Used 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mazdaspeed 3 since its last redesign.
2011 Speed 3, Initial Review
MARROD, 10/08/2010
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Traded in '09 GT hatch,(2.3, 5M),a very good car. Had the new Speed 3 for just over a week, 1100 miles with a trip from mid MI to the UP. Car feels more substantial, much stronger and more firmly planted than the regular Mazda 3. Very good brakes and steering. Shifter better than I expected. The Tech Package and new shift pattern have me on a learning curve. Good driver's seat. Power in 1st and 2nd is scary, torque steer, but manageable. In third and up, power flow is great. Even in 6th, power is right there for passing at highway speeds. Read out showed 29.4mpg for the trip, paper/pencil 28.9. Great for a new, tight power train. Nice touring car for 1 or 2. Can't be beat for the price!
Best Car for the Money!
Bao Q., 10/21/2010
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have owned several different sport cars, and the most impressive car in my recent memory was still the 02 BMW 330C. However, after owning this car for two weeks now, I can confirm that this is a better car and much more affordable than the 3-series. I tested the new Subaru WRX in the morning and planned a backup with the MS3. Surprisingly, the MS3 became the target purchase right after I drove it. The main reason I dont like the WRX is that the gear box is little bit shaky, while the MS3s box is rock solid. In addition, the MS3 is much roomier than the WRX. Its back seat can fit two child seats comfortably! Thanks to MS3, a family man can still drive a high performance sport car now! Ano
All this for less than $25,000?!?!?!
dkurtz42, 04/17/2011
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Just picked up Black Mica Speed3 with tech package 3 days ago. Paid EXACTLY the price edmunds TMV said I should including Mazda's current $500 incentive. Under $25,000 including tax (traded in a vehicle to offset costs). About 10 seconds into the ride home and I was never quite as confident of making a good decision when purchasing a new car. You literally cannot stop your self from having fun driving this car. So much value for the price. Once on the highway, I could obtain 30-31 mpg running 60mph in 6th. 2 car seats fit ok in the back. I have to slide my seat forward just a bit when my son rides with me. I wouldn't buy this as your primary family car. Overall VERY pleased. Zoom-Zoom.
10,000 Miles In
civitaresel, 02/24/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Cross shopped WRX, Ralliart, GTI. None offer as much equipment for the money. I've deemed third gear the yellow light gear as its the one to go to in order to blast from 35 ish to 65 or so. Merging is a joke, even in Philly where no one moves over (I'm a burgher), simply engage the yellow light gear and go. Constant 75 mph on Pa turnpike for 300 miles yields 28 mpg as calculated at the pump. Even in sixth you easily pass any car with vigor. Exhaust is very quiet at highway speeds. Seats are comfortable but if you're anything other than slim to medium weight (I'm 5'10 and 175 on a fat day) they will most likely be to form fitting for you. Overall, very pleased with the purchase
Performance and Luxury for 27k
ian_m, 10/17/2011
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Traded in my 2007 MS3 for a 2012 w/ tech package. Even though many shun from the new "smiley" look, the added features of the tech package will make you overlook the car's questionable design. Even though the older MS3 felt more aggressive, the new one has longer 1st and 2nd gears with a lot less torque steer. Gas mileage stays the same (19-21 city; ~30 hwy). Road noise is somewhat loud but tolerable. Nav screen is too small and more difficult to use compared to the nav in the older models. The hood scoop looks amazing and gives the car that POWER look. This car definitely gets a lot of looks, more than the older model for sure.
The Darkness has enveloped me
rickibobbi, 07/03/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Just got my MS3 in black, I've put on a heftier rear motor/transmission mount and a heftier rear sway bar (for autocross), Strange sensation to have all that power and control (particularly with the mods) and for such a low price, the dealers can't sell them because of the manual transmission, I kid you not, I test drove one that had a dead battery, it was sitting in a back lot, covered in dust, surrounded by mazda3 automatics, quite forlorn, but I got a really great price on the car! An amazing driver's car, simply fun and well sorted. Couldn't recommend it more. You'll run out of courage before this car runs out of a capability.
Best purchase i have ever made
bankaieggo, 10/27/2011
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 04 Mazda 3 5-dr for this. I test drove it, drove it home. Everyone at the dealership was mad because they didn't get a chance to drive it before it got sold. lol The clutch takes a little getting used to as it catches very early. Also ride is a little harsher than my 3, but i attribute that to 18" lower profile tires and better suspension. I take turns going twice what i did in my old car. Stock tires are only summers so make sure you get a set of winter tires(+seperate wheels, it will save you money in the long run) if you live anywhere that gets anything more than a flurry. The bluetooth is great, good stereo. Torque steer is not that bad. Overall, would buy it again.
Zoom-Zoom It Is
fastlane123, 04/14/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've owned a 2004 Nissan 350Z Grand Touring model and from the experience of driving that car for 6 years, I can definitely say that this 2012 Mazdaspeed3 is nearly as excellent as the Z when it comes to cornering at high speed and 0-60 mph time; simply a superb machine. The best time I've ever gotten from this car when going from 0-60 mph was 5.4 sec at San Antonio Raceway, Texas. As a hatchback, 5 doors and contains 5 seats, by performance, it is not too far off from my Nissan 350Z with the time of 5.1 sec. I am very impressed how the turbo makes no lag and shows consistency throughout every hard push of the gas pedal. Just don't take my opinion alone, drive one for yourself & you'll see.
Can't beat it
unlvrebels, 02/11/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
I had been doing research for a year and a half for my next car. I was going to choose one of the following three; VW GTI, Subaru WRX, MS3. I test drove each and everyone of them they all were great, but the MS3 truely stood above the rest. Power, Performance, Comfort, options standard, looks (the grill you get over shortly). I currently have 1500 miles on it and have loved every minute of it. Not a big fan of the city MPG, but it was defenately something to I expected, but what was unexpected was the great HWY MPG. I recently did a drive from Las Vegas to Phoenix which was roughly 400 miles. Did with only using 3/4 of the tank which gave me a whopping 32 MPG.
Impressive for the $$$ spent
inet_dude, 06/07/2011
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 2011 MS3 is now 3 weeks old with roughly 1200 miles on it. Just about every review on this site is dead on with observations of handling and power. Mine is in Velocity Red and turns a few heads in my neighborhood as well. Styling is subjective but it's really hard to argue the price-to-performance ratio. Also, I read a lot of criticism about the small multi-function nav screen but I have found mine to be of high quality, great resolution, and it gets me where I want to go without fuss.
Lasting Fun
vnmn, 08/10/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After now owning the Speed3 since March I have come to find this little car to be a very good sports car as far as power delivery and over all athleticism goes, it just does everything it is supposed to no matter how hard you push it. I really look forward to driving it daily. The seats are a bit fugly and uncomfortable, those being my two largest complaints(MAZDA, GIVE US ALL BLACK LEATHER WITH POWER!).As far as the front grille topic all the new Mazda's have a grin so bare it. Torque steer on this Gen is not an issue, it actually makes this car more fun and I wouldn't want it without some. I drove a 2012 GTI yesterday and it seriously bored me, it really felt lethargic in comparison.
2nd One I've Owned
brentonlange, 12/09/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd Speed3 I have owned. The first one was a project car. This one will be a project car as well. The overall value is unbeatable. So what, the NAV screen is small...but you still have nav compared to other models. The price is amazing for a small sports car. So far I have not lost a redlight-to-redlight race yet against trucks, or other cars. What you may not know, this car is lighter than most and with 263HP stock, you can beat many people right off the line and keep your edge for the mile long run. Great car, will definatly buy another one unless Mazda screws it up (doubtful). I have bought three Mazda's in the past year, all have of them have been amazing!
Just what I wanted
rockinkuwait, 06/09/2013
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I wanted a used Speed3, but ended up going new as there were only 2 used pre-owned Mazdaspeed3's in the state when I started car shopping. It has been everything I've wanted. Currently commuting to work and it even does that well (avg 28 mpg, and most is a little two lane highway where I have the power to pass in this). Lots of fun, no problems at all mechanically so far and 40 thousand miles into the car, I still smile every time I drive it. Only issue I had was wishing you could pick something other than summer only tires if you live in colorado, though I did manage on those through two winters...
Wow. Incredible Buy.
zoomerdan, 07/07/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car (July 2012) after doing lots of research on fun sporty cars on Edmunds. I needed passenger room, but wanted something fun to drive. There's only a few cars that fit that category. This happens to be the cheapest- and the best. No other car offers such speed, handling, technology (like bluetooth and Bose radio), solid design and build quality, in a multi-passenger vehicle. I simply love it. The closest competitor is at least 5K more money.
It's fantastic,,,
mrdreadnot, 01/29/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned a 2007, 2010, now a 2012. All were GREAT ! For those on the fringe of buying a hot hatch, don't go by reviews or word of mouth: test drive one and see for yourself. One of the things that burns me is that some say the seats are uncomfortable. For me (real bad back and over 300 lbs) they are perfect. Drove back and forth from TX to CA several times,no prob. Torque steer? It will get your heart pumping if you don't expect it. Road noise? The throaty sound from the engine is to die for. Price? Try beating it.
Doesnt get any better for $ vs Hp
don_83, 04/25/2011
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
You get 280 lb/ft at from a car that costs 23k to start. Mazda has made a true winner here and the car has a lot of plus points. Its comes loaded in standard form and Interior is very well laid out for a compact with true seating for 5. The handling is very sharp and the ride is on the stiff side. The only downside is the exterior styling which doesn't cut it for some buyers. 6 speed is precise and its never hard to find the right gear. I think its a great platform to improve on and sort out all the quirks for the next gen. The new ECU is not as easy to mod as prior years even though the motor is the same. I would give the speed 3 a serious look before pulling the plug on any other hatchback
I've owned two of them!
Jon, 08/07/2018
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love these cars. All-around they are practical. I have three kids, all of which fit. The car is very zippy. My current one has a little over 400 to the wheels, and I still average 26mpg with a lead foot! I've had 0 issues out of both of them. Only thing I've had to replace is the front wheel bearings, and some end links. I couldn't ask for anything more reliable!!
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Speed3
jbbrow00, 10/18/2010
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I went from a 2010 GTi to the 2011 Speed3 and it was worth it. The speed3 is much more fun to drive, smoother acceleration, better content included in package and significantly more solid.
Goodbye VW
madpuffin, 12/30/2011
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 18 people found this review helpful
Having been a VW FANatic since I was 16 has been practically destroyed after getting into this beast built by Mazda. I have owned 3 GTI's with the last one being an 07 Turbo, dumped tons of money into this problem festmaxed out the performance without going the big turbo upgrade route and then the little German car made in mexico (lame) started to cryall the time. I can't remember when I didn't have some sort of problem light on my dash Unlit. Mazdaspeed is awesome and it allows for amazing tuning for the enthusiast. This is an enthusiast cargiven away from the feeling of sheer fun it is to drive this thing, although it can be a rough ride and I love it. Old men and children stay away.
Defintely "What Do You Drive"
alfagtv630, 06/13/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
A car built for drivers, with little compromise. If you don't love to drive (and I don't mean tour), this is not the car for you. Congrats to Mazda for being willing to build a car like this knowing that it will be a low volume seller at best. Think a practical, budget Lotus, older 911, Alfa GTV6 (or maybe a 75 sedan or 164S), BMW Z3 coupe or E30 M3, Saab 9-3 Viggen or early 9000 turbo, Audi Quattro GT or a first-gen A-4... or a number of true Europe-only hot hatches (Ford Escort RS). Go look up an Alfa 146 GTA, maybe that is the best comparison! The styling has grown on me, in black, silver or now available pearl white tones it down a bit for more mature drivers.
Mazdaspeed3 Great Car
Tom, 03/02/2019
updated 03/03/2022
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is still This is a great car, pretty quick, extremely reliable / no breakdowns, better than average 4w disc brakes. 16,000 miles in 8 years, the car is still great.
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First Mazda, or Japanese car for that matter.
chriskojali, 04/19/2012
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 12 people found this review helpful
I'm a performance guy...I don't care about horsepower but driving dynamics mean everything to me. My last 10 cars have been several M3s, a couple Audis, and a GTI. The easy choice would've been another GTI and I would be quite content. But I took a chance on the Speed3 and I'm ecstatic I did. This car has excellent handling and the monster torque steer (hard to handle under hard acceleration) is kind of endearing...you know you need to pay attention when you press the GO! pedal. I'm not a fan of the interior, especially when compared to an Audi, but it works and is growing on me. The styling is a bit 'out there' but it's growing on me too. You won't see yourself coming down the road.
ZOOM ZOOM is Correct!
mazdaman2011, 12/28/2011
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Traded in my 97 Miata for this MS3 Black Baby...was a bitter sweet trade as the roadster gave years of fun, but wife would not drive it so... Stock MS3 is all that is needed to be sure, but if you need all the "gadgets" go for it in the "Tech Package"! Power, Style, and Driveability in one package, no more need be said other than price is outstanding for what is provided. Compared and test drove regular MAzda 3 and similar vehicles and decided to go for it without hesitation.
tires wear out at 17,000 miles
bryanp98, 04/19/2012
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my vehicle in january 2011 at Cerritos Mazda new. 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 Black mica, Exellent performance but you will need to buy new tires at 15,000 miles each tire will cost you $250. or more and also you'll need an aligment because my tires they were wear out from the inside. warranty will not cover poor aligment or tires wear out to early.
Speed3
Mickey Anderson, 08/25/2016
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Turbo torque a little high
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Silver bullet
serezhkin, 05/17/2012
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's been a year since I got my MS3 with Tech Package. I come from 96 5series/ 01 Infiniti so I expect a lot of features, quality interior and ample power, plus I wanted utility. MS3 delivers all this, and for only $25k. Checked out WRX (poor interior) and GTI (not many features and low power). MS3 won hands down. Love every minute of driving it, even a year and 6k miles later. The ride is pretty firm - you feel a lot of the road through the sit, and bumps can shake your soul out , but it corners like on rails and steers like a go cart. The torque steer is very manageable, and is a minor bother in 1st gear only. The audio system is great, climate control works like a charm. Great job, Mazda!
drivers car
joe, 04/16/2024
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is so fun to drive , driving this car hard keeps you on your toes, it is unforgiving if you make a mistake it'll let you. There's very little computer interference if you turn off driver controls and still gets reasonably good gas mileage very reliable with low maintenance cost Zoom Zoom
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Fun but be prepared to repair it
Wyatt, 08/07/2020
2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have a 2011 Mazdaspeed3. 1 year after owning it I wanted some feedback directly from the Mazda dealership. They provided ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I asked if they could tell me some of the service intervals of this car especially when it comes to cleaning out the carbon. I was told to look in the owners manual. I looked and could not find ANYTHING! I took my car to a mechanic I’ve used for years and asked them to do a carbon cleaning. The put some cleaner in the fuel tank and said it would be fine. 2 intake valves broke 1 year later costing me $2500 to repair. It did not work because the car is Direct Injection. 6 months later my shocks blow out. $1000 repair. It’s fun if you like repairs and turbocharged engines.
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