Used 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Consumer Reviews
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Blvd Posers need not apply
Rico, 11/12/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Bang For The Buck.
Rod, 04/10/2010
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
No other car sold in America, in 2009, gave you more. Performance and Fun for the Money. Not Even Close!
Amazing car - BE CAREFUL BEFORE YOU BUY THOUGH!
Stephen H, 11/23/2017
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The good: This is just an amazing performance car. Great ride/handling balance, big power, super fun-to-drive. I think it looks great too. The bad: DO NOT buy one of these if you can't give it the attention it requires (ESPECIALLY a high-mileage one). This car has a few major parts that often have problems - mainly the turbo, the timing chain/ vvt tensioner, and various suspension components (all of which are time-consuming and VERY expensive to repair). BE SURE to read up extensively on mazdaspeed forums on these and other potential issues. If you do buy one, CHECK THE OIL WEEKLY (at the least). These cars tend to eat oil more than your average car. I would also have it thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic. Ideally, check for smoking exhaust after idling for 10+ minutes (sign of bad turbo) and do a compression test and oil pressure test if possible. Again, a great car, but if you're buy one, just know what you could be in for. It's like having a really beautiful, high maintenance girlfriend - you take the good with the bad : )
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Still impressed after 3 years
blinky1004, 07/27/2013
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
On the advice of a car dealer/racer friend I purchased my Speed3 after first test driving the GTI, WRX sti, Mini S, Lancer RalleyArt and Cobalt SS. This car made me say "Holy cr@p!" more than any of the others. The Speed3 was an upgrade from my 2005 Pontiac GTO which was incredibly fast, but lacked cornering, braking, space, utility, and was extremely expensive to own. The Mazda is a much more complete performance car. After 36,000 miles it's still capable of shocking the bejeezus out of me with its acceleration, cornering, and braking. I've had no quality issues, rattles, squeaks. etc. We take this car on long trips instead of my wife's Maxima because it's more comfortable. I love this car!
Great car for the Price.
Wayne, 09/19/2016
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This really is a great performing car. Its still surprise me what is can do. Its ultra stable on a open highway and loves to be pushed hard in turns. Reliability has been really good. But it needs a little more maintenance than your average car. I have replaced all the shocks with better aftermarket ones since the shocks when bad around 60K. Upgraded the sway bars front and rear, the linkages are know to go bad. Also make sure you change the transmission fluid every 40K since transmission can go bad on higher millage cars. Besides that there have been no major issues. If you want a car that is great fun, low repair cost and space for small kids can't go wrong with the speed3.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love It
djakimczuk, 10/20/2008
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
An eye-opener
Shane D, 02/13/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
First Impressions
Brother Zachary, 04/02/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
(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.
UPGRADE FROM A CIVIC SI
Scott Craig, 06/19/2010
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had a 2007 Honda Civic SI 4dr which was my "dream car" before this MS3. I put 90K miles on it in 2 years and needed another inexpensive "fun to drive" sales rep commuter vehicle. I had owned a 2003.5 Mazda Speed Protege so the MS3 was my next logical choice. This car performs "way beyond my wildest expectations". While in stock form, the SI actually corners harder, the motor in the MS3 is amazing!! Another surprise, if you shift the MS3 at 3000 RPM's or below you can achieve 30MPG! I find this truly amazing!! 280 Ft Lbs of torque and still better Hwy mileage than a Honda Civic SI! The build quality is exceptional and I just did the 30K service and a set of tires! That's it, ZERO defects!
Definitely worth the price
djplumking, 03/10/2011
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it new in 2009 and I was in love with it. 1200 miles later, my turbo start failing during acceleration. Take it in, I'm told Mazda knows about it but there's no fix. Take it in a second time, they basically ignore me. There are tons of rattles and squeaks that start to develop, though most will go away if you squirt some WD40 on it or shove some foam somewhere to create pressure to stop the rattling (like the steering column). It's still a fun car and definitely worth the money. There are some things that I do love about it, but I'm going to move on since this car isn't exactly great for stop and go traffic that I'm typically stuck in. (Didn't have a commute when I bought it.)
GREAT (except dealer-AutoTown Mazda, Portland OR)
dlen, 06/19/2011
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Possibly the "best" car, for the money, I've ever had! (Except for dealership experience--see my review, no, see ALL the Edmunds reviews of the AutoTown [violative content deleted]) I previously had an '02 Z06, and while it was more HPDE capable, the 'speed3 is more enjoyable at all "public streets" speeds, and twice the value/dollar as the 'vette (assuming you don't need the "Corvette ego massage.") I've enjoyed a "decadent 2nd childhood" the last 20 yrs--including 2 M3s, 3 SVT Cobras (2 "R"s), and a few '60s muscle cars--and the 'speed3 is a balanced highlight, overall. I'm waiting 'til the warranty's used up before I try any mods (that could be used as an excuse to void my warranty); 2013 s/be fun.
Decent car for the price
Jaime C. F., 02/11/2010
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
bought the last 2009 model in charlotte, nc in january, 2010. so far i enjoy the car. i like the looks and the power. its a simple car, not many upgrades for the top end line, but i only paid 23k out the door; so i shouldn't complain. its obviously very quick and fun to drive. i don't like the 6 speed though as the gears wind too quickly. not my most favorite car, but i am hoping it will grow on me.
Why new tires in only 1 year
red miata too, 01/11/2010
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car is fine -not half as fun as my Miata but the size is good and the looks are fine. It has great storage for carrying things. The inside controls are difficult to get used to. I am disappointed in the way it handles in snow. My main concern is that I have to replace the tires after just 1 year.
An amazing car at an amazing price
BHazard, 10/31/2008
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
TOO MUCH FUN!!
wrxforlunch, 11/10/2008
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!:-)
A little monster.
09Spd3, 11/14/2008
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
True Red Terror
Max, 12/27/2008
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Car for Your Money
Alex, 02/04/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Speed dreams
svenspeed, 03/24/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
compact monster
Zman, 03/23/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best value for the money
Tommy O., 04/14/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great little car!!
ew, 04/30/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
True Red Pocket Rocket
dagger23, 05/14/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
What a blast
JP, 05/25/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Traded My Miata -> No Regrets
Chris D, 11/03/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Fun Car
FastGal, 12/08/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well I wanted to treat myself to a fun vehicle,and I was turn on to this little booger !and all I can say is wow every time I put my foot in her (which is more times than I should !).
Awesome Car at 25+ MPG
george, 02/09/2010
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
80 mph hwy car gets 27-28 mpg, 25 around town. If you are aggessive expect 15-20. As others have said, Fun to drive, great power, ete. but stopping is incredible. Have avoided two sure accidents with these massive brakes! I even pull my dirtbikes on a small trailer and I hardly know its there. Amazing to pull a trailer with such a small car but does so easily.
Making Dad jealous!
Seank512, 03/13/2010
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought a used 09 speed 3 and love it. I researched the car for a while but couldn't find one with low miles. I wanted one with low miles because of the known fact of their turbo seals blowing and then one appeared with only 3k on it. Bought it within an hour. i love it so far. Its fast, comfortable DD, and a def. sleeper. Would be nice with a sunroof but I'd take safety any day. When I bought it i took it home to pops to let him see it. Instantly jealous!
Fantastic Car
rbrickweg, 03/31/2011
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I spent over a year researching cars to buy when I finally got a job after college and I finally decided on the Mazdaspeed 3. I lucked out and found a Grand Touring model with the windows already tinted and it only had about 5K miles on it. I LOVE this car!! By far the best bang for your buck when it comes to performance cars. I am an aggressive driver and this car handles and BRAKES on a dime! The only problem I have ever had is the pistons have misfired a few times due to bad gasoline. Currently at about 34K miles and going strong! I also highly recommend getting the Test Pipe from StreetUnit.com, it's awesome and gives you a 20 HP boost for only $160!!
Favorite car ever until...
Parker, 07/04/2021
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a brand new 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 in October of 2008 with only 12 miles on the odometer. It's by far the most fun car I have ever owned. It's extremely fun to drive and the acceleration and handling is mind blowing for a front wheel drive hatchback. Sadly, it just recently died. At 156,000 miles the piston rings gave out. It is now a 3,150 lbs paperweight. I didn't drive it like I stole it and took good care of it. I changed the oil (full synthetic) every 5000 miles and followed all the recommended maintenance. I guess you can't expect an engine with a large turbo pushing almost 16 lbs of boost to be a 300,000 mile car like a Honda Civic. It breaks my heart even more because everything else was in perfect working order. I never even had to change so much as a headlight bulb.
Un-Japanese Reliability
Chad B, 04/06/2009
2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.