Used 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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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.
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Best purchase i have ever made
bankaieggo, 10/27/2011
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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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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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