Used 2009 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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183000 miles so far
Lisa P, 02/16/2018
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
36 of 39 people found this review helpful
This car is 9 years old now, so review maybe not relevant. I've owned since New, has been very reliable and all maintenance has been standard as the car ages. Love this car and will be sorry to replace it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Replacement Tire Suggestion
MarRod, 06/26/2010
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
With 29,000 miles on the original (junk) equipment tires, I read several tests and found a very good replacement tire for the Mazda3. Try: Continental Extreme Contact DWS (Dry,Wet,Snow) They transformed the car, with much improved wet and light snow traction, much less road noise, better steering feel and much better tar strip and rough road performance. Have 5000 miles on them so far. A very good all performance season tire. Also much cheaper than replacing the factory original (GY) rubbish.
2009 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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- i Touring Value SedanMSRP: $6,99986 mi away
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New 2009 Hatchback; SoFar, So Good
Marc Rodgers, 08/27/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Just got the car on 8/22, put on about 450 miles over the week end. About 30 mpg, mixed highway/city driving. Initial impressions: responsive, OK for power, nimble, good turn in with slight understeer (expected with front wheel drive), very good brakes and steering feel. Nice interior layout, good fit and finish. The Bose stereo, wiper controls and trip computer seem rather complex, but I'm on a learning curve. Great cargo and passenger flexibility. I wanted a well made, economical but still fun to drive little car and this fits the bill. At or close to best in class. My other vehicle is a '08 Ford F-150 Limited with a Cobra pack. A great truck, but not the constant $80+ fill ups.
Long Term Honest Review
procritic, 05/02/2013
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
Mazda 3 Hatchback Pros: Styling and Handling Mechanical Reliability Convenient Hatch Roomy Cons: Cheap Interior Carpet Difficult to clean ! Black plastic has a bleached white look from ONLY using proper Dash + Interior cleaners Original Tires worn out at 20,000 Instrument Cluster Dash visibility is Poor Steering wheel may block view of Gauges for short people Snow belt driving - premature rusting of rear quarter panels and brake rotors Road noise due to cheap tires
Almost 4 years later
flora29, 09/12/2012
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I love my Mazda 3 hatchback. I researched this car forever and finally got it Dec. 08. It only had 19 miles on it and now it has 60,000! I had a few glitches my first year. I had the gas cap issue, Mazda service department damanged my body and paint during a recall service and I had to have my car repainted twice (nightmare process). I have repaired all the recalls and so far no major issues. I did have to replace the tires sooner than normal but not a big deal. Everyone tells me they love how my car looks inside and out. The backseat is a little tight but with the seats folded down it carries a ton of stuff, great for camping and road trips. Fun to drive!
My Long Term Review After 1 Year
Fun2Driver, 03/22/2010
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is an update to my review back in 4/2009, after 1 year plus few months of ownership of my Maz3. The car's still in excellent shape after more than 23k miles of hard driving, mostly long distance highway miles. No major repairs needed besides routine maintenance and oil changes. Overall I have no regret for my ownership. The most major complain though, is from the P205/50VR17 stock tires and Maz3's stiff suspension. The tires are almost worn out (should last 30k miles). They are very noisy. They are all-season tires, but absolutely horrible for driving in snow! Unfortunately, I've moved to a potholes-ridden and snowy state. That proved to be the most unforgiven condition for my Maz3.
Great Ride, Great Drive, Annoying Gas Cap...
jrslushy61, 03/21/2013
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have always been a Toyota admirer, until I saw the sharp styling of the Mazda 3, and once I noticed how highly rated they are and the gas mileage, I was interested. I got mine about 6 months ago, and I have loved it ever since. The only issue I had was with the dealership not wanting to replace the recalled gas cap. I had it too tight one time, and they had to take it off and I notified them of it and I was ignored. About a month later, (a week ago from now) it had broken off when I tried to fuel up. Other than this issue, I have been driving this car back and forth from home to class, and have had no other issues. The ride is very smooth, I get great gas mileage (23 city, 32 highway)
Zoom zoomin
Mike Speed, 01/26/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am a Mazda guy. I love Mazdas. My first van was a used Mazda MPV and when I sold it, I got 500 dollars with 340,000 miles on it. I recently had a 95 MX-5 and absolutely loved to just drive drive drive. Then I had kids. So I went out and bought a SUV. (stupid me.) So I drove this SUV for 1.5 years and it was dull. plus it didnt help that I was getting 11 miles per gallon during hard times. So guess what I did? I comprimised and shopped around test drove. I got a Mazda 3 Hatchback. I love it,love it, love it. Beautiful car, fast and fun to drive. plenty of room for kids. So so happy with it. And no I don't work for Mazda.
Great dynamics, so-so build quality
Chris, 12/17/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The driving dynamics of the car are hard to beat. Snappy transmission, soft clutch, responsive steering, linear brakes, and agile suspension. The engine power is adequate, but well matched to the car. The interior is well appointed with leather seating, heated seats, moon roof, premium stereo (which is decent, but not great), and HID headlights. The materials feel of high grade, and the design is sharp. The only gaff is the crammed info LCD. The build quality leaves something to be desired. The interior looks fine and the gaps are minimal, but after only 400 miles, I've already got a ridiculous windshield rattle (ticking might be more apt) and buzz in the headliner near the moonroof.
Long Trips, Varied Conditions
Marc Rodgers, 09/24/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Follow up to my 8/26/08 posting. Just took the car from MI on a trip to Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Back to MI, then over to Ontario and around Georgian Bay. Put on 4800 miles in 12 days through varied terrain. Got 31.6 mpg for the overall trip, car ran great, handled well and was very comfortable. Power is adequate 90% of the time. Cruised very well at the 75mph (maybe just a bit over)speed limit in WY and SD. The fully reclining & heated passenger seat is great for rest area naps. Bose stereo is very good. Strong crosswinds in SD (from Ike) could certainly be felt, but not too bad. Very good visibility.
The Right Choice
leisney , 10/09/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I believe the Mazda3 is the best buy for the buck. Great acceleration and just simply fun to drive. Highly recommended.
Best I could do to replace Acura Integra
mhouse, 01/05/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After owning Integra for 17.8 years, finally found something to replace it with. Nice size for one person, nice luxury features. Not as fun to drive as Integra but handles just as well, even better on fast curves, like it's on rails. Quietness masks real acceleration compared to Integra which was "throatier". A lot has changed in cars since 1991 so I'm still getting used to things like position of steering wheel (further away), thickness of steering column (limits leg room), the explosion of new technology, and in my case, four doors. Bose stereo is good but I do have to have the volume way up to level 40+ hear details (deaf in one ear so this may be me not the car). Mileage in upper 20s.
Great car for a great price
Phil S, 02/05/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I put 211,000 miles on my 1993 Protege without a fault. Bought a 2008 Honda Fit Sport 14 months ago and it was totaled. Drove the 2009 Fit Sport, Saturn Astra, and Mazda3 5dr and the game was over. The Mazda is much more car than the Honda and much nicer. The Astra is nice but awkward and the lack of an aux input for the MP3 player just shows a lack of consumer focus. The Honda feels "empty" and lacking when compared to the Mazda. The prices are all very close so it's a good comparison in my book. I'd like the sunroof to be an option by itself.
Excellent Car!
Fun2Driver, 04/14/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My last car was a VW Golf. It served me well for 10+ years. It was a fun-to-drive machine, but quite costly to maintain, especially with age. So I decided it's time for a new car. I test drove 3 hot hatches: new Toyota Matrix (158hp/4cyl); VW Rabbit (170hp/5cyl); Mazda3 5dr (156hp/4cyl). Here's my little comparo. 3rd place, Matrix. Highs: big cargo room, Toyota reliability. Lows: Mazda3 copy cat, dull handling, peculiar styling, high price (23k for XRS), poor corner visibility due to large A pillar. 2nd place, VW Rabbit. Highs: big engine, VW fun, quality interior. Lows: uncomfortable seat (angled too much), confusing controls, strange "wall" under windshield, questionable reliability.
Love it!
Scotty, 08/22/2016
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Performance is right in with Mazda ZOOM_ZOOM. Maintenance is an oil change and occasional go over by your trusty mechanic. Almost 50 years of driving under my belt this has been the most pleasure filled and simplest to own, not to mention the Bose stereo system.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not very Impressed
Not very Impressed, 07/21/2010
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've had my Mazda3 for a little over a year and I have had some issues with the car that should not be present with only 15,000 miles on the odometer. The brake system make an awful growling noise each time I back it out of my garage. Sevice engine light came on at 13,000 miles, was told that the gas cap needs replaced, replaced it and at 14,000 miles the light came back on. I will have to replace the tires soon, wore out way to soon. Road noise is very annoying, seems to get worse as the tires quickly wear. The whole Mazda experience has not been very good for me, zoom-zoom-BOOM?
Great car
dcpresley89, 03/02/2010
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after being very disappointed with my 2008 Civic. I absolutely LOVE my mazda and would not trade it for anything. However, I have had a few issues. The power steering has gone out twice, the wiper motor has gone out, and the side trim has peeled off twice. But Ive been rear ended and hit head on pretty hard, and theres not a scratch on this car. Honestly, Id say this car is worth the money, Very fun to drive, just make sure you get the extended 100k/mile warranty.
Way Over Rated
natelogggg, 08/19/2013
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
The build quality seems cheap. It feels like some one built it out of legos. Lots of road noise, and not very comfortable. Best gas milage was 26 mpg. The suspension is rickety as well. Within 3000 miles, it was in the dealership because it was pulling to the right. They did the alignment for me and sent me on my way. A month later I had it back in for the same issue. This time I was accused of putting the car in the ditch since they found mud under the fenders. I live a mile up a dirt road, and it rains alot. The dealer tried saying that this is not normal wear and tear. After an argument and a threat to call BBB, they fixed it again. Now the transmission is shifting hard. Car has 60k mile
Most fun and utility for the money!
Cenbit, 10/07/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is really a good car compared with my sister's '08 VW rabbit sedan. The fuel economy is very different. In the city I average 23 mpg, and highway 32 mpg. It's much better than VW.
Best new car value
norcalsurfer, 10/17/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car last week and have put 600 miles on it. The 17" wheels and independent front and rear suspension provide unsurpassed handling for a car in this price range. The 156 hp engine provides adequate power and acceleration. The 5 spd manual gear box is smooth and predictable, seats are firm and supportive while still being very comfortable. Smooth and straight on the highway at 80 mph. The car gets a little sketchy when manuevering through the twistys on uneven pavement. The stock goodyear tires are hard and noisy, but provide adequate grip on dry roads. Braking is superb and this is one super fun car to drive for under $17k.
Great looks and good handling
Nadeem, 11/24/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car two weeks ago and have already put 600 miles on it. It's just so fun to drive. Even though I deprived myself of a manual transmission (it can be a pain on hills), the automatic transmission provides a fun acceleration. Very strongly built, I had someone bump into me (on the THIRD DAY of purchase!!) but thankfully not even a scratch on the rear bumper! The leather interior rivals my friend's BMW 3 Series, and the Bose System is very powerful. However, plugging in both my iPod aux cable and power cable at the same time gives minor buzzing sound (probably something wrong my cable).
An amazing car at an amazing price
Biz, 12/02/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The '09 Mazda3 Hatchback is a blast to drive. It's quick and gets pretty good gas mileage. I had a VW Rabbit. I am sure Mazda3 is much better, with an easier 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission to work with. This car begs to go fast.
Zoomin' on Oah'u
Zoomin' in Makakilo, 11/29/2008
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my Mazda3 (5 dr hatch, 5 spd auto - Copper Red Mica) within the last month, after I checked out comparable models like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic and determined they didn't compare. In my personal opinion neither were anywhere near the Mazda3 in quality of build, handling, response and overall driving satisfaction (definite zoom-zoom factor). The car seems like its rarin' to go right now but I want to ease into it and not push it too early. I am getting great mileage so far, especially with gas the way it is, and am very pleased overall. If you're looking for a great compact car with a lot to give - the Mazda3 is the "Ticket".
Love it!
Colleen, 02/22/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car! It is fun to drive has a lot of power for a small car. Good on gas (but not as good as a scion or fit). Can't say enough about it. I am so glad that we decided to purchase this one over the scion or fit. I don't have any Major issues with the interior or exterior. The Bose stereo is awesome! Love the features.. This is my first Mazda. I bought a manual and love the way it shifts. It is very smooth! Zoom, zoom, zoom for sure!
Great Car for the money
mazdantech5, 03/25/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Being a honda and toyota guy for many years. I have finally step foot inside a Mazda dealership to check out the final year release of the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchback. Hey ,they are practically giving these away right now & with 0% APR. I like the styling , boy racer look thats me. I couldn't understand why I have bought and sold my previous 08 4 door civic si and 09 corolla s within 6 months time, their styling was not really my cup of tea. I quickly got tired of the 6 speed manual and ridiculous righ revs on the honda and the boring ho/hum corolla styling, and its slow/weak acceleration. Mazda did a great job with the exterior and interior styling. I added the 18"mazdaspeed wheels and I am done
Additional Comments to My Last Review
Fun2Driver, 04/20/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
More comments here of Mazda3 for buyers/owners to note. Again this is a great car, simply the best in class. Few improvements here but all are minor. Exterior styling is great. Head lights should be pointed slightly higher. On downhills, the lights fall a bit short. The red tail lights are a bit dim and small. Should be brighter for safety reason. Though the bumper reflective tapes help a bit. For s model, you get black plastic in real bumper. But it's more scratch resistant, good when loading cargo. Real bumper does flex a bit.
THIS IS A GREAT CAR !
Mike, 05/10/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove this Mazda3 and a 09 Corolla S. I was very disappointed with the Corolla. For about $900 more i got a great handling fun to drive hatchback with a 2.3L engine,5 speed auto w/manual mode,4 wheel disc brakes,DSC, and 17" wheels,crystal pearl white paint to name a few. This car pulls strong through out the whole rev band, and handles like a go cart. I am very satisfied with my purchase so far. Just wish it had a little more cargo room. Kinda tight fit for my golf clubs.
My New Mazda 3 Sport 5 Door
Andy, 06/05/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased a Mazda 3 5 Door Sport after leasing a Honda Accord for the past three years. This car is GREAT! I had a couple friends recommend it and after the test drive I knew it was the car for me. It's got great styling, good fuel economy, and is fun to drive. The Sport version is loaded with a ton of standard features that were upgrades on other cars I looked at. The 2.3L engine has plenty of power both off the line as well as to get up and go on the highway. I went for the automatic (for my wife) but the manual shift option performs very similar to a manual transmission, giving you a little more control. All-in-all I am fully satisfied and would recommend this car!!
Zoom Zoom
jumpback, 07/31/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove just about every small car available. None drove like the Mazda 3 Grand Tourer. This vehicle is just snick, snick great. The interior especially is upscale for a small car. If you are looking for value and a not just another boring econobox check this baby out.
Luving our s Sport
clearwaters, 08/24/2010
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this '09 automatic to complement my '08 5 spd. My mother drives it mostly and amazingly loves the power of the 2.5 as well as the gas mileage. we have noticed the tires seem to pick up a lot of nails, I don't know if that will change when I switch to (probably) Continentals. The interior design is great except for the odd speedometer numbering and map light switches which blend in too much with the interior to "feel" them in the dark. I'm amazed that the Auto is just as much fun and Zoom as the 5 spd, that's more than rare! Car handles well, the safety features are incredible. Sad they changed the whole platform for 2010. The Stereo in the '09 w/MP3 kick a lot more Bass!
09 Fun Car!
mjcromp, 12/16/2010
2009 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall fun car. We picked this up at a dealership while searching for another car. The salesperson showed and had us test drive and we drove it home. We got rid of our 04 Escape. We now get better MPG, handling and all around fun!
Best car I have ever owned!
parolee, 05/31/2012
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used at 35,000 miles. This car is exactly what I was looking for. My hatchback is a manual transmission, and I love how it takes hills. Even in cruise control, it doesn't skip a beat. The steering is responsive. It's a fun little car to drive! Drove around the other day with 5 people in the car. One person 6'2 the rest 5'3 to 5'11. Everybody was comfortable!! IF you're any taller than 5'11, the backseat might not work for you with a fully loaded car. We still had plenty of storage in the hatchback to boot! The engine did not miss a beat. Slight loss of power out of 1st, but did fine other than that. For the class of car, this is the best option. Period!
Part III of My Reviews
Fun2Driver, 04/20/2009
2009 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I decided to write a PartIII to my reviews. PartI compares Maz3 to 2 major competitors. PartII adds more details on Maz3. PartIII will add more comments and answer two critical questions for buyers/owners. Handling is the selling point of Maz3. But on center feel is not as good as German cars. Above 70mph, you better hold onto the steeling wheel tight. The P205/50VR17 stock tires provides adequate grip. But wider tires with directional patterns will sure improve traction more. Understeer is presented in high speed. DSC is not available unless you have the touring model. Zig-zag shifter needs get used to for straight shifter users. Trunk design can be simplified to yield more usable space.