But, MPG is not why you buy this car, it's just a nice side benefit when it's good.

Favorite Features

Styling, power, nimble handling and the exhaust note. It's solid and reliable performance with refined styling. And did I mention the power and the handling.

Suggested Improvements

A Boost gauge would be nice.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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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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