Used 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Consumer Reviews
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MS3 GT saved my life
shoemanfoo, 10/07/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I owned my 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 GT for a total of 45 minutes before I was in a head on collision by a RAV-4 going eastbound on a westbound lane on a major highway. We were both going approximately 65 MPH in opposite directions before we collided. I cannot comment on the long term reliability of the vehicle or the MPG but I am alive today due to the solid construction and safety features of this vehicle. Unfortunately the person driving the RAV-4 that hit me was not as lucky. My hat is off to Mazda for building such a fantastic and secure vehicle.
For those not yet resigned to middle age
MIDIWerks, 01/21/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I'm in my mid 40's. This is the most fun I've ever had on four wheels. I've owned American muscle and Japanese sport, but the Mazdaspeed 3 give me the best of both worlds. It delivers killer torque much like my previous 8 cylinder but handles like the much smaller performance machine it is. It also has tons of usable interior room. This is important to me because I run a small business and need to haul computer gear from time to time. It also accommodates my wife and kids in comfort. Build quality is impressive. The driving dynamic much closer to a European sport sedan than any other Japanese car I've ever been in. Nicest car I've ever owned for the money.
Fantastic Drive and Quality for $$$
james5648, 04/01/2010
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
As a former owner of a Subaru WRX, there is much more car here for the money than with my beloved WRX at around the same cost. No turbo lag here. Very responsive to the pedal and the steering. This thing is fun to drive! Sleek interior design. From the console hosting auto temp regulators, auto wipers, down to the stitching on the seats, shifter, and wheel. Attention to detail. The computer will also tracks mpg, miles to empty and instantaneous mi/gal Not sure how useful instant mi/gal actually is but it's there if you like too much information. Adjustable headlights are standard. Again probably overkill but there if you are on dark roads and don't want to blind oncoming traffic.
True Red Experience
Rich S, 11/07/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I had the car for about two weeks and have driven it 800 super fun miles. It is a true pocket rocket in all sense of the word, yet it has four doors, large luggage capacity, super tight suspension, a turbo that is willing to please and best of all it is affordable. This car truly is fun to drive especially in windy roads. The car handles almost as good as my mid-engine MR2. The oversteer is present as I expected with the 263 hp front wheel, but it is manageable. The shifting gets some getting used to, truly awkward, but you tend to forget about it when the turbo kicks in. This car also feels at home in city driving as it is very nimble and responsive and fairly easy to drive.
mazda-rific
Rob on Long Island, 01/22/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've been driving my MS3 GT for 1000 fun miles.The car is remarkable, great pickup, sporty looking without being too young. Came with all the bells and whistles auto climate, lights,and wipers.I have never owned a car this much fun in my life. Reasonably priced, great performance, great style for a 5-door.The best car under $50k.
If You know You know
Marv, 10/02/2019
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
12 year old car and this thing still keeps up with the new competition of today. Performance wise and stylistically. I purchased the car in 2016 with 74k miles on the clock. VVT was replaced at 75k as well as both front control arms.Other then that I have had zero issues whatsoever. This little beast handles like its on rails and gives you just the right amount of body roll to push you through the corner. Power wise.. there is plenty of torque at all ranges and is easily usable.. But dont go WOT until after 3k. Even in 2019 this thing will out performs 95% of the vehicles on the road. (The look of people faces when you fly by them in a Mazda never gets old lol) Compared to my 08 STI this thing definitely takes corners a little bit tighter and will easily pull away from an STI at top end speeds. I recently drive a Tesla Model3 AWD single motor and felt very similar to my Speed3. Pro Tips: Use premium fuel only, change oil often, rotate tires often, synthetic tranny oil, wash and wax often Paint is extremely thin and is definitely one of the downsides. Get the VVT done asap once it goes. You can pull up on the chain to feel slack through the oil fill hole.. there should be little to no play. (You can only feel the chain on the gen 1). And drive it like how its supposed to be driven! If you can get your hands on a Gen1 pull the trigger you will not regret it.
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I wish my dad had lived to see this car!
bob clarke, 11/09/2015
updated 05/12/2017
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The old man would have loved the Mazdaspeed3, too, even though he was a Porsche guy. I bought my Gen 1 new in 2007. It just turned 96-thousand miles and I have loved each and every one of them, especially those on California's coastal mountain range. Many an older Mustang, BMW and Corvette has been surprised by this mighty mite. There are 3 things every Speed 3 owner will need to deal with: smoke, the clunky 2 to 3 shift, and the rear bar which comes loose and needs to be re-torqued periodically (in my case, twice in 8-years). First the smoke. The car was allegedly spec'd with the wrong size PCV. There are 2 fixes. First, run "the pill" or some sort of restrictor in the crankcase vent tube. Look up "the pill" online. It's made by a company in Washington, I think. Second, start running 10W-30 synthetic motor oil. No more smoke. When you start hearing the rear bar "clunk" as you go over the curb into a driveway, it's time to have the dealer torque it town again. 20-minutes and no more smoke. Finally, the 2 to 3 shift problem was supposedly fixed in Gen2 models. For Gen 1 you can go to more slippery transaxle fluid like Royal Purple or Redline and that will begin to mitigate the problem. Next fix would be a good short shifter kit at around $150. Other than those things, it has been the most fun car I've ever had. The bright red paint is even more eye-popping than ever. I also had a Gen1 RX-7 with great red paint like this. Only complaint is that in order to replace everyday items like a PCV or thermostat, something big, expensive and time-consuming has to come off first... 10-years and 100k+ miles. Wonderful car. It will probably need a clutch next year. I'll upgrade the turbo the, too.
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"Poor Man's BMW" !!
lynn riggs, 01/31/2016
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had the s Grand Touring Hatchback Mazda3, and I only say "had" because I lost it in a flood this month. It was without a doubt the most fabulous car I've ever owned. Mechanically perfect, exceptionally safe, hugged the road like a warm sweater, comfortable, gorgeous - everything I wanted in a car. The basics were outstanding and the high-level bells and whistles were even better. The only problem I ever had was with the navigation system joy stick - it would, literally, intermittently stick and not allow me to input things, so that I couldn't finishing adding an address I wanted to navigate to. As many times as I took it to the Mazda dealership for this, it never did that for them - so it never got fixed. But that is IT for cons. It hauled a s***-load of stuff in the hatchback, while at the same time looking like a "poor man's BMW" in the interior. Beautifully appointed and the "cockpit" was intuitive (except for changing the time!) - everything was where you would expect it to be. This was going to be the last car I ever owned - and would have been, considering its reliability, if it weren't for the rains...
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Best freakin' car and still is!!!
David H., 05/25/2016
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 with just under 10,000 miles in September 2008. I too had the occasional turbo smoking issues and VVT actuator recall which Mazda took care of (2007 models were prone to this). The only issues that I had was replacing the timing chain $800 @ 110k miles and thermostat $180 @ 130k miles. This car delivers so much to what todays car try to duplicate. Now 7-1/2 years later with 150,000 miles on the clock it runs as great as ever. Holding on 'til 3rd gen comes out. Pros: Fast, Reliable, Easy to Maintain, Utility - You can pick one up now for a good deal (2007-2009 Gen 1 Models) Cons: None really
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INCREDIBLE LITTLE CAR
MIKE, 01/19/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Being very religious to the Honda and Toyota name I was very VERY skeptical about buying something whose parent company is Ford. After reading review after review of Mazdas in general getting raving reviews (especially the 3 never even having a recall!), I bit the bullet and purchased. The days are now long gone that I think only Honda and Toyota are the only makers that make a wonderful car...and I am not limited to very timid designing, looks, and performance! Love the car would recommend to anyone.
Greatest Fun for the Money
JC in VT, 11/09/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
After years of expensive repairs on Audi's and BMW's I went Japanese, with no regrets. The build quality and materials are almost equal and the price is considerably less. I expect maintenance and repairs to be much less. This car is the perfect balance between economy and performance. I almost bought the base model, but for a little extra you double the performance (literally). I'm not a racer, but it's nice to know your car will stop quicker than almost anything out there (larger brakes), handles wonderfully for accident avoidance or fun (tighter suspension, extra supports), and when you need to pass on the highway is faster than a Porsche (or anything under $75k).
Best you can get under $25k
mattleegee, 01/14/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Have had this car for a couple months now, and followed it for about 6 months before release. I had a 2004 Mazda3 fully loaded for 3 years before i traded it in for the Mazdaspeed3. Creature comforts + Performance + Style= Way more than $25k Great car for money.
Great Vehicle
Eric, 12/02/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best vehicle out there right now. Civic SI and VW GTI really have nothing on this car. Handling is unbelievable, when I get out of the car I'm all tensed up from the drive. Wonderful car for those that want performance and practicality. I bought black even though its difficult to take care of its by far the best available. I couldn't be more happy with the MS3 Can't wait for accessories. This really is the poor man's BMW.
GREAT GUY FOR THE BUCK
mustangleader4, 10/28/2011
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought car new. Like most owners have written, lots of power for the buck. Surprise to get 30 mpg on highway driving 75. So far it's been very reliable which I was concern since this was the first year model which by the way quicker than the latest models due to weight. Much has been written about torque steer and touchy clutch. Haven't experience such problems because I don't floor the car from a dead stop or release the clutch out fast which the dumb car reviewers from Autoweek, Road and Track, etc.do when testing the car out. Can keep with BMWs, Porsches, etc. once you are rolling. Some say VW GTI is a better daily driver which isn't true if you drive the car like normal driver.
I finally got my Mazdaspeed 3
Sleepyspeed, 10/26/2009
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car!! 263hp, 0-60 in about 5.6 sec, handles like it's on rails, and I'm getting almost 28 mpg and all for about $18k. It was a no brainer. This car will have you looking for a longer, twisty way home. And to top it all off, it looks like a little hatchback grocery getter. Can you say sleeper anyone? I even debadged it for that little extra stealth. Most people think it's just a Mazda 3 until you drop the hammer. Now I just smile and wave at the pulled over guys and their hopped up Hondas, WRXs, STIs, EVOs, GTIs etc., knowing I have a better performance to dollar ratio.
One bad hombre!
Bearsk8r, 12/14/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Mazda really did their homework on this one. The fit and finish is excellent. I purchased the upscale model and am quite enamored with the bells and whistles (automatic climate control, headlights & windshield wipers, MP3 connection, etc.). The seats are very comfortable and adjustable. Love the BOSE system! Even my wife likes the comfort of the car. When the turbo kicks in, it reminds me of my Ducati with the throttle wide open. Six speed is nice, although regular 3's 5-speed shifts smoother. Clutch engages/disengages a little quick, but that makes for good power shifts. Cornering is quick and smooth. Ride doesn't wear you out. For the price, I don't think I could have done better!
Fun car,good mileage, ho hum quality
Audiosaurus, 03/28/2009
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Short review.... I get 26.5 mpg overall mpg, posted seems low. And I go pretty fast. Bose stereo is a waste of money. Basic system is fine, and the OEM speakers they use are very good--even if you replace the head unit, stock speakers are solid. Seems Bose didn't tune the system because it rattles terribly. I'm an audio dood; Bose are clown shoes. A safety recall on engine mount, an "unofficial" recall on d-link in rear end, and a throttle failure in first year. Occasionally belches smoke. Hmm. Interior design is nice. Lots of rattles. Good cargo capacity. More fun than the WRX, feels faster, snappier brakes. Clutch is sticky and 'sudden'. Best 'fast' car for the money, by far
Hot Hatch
SilverZoom, 10/30/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Given that I'm still within the break-in period (600 miles per Mazda), it's easy to feel the cars power at low rpms. My silver MS3 looks better in person than what I could imagine from the photos. The sport seat height and lumbar adjustments, along with the telescoping / tilt steering wheel provide a perfect driving position. Visibility is very good. The exhaust is louder than I expected, but it fits this sports car. If you're into bargain priced speed, 4 doors, practicality and quality, this is it. Competitors? WRX- ugly & fewer features. GTI- poor quality. Civic Si- poor torque & needs high rpms. Accord 6 speed- wait a year for the re-design, but it costs more. Lexus 250- $$ and too slow.
Best Daily Driver Ever?
Bufalo, 03/28/2010
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The ultimate "sport utility." Three and a half years into ownership, and it still feels new and fun. I can haul a half-stack bass amp rig, plus enough PA gear for a full band to play a bar, and there's still an empty passenger seat for the lady to come along. I can fit enough lumber for a weekend building project and still beat the pants off anything else on the road when I'm driving home. Fuel economy is good enough, would be better if my foot was lighter. Power is enormous in any gear, brakes are strong from any speed, and the grip is far beyond what you expect for such a tall car. If there was ever a better daily driver for the driving enthusiast, I couldn't tell you what it was.
So much to value - Great Car
DaveMS307, 11/05/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car is wonderful. Practical, decent mileage (getting 30mpg highway). I put over 1,000 miles on with a smile. It goes like stink, great handling, very comfortable, great stereo Bose, Recaro like seats, nice fit and finish, flies below the radar - great stealth. The faster it goes the faster it goes. This car is more of a competitor to cars that cost $10G more - seriously think bargain A3 with S package. Can't wait to get it out to a road course. This car does more things well than anything else I've ever driven. I can have a family car, sports car, haul stuff home from Lowes and afford the gas to get to work every day (60+ miles daily). And, I know I will enjoy HPDE, Track days!
Life is too short NOT to own this car!
Tim McNicoll, 11/26/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 19 people found this review helpful
I won't repeat all the accolades from the earlier reviews. Trust me, it's all true. This is a car that you make up excuses to drive. The drive becomes the only thing that matters - the destination is irrelevant. I'm in my early 50's and haven't had this much fun with a vehicle since my Kawasaki 900 from many years back. That said, two things I'd like to point out. First, if you buy this car (and you should), get the windows tinted. It's the perfect finishing touch to the stealth look. Second, the Bose system is great but you'll have to be content with sound that comes "at you" rather than "surrounds" you. That's in part because they can't put the sub woofer in the back. Pity.
I deeply regret purchasing my MS3
vmax186, 11/24/2009
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
Why I won't buy another Mazda: Blown LF strut at 25,000 miles. Smoking turbo at 26,000 miles. The turbo was replaced, but now Mazda claims that the smoking is actually caused by an inadequate PCV system. Five months ago it was promised that a PCV revised system would be available in 90 days. Now Mazda is saying the fix won't be ready until March. Variable Valve Timing Actuator became noisy at 46,000 miles. At 51,000 miles the car is throwing a EGR flow insufficient fault code. This repair-$600-will be on my nickel as it seems that the EGR system is not covered by either the powertrain or the 49 state emissions warranties. RF strut is also failing. The worst automotive choice I've made.
Love, hate relationship.
sleepyspeed3, 03/13/2013
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Loved it at first, then things started falling apart. Broken motor mount recalled, EGR failure, Started smoking at idle at about 30k miles. I replaced the turbo inlet pipe, valve cover vent (added restricter). Made my own oil restricter bolt 66 instead of 98, swapped out the bpv and springs and shims, still needed a custom tune to up the idle to 1100. Now I find myself babying the thing so the turbo won't blow. Canada made Mazda recall the k04 turbo. We didn't get so lucky here in the USA. So unless you're a mechanic or really good with a wrench stay away from this year and maybe a few others too.
Wow, better than expected
MJFMS3, 06/02/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Was looking for something with a bit of snap. Drove the RX8/MS6 before getting into this car the torque and power. Have taken it to a track day and the stealth factor is awesome. No one knew what the car was. Taking off the MS3 badge afer this :). Highly recommended. Best car for the money.
MazdaSpeed3 VS. WRX
Jason Crandall, 07/25/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mostly used for commuting. The car is fun to drive and has a lot of go to it. It is a lot different than the WRX I used to own. Sometimes I miss the AWD but many times I notice myself smiling at how fun the Mazda is to drive and corner with. It feels small when you are driving, which is good, but when you turn your head and look at it you realize it is quite roomy with lots of cargo space. I love the hatchback look and the exterior styling. The braking is fantastic and the interior is much nicer than that of the WRX. In the end it is a hard comparison to make- each car has its pluses and its minuses. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the speed is free from defects.
Couldn't be happier!
iightfyre, 08/27/2008
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is the best in its class. I drove the Civic Si, Sentra SE-R spec-v, Acura RSX type S, Subaru WRX. The other cars don't even compare. The Mazdaspeed 3 is by far the fastest on the market. Looking to spend under $25k, I was shocked at the performance that I found with Mazdaspeed 3. 0-60 in 5.5 seconds... wow.. it's fast. Torque steer is not noticeable after you learn how to drive it. This car is absolutely fast and will blow away anything less than $60k in a street race (I know, I've done it). The bottom line is that this car is hot, has a very comfortable interior, has amazing power, great handling, great breaking and did I mention... it's FAST!!!
The Ultimate Sleeper Car
Chris , 10/10/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is unbelievable. As of this review I have had the car for just over 1000 miles. I love the performance. The car handles great. One of the great parts of it is that if a regular mazda 3 hatchback or this car drives by you going fast, from a side view it is hard to tell the difference because there is no badging on the side. You will fool most people if you try to race them at a stoplight. The gear ratio is very nice. It's great when you can pass someone on the highway in top gear because of the turbo. There is not much turbo lag at all. The traction control works well. Remember that this car has 263hp so don't expect great fuel economy. I love the car I would recommend it to anyone.
Mazda makes your heart go zoom-zoom
Secret McSecretson, 04/26/2008
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the second Mazda I have owned, and I cannot say enough good things about them. I cannot say I am a fan of paying 600 dollars for 18" tires, but I can say that I am a fan of enormous brake rotors, so it balances out. If you are looking for a bargain performance car, then you cannot beat this one. I was really looking for a wagon, which meant my options were this and the Subaru WRX. This car outperformed the WRX in acceleration and braking (I cannot say that I had a good test of handling on my test drives). The interior design on the WRX also could not compare with the Mazda. I love this car, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun drive.
2007 MazdaSpeed3
Dan Stockton, 09/26/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
From day one when I got this car my, I was amazed. I am a big fan of VWs, I have had the privileges of owning two GTIs and still have one of them (95 GTI VR6 with 180kmi). Was in the market for a new GTI but after reading the reviews of MS3 I had to test drive one, and I was hooked. The car is everything you read about, quick acceleration, handles great, HID headlights, navigation, rain sensing wipers, the list goes on. You get everything you pay for and then some. Other vehicles will easily have you closer to $30k for the same amenities and you still will not get 263 hp out of a 4cyl or some 6s.
This is a great little car!
JD, 06/07/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I went in to drive a Mazda3 wagon, but fell in love with this beautiful little car! It is a blast to drive, handles well, screams off the line, and doesn't drain the bank account too much. There are quite a few upgrades and mods available (since the MZR 2.3 is shared with a couple of different models), so go wild, if that is your thing! Please drive one before you make up your mind! You might be surprised. I was. Performance wise, the car goes. It is a front wheel drive car, so you will have some torque steer, but it is very minimal compared to other FWD with high horsepower and torque. The car sports great low-end torque for a turbo 4 cyl. All this under 25K!
My Mazdaspeed sleeper !!
Wrblue04, 10/10/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I can't believe how much this car is a bang for the buck! I installed a Fujita cai and a Turbo XS race pipe and it feels like 300+Hp!! I absolutely love this car and I came out of a stage 2 wrx, so I know fast and this car is faster than my wrx!!
My red hot spicy mid-life crisis car!
The_Spicy_One, 07/08/2008
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used at 6,500 miles and have put about 9k on it myself. I must say that each and every single one of those miles have a smile attached to it! The car is very stable at highway speed and is quite capable of keeping up with much faster and more upscale sports cars. My daily commute to work is about 15 miles and I mostly do city driving. My driving style tends to be more on the spirited side of the spectrum. I love the exhaust note, the acceleration, braking and cornering! The build quality and workmanship is superior and the design is very modest but attractive. Driven modestly, this car will not attract attention, but if you have the devil's gas foot, watch out!
Only had it a few days but WOW.
Markus, 10/24/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Previous to owning this I had a '06 Mazda 3s 5-door that I picked up in August of '05. I loved that car; the handling was great, acceleration was more than adequate, styling, IMHO, far and away the best in its class. But when the opportunity presented itself to get a Speed3, I jumped at it. This is a ridiculously well-engineered car for the money. I ended up with a Cosmic Blue GT (6-disc changer, Xenon, Bose System, etc.). The turbo kicks in around around 3K RPM and just hang on when it does. What really impresses me about this car is how docile it is around town. Easy to drive and very relaxed until you drop your right foot. Then it's on. Very happy with this one...it's a keeper.
So far, so GREAT!
stinster, 12/29/2006
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is primarily my wife's car and was purchased for its 5-door functionality and fun to drive quotient. In our fledgling 2 days with the car we are most impressed! The fit and finish is far beyond what we expected from a 25K wagonette. The handling and acceleration are, as expected, fantastic. The thing that really surprised me was how "tight" and quiet the car is. I expected a more uncompromising driving experience, but have thus far been rewarded with both performance and refinement. Bravo Mazda, well done!
Fun and Practical
Ken G., 12/10/2015
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Here is my take away from owning a MS3 for about 8 years. Here are the cons. There were quite a few annoying issues and repairs that needed to be done. There was the notorious smoking issue that needed to be fixed. I replaced (by Mazda) the turbo (because of annoying turbo whine that sounded like an ambulance was always behind me), valve/solenoids, suspension 2 times, and I had issues with the Transmission freezing up on cold days (Mazda dealer couldn't solve after 3 transmission fluid changes). I also did not like the creaking noise the suspension made on cold days or how the transmission didn't like to be rushed. The rear seat was not very comfortable for any adult passenger and a baby seat was a bit tight to fit in. The fog lights were useless with the HIDs. This car was just OK in the snow. Costs for a MS3 will be a lot more than a regular Mazda hatch. Now for some positives. The MS3 was just fun to drive. The stiff ride made you feel confident on turns and the turbo had some good pickup. There was a lot of room in the back if you folded down the back seats. I even hauled a full sized futon across state and transported my Kayaks on top without any issues. Overall, I enjoyed this car a lot and did take good care of it, but it was quirky and a little expensive to fix.
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For Die Hard Mazda Fans
ISELLEM, 03/29/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Probably the best vehicle I've ever owned. Performance is that of a high priced exotic vehicle and the car only retails for around $25,000. But it's not for everyone. Only die hard performance enthusiasts should buy this car.
It's a Rocketship
J Barr, 03/30/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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This is an "Oh my gosh" car when you drive it. It's hard to believe that a front wheel drive car could be so fast. And it handles like a sports car. This car put a smile on my face that hasn't left in the 4 weeks I've owned it. The Speed 3 is just a lot of fun to drive. The car feels solid and very well built. The Grand Touring model has many amenities including rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights with height adjustment, great traction control, plenty of storage, and very nice styling lines. It is a bargain compared with it's competition and ranks higher in most comparison tests. 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds and 155 mph top speed is accurate and among the best in class. Zoom zoom.
Best hot hatch
esell1, 02/14/2010
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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I own an 07 Mazdaspeed 3 and a 2007 VW GTI. The speed wins hands down for spirited driving on a back country road but suffers in town. A very short 1st gear and stiff suspension makes for a taxing drive in stop and go traffic. I take the GTI for around town driving and leave the Speed for the weekends. Oh and I average 15mpg city and 28-30mpg freeway. That's even when I skip gears and drive very lightly. The GTI on the other hand returns on average 20-25mpg city.
Screaming kid carrier, backroads and fwy
mortgagemal, 05/05/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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What a car! I have Jag XJR, Porsche 928, Minicooper 03, 1968 442 Olds... this kiddy carrier is a wild mix of all of them! Amazing performance sleeper of an economy/muscle/sports car. Not too visible to cops if you're not in red. I've seen a video of the car doing 167. 30-50, 40-60 etc. performance is on par with Carreras and supercars. I've only gone 138!
Fast Tough Cheap
NHRide, 05/13/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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Vehicle has been great - no unscheduled maintenance required, beats the pants off a WRX. A lot of fun, and you won't get it into any trouble that it can't easily get you out of.
Perfect Blend
Mazda Man, 01/07/2008
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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After a long period of test driving cars I finally decided the Mazda was for me. It's just got everything I need and want. Plenty of room for all my stuff, good gas mileage and has plenty of power. Step on the gas and you feel an invisible wave of torque moving you along. Bottom end, top end, there's always plenty of power. The handling is extraordinary, probably handles as well as some rwd cars. Torque steer is alive but manageable. Keeping all the power in check are the powerful brakes, the steering is responsive and provides lots of feedback. All this performance and fun and still enough room for everything you own. This car is an amazing mixture of all you need.
Zoom Zoom
dug74, 04/22/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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Well after having the MSP3 for 3 months now, all can I can say is Zoom Zoom. The car never ceases to amaze me and others who I drive past. Only problem I have heard is the engine/gearbox mount could break, so everyone get it checked. The extra accessories make a huge difference, gotta love Xenons and Bose. Will continue to drive and love this car as its the best hot hatch on the market for the price. Well done Mazda.
ZOOM-ZOOM
Dowler, 05/14/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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I like the fact that I'm in full control of the car. This is the fastest four banger I have ever driven. Its fun and very spacious, the sound system is perfect and the sound of the car is perfect. The car has that perfect engine sound, not too deep but not too high pitched.
Speed 3
tvissues, 05/09/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put many happy miles on my still young speed 3. The car performs exceptionally well for the price. Interior surpases all in its class. Gas mileage is great for a turbocharged car if you can keep from using the Zoom pedal to the right. The shift feel was a problem but is easily fixed. The rumored tranny issues have since been quietly fixed. For ~25k + a few modifications for power = an excellent car that will send stock STI/Evo's in the dust and leave some BMW owners confused! The cable style shifter it is easily fixed with 20 bucks that will get you some shifter bushings (5 mins to install), synthetic tranny fluid, and an absolute must is a rear engine mount that is easy to switch out. The rear engine mount allows for less engine movement, better shifting and traction.
This Thing Rocks!!
Webby33, 07/03/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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I recently traded in my 2005 Mazda3S HB and got the Speed3 three days ago and this thing is unbelievable. It's totally a different animal than the regular 3. The turbo adds so much and the suspension is awesome. It corners like you're on rails and the stock Bridgestone Potenzas are way better than the stock Goodyears on the 3. The exhaust is much better too, it sounds mean. This car just begs to be driven fast and I got the red one so it's a cop magnet, but oh well. I think it's the only color to have with this car, it makes the black accents really pop big time. The MPG is about the same as the 3 too, which is awesome. If you are looking for a car in this class, go get an MS3!!
Best deal for your dollar
tho, 06/29/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price, the car is amazing. Fun to drive, looks great and decent economy for the power it puts out. Shifter needs to guided through the gears (i.e., vague). I have driven many worse manual transmission cars. Don't let this aspect be a deterrent. Power comes on quickly around the 3K RPM mark. It's a rush when you nail the pedal, hang on to the wheel. Although the gearing is "close ratio", you can be comfortable leaving it in gear around town and not shifting much. The car has plenty of power to get moving even in low RPM ranges.
Sure to Please
Alex, 08/20/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first Mazda I have ever purchased. This car has so much value, from the off-the-charts performance at this price point, to the interior styling, that I've become a hard core Mazda fan. I am an avid cyclist and golfer so the roominess of the hatchback was the initial attraction. I can safely highly recommend this vehicle to any consumer who needs the room for outdoor gear and family (or friends) but who also is a driving enthusiast. The only downside, some passengers might not be too keen on the sports suspension. The easy remedy is to allow them to drive, just once, and they'll be convinced its all worth it.
Bring on the ZOOM ZOOM!
Jiggins7919, 06/28/2010
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, being a car guy I knew exactly what I was looking for when I began my car search. Manual transmission, plenty of power, but also utility for my new family. Test drove several cars that were almost good enough, but fell in love with this quirky turbo immediately. Mine is SUPER red with Mazda RX-8 wheels and looks very sharp. I have the Grand Touring package that comes with a super radio and other fun options. The price was right on, and the gas mileage can be as good as you want it to be, or as bad as your right foot tells it to be! Simply put, a spectacular vehicle that does so many things well. I can't wait to get off from work and drive it home!
Nice but not nice enough.
Nemo, 09/27/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 3000 miles, the biggest complaint is the interior rattles from everywhere. You get used to the power and begin to wish for things like a quieter ride, even more torque at the very low end, lighter steering, a smoother clutch uptake and shifter (or a cooler DSG like the VW). Gosh sounds like I should have gotten the GTI 4door except for the fear of the VW lemon.
Too Much Fun
Brent Solman, 09/21/2007
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a Mazda3 which was fun to drive but when the Speed3 came out I traded my 3 in. The MazdaSpeed3 is outstanding, a sleeper car that no ones realizes the performance. I added a Fujita Cold Air Intake and now my car pulls 297 horses! Love the leather interior too and the nav system which is easy to use and comes in very handy.
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