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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Compact Car
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 6
MPG: 20/28 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.3L I4 263HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 4.8
Exterior: 4.7
Interior: 4.4
Overall: 4.7
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
1. First rate performance
2. Effortless acceleration
3. Practicality of a hatchback
4. Great value for the price
5. Precise handling
Top 5 Cons of 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
1. Reduce road noise
2. Shed some weight
3. More precise shifter
4. AWD version
5. Better brakes
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By GUEST
Submitted 2008-04-03 14:24:56
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Great sport wagon.
Unmatched for value received.
Grin factor is off the charts.
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Performance: AWD, More HP (is there EVER enough?)
CREATURE COMFORTS: Sunroof, Heat/Cool seats & Cupholders.
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
This segment is robust with entries. Coming from 30+ yrs of driving Hi-HP RWD's, this was to be my 1st sport compact. It was also to be delegated as my primary DD as I was finally giving in to $3 a gallon fuel prices on my 100+ mile per day commute. I did a lot of research prior to purchase for a vehicle with some mpg skills that didn't give up the farm on performance. I'm happy to say 14 months and 30k later my Speed 3 w/Grand Touring package is the home-run in the segment.
PROS (there are MANY, I'll only touch on the best):
Powertrain: 263HP/280TQ Nuff said. Great performance yet I can get 30+ hwy mpg if you drive for it. Considering whats on tap, I thought that was impressive. Lack of AWD at this performance level makes some torque-steer inevitable. Mazda manages it well, and if you press the stability control button (DSC) upon startup you disable it. As a lifelong gearhead I appreciate the ability to defeat this should I choose to. 3rd gear is definitely the go-to gear...the torque on tap really shines here. No dead spots in this baby. 280 ft lbs sees to that. Mine has the dealer installed CAI, and that'll put a smile on your face too if the acceleration won't.
Suspension: Handling is tight but not bone jarring on all but the most torn-up roads. You'll need to double your investment in order to be somewhat satisfied here, and does ANY car really do both perfectly for that matter? I own dedicated track cars, and what I can live with for 2 hours on the track is NOT what I can live with in a DD. Do I want great handling? Absolutely, and the Speed3 delivers here, and yet it can be forgiving at the limit should the road conditions prove you're a bit overcooked. Brakes are more than adequate as delivered. The hardware is there, if you need more fade resistance upgrade your pads and you're good to go.
Exterior: Stance is nice, wheels look great IMHO, and just enough change to differentiate it from mainstream models. Even with the mods, all but the in-the-know will dismiss it until you mash the angry pedal. Fart can muffler gives it a bit boy-racer look, I guess I'm my traditionalist roots show here to vote for dual tips
Creature Comforts: Interior space is both phenomenal and very flexible when you take exterior dimensions into account. Being a 5 door wagon helps here. 4 non-football linemen can fit comfortably inside, each with their own door no less. Seats are great for my size and frame (6'2" @225 lb), and its easy to have settings for both touring and (cough) more vigorous functions. A memory feature would be great, but at this price point, I can live without it. I have the Bose audio that comes with the GT package (GET THIS PACKAGE!). Its decent but I was hoping for more since the BOSE name was on it. I have hi-end aftermarket systems in other vehicles I own so I may be a little harsh here, as its a good factory system all in all. My iPod integrates decently, although I wish the steering wheel controls would also control the iPod, but at least its usable. Unique styling & LED function display on the center stack makes upgrading to aftermarket components difficult at best. Great HID package! It also includes 3 on the fly adjustments should you be loaded down with people and/or cargo and not desire oncoming drivers to bless you with their hi-beams. Rain-sensing wipers. Yes! First package I've ever driven that works as it should. Kudos. All the auto features (Climate, Stability, Wipers, etc) are indeed a blessing at this price point. 14 months & 30k miles later and the cabin is still tight; no rattles at all which I thought remarkable due to some of the washboard country roads I must drive on occasion.
Having raved on all this, is it perfect? Absolutely not. Is any car for that matter? Any vehicle is a collection of compromises, and this one makes all the right ones IMHO.
Things to change: Shifter is somewhat vague, clutch can be somewhat touchy in 1st/2nd. AWD would make this truly a giant killer (some say it already is). A sunroof would be nice (or to keep structural integrity intact, how about a glass roof option? Heated/Cooled seats & cupholders would be a great touch for the GT package. That's about it for my short list.
Bottom line: Would I buy it again? In a heartbeat. Due to limited availability mine didn't come equipped with NAV system, so I'd like to try one with that. Otherwise, Go have a cold one Mazda, you've done a remarkable job on this one!
By sportscommander
Submitted 2007-05-17 00:16:12
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Power and comfort for a car with tight suspension.
Only have 300 miles but took it for a 100 road trip varying speeds.
Combo of city/hwy mileage was close to 27 mpg. Compared to my Protege 5 (which is great car in itself), the ride is a lot smoother even on rough roads.
There's nothing not to like about this "steriod" Mazda 3.
For the price, it's got it all ... performance, great breaks, and the feel of a higher price car like a BMW. But a lot more fun driving this car than that higher price car ... truly a better bang for buck!!
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Some reviews I read say the shifiting is "vague." I disagree. Requires precise shifting but I'm sure an owner will get use to this requirement as time passes since the shifting is not so unforgiving for a close ratio, short shifting gearbox. I presume Mazda made it for the "race" driver type so I'm surprised to see so many family buyers. I wished the back seats folded completely flat like by PR5, but that's so minor compared to the car an owner gets.
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Mazda really made a great car. The PR5 I still own is an excellent car too but in a different way. Drives like go kart, great mileage, quick if you add a "turbo" muffler/computer reprogrammed, but a harder ride than the Speed 3 on rough surfaces. The car has great power when need yet drives docile enough for city driving. The car was marketed for 30s and under but from reviews I have read, an older buyer also has an interest. The muffler sound is no louder than the "turbo" muffler I have on my PR5, so for those who have complained about the sound, tells me the owner is the older type than the target market. I'm in my 50's but I have always owned performance cars that offer mobility, brake safety, mileage, and quickness. This car has all of that plus comfort for the performance/sports wagon owner. It performs right up there with more expensive cars for a lot less. Get one of the 5000 supposedly being sold in the US. I don't think you will regret it.
By rkpaup
Submitted 2007-01-02 11:50:20
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Acceleration.
Dynamic Stability Control.
Braking.
Handling.
Stereo System.
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Leather trim the doors.
Move dash-board vents closer to base of windshield.
Allow driver to completely disable the air-conditioner when climate control is in auto mode.
Make first and second gear a slightly higher gear ratio.
Increase range of clutch control.
Give more intensity control to the blue accent lighting.
Change the high beams to HID xenon and beef up the low beam xenon lights.
Add a boost pressure gauge.
Optimize engine mapping to 91-92 octane gas.
Move intercooler to front of car.
Change rim lug pattern to a more common pattern so tire selection is more accommodating.
Add a turbo temperature gauge or timer to let you know when it is safe to shut off the engine.
Add a full manual mode on the turbo boost control when Dynamic Stability Control is turned off and make this engine warm up faster!
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
This is a great car and it's very fun to drive. This car is very agile with quick acceleration and braking response and better than average visibility. With the BOSE 7-speaker sound system, which includes a BOSE base box under the passenger seat, these are all the variables for a perfect commuter car. I can pass those left lane losers that forgot the "slower drivers stay right" courtesy. I can switch lanes before that old stay-at-home mom in the SUV or ball-cap sporting, homophobe with the rubber balls hanging off the hitch speeds up so that you can't get in. Also, avoiding potholes and road debris is as easy as a twich of the steering wheel. I can humble just about any tailgater with a single punch of the gas and finally, I can stop on a dime when that cell phone talking teenager or half asleep, velocitized commuter misses the brake cue from the red, illuminated devices on the car in front of them. Oh, and by the way, if the car behind me misses my brake cue, I can swerve out of the way while braking on any surface with my 4-wheel anti-lock, extra beefy disc brakes. Seriously, though, this car is perfect for me. My wife, 2 kids and a fith wheel (metaphor for fith person, not a recreational trailer) fit comfortably. The back seat has as much leg room as most mid-sized sedans and the hatch has twice the capacity of most trunks. Back seats fold down so you can haul those fence posts and boards if needed. The front seats are very comfotable and the anti-whiplash, head restraint actually touches your head when you sit back. The GT model comes loaded with many cool features like a gas mileage computer, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 6-disc CD changer w/ auxiliary input port, HID Xenon low beams, additional 12vDC socket and leather trimmed seats. I takes some practice launching from a dead stop, but when the tires spin, theres very little torque steer. Actually, I love the fact that I have all that power in my hand on the steering wheel; it's very exhilarating! Last month, we had snow and black ice, so I took it out on the road. This car handles better than my old 93 civic did on ice and snow. I tested the traction control/dynamic stability control by swerving, braking and accelerating with the stock summer tires and I was very impressed. So impressed, I drove it to work (40 miles) everyday of our icy weather. This car won't lose control. The PCM (power control module) controls the fuel to the engine regardless of how much gas you give it, so if it slips, it brakes and cuts fuel accordingly. I love my car so much, I try and find reasons to go for drives (my wife has caught on though).
By GUEST
Submitted 2006-11-27 18:23:03
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Where else are you going to find a very capable 263HP, 280LB, 6-speed for under $30,000? With the braking performance of a GT race car, there is no sport compact on the market today that can beat it. The interior is very functional for an experienced racer, leather accents on the seats as opposed to full leather. For those that know that all leather seats and racing doesn't mix. Performance is first rate. A very well designed engine.
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Given the size of the vehicle you couldn't shed much weight off of it. But that would be the best thing. Some complain of road noise, yet I'm assuming they've never driven a performance vehicle before. The road noise is very minimal given the characteristics of the car. A front mounted intercooler, larger than the one it has would be my only suggestion. Yet I'm sure I'll do that to the car eventually anyway.
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Simply the most bang for your buck of any car on the road, minus maybe the Corvette. But if you can't afford a corvette, the Mazdaspeed 3 gives you the feel of a racer, and the comfort of a sedan. You can honestly fit 4 adults comfortably in it. Not only that even with added weight the engine gives power througout the powerband. Passing people is fun in this car. There's no better feeling on the road than going from a smooth 65mph to 100 in a couple seconds. My only dissapointment with the car is having to park it sometimes.....I'd rather drive it 24/7. Zoom-zoom.
By GUEST
Submitted 2008-12-30 18:17:38
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Performance, when the car is not being repaired.
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
An engine that does not burn oil like crazy. Less vague shifter. Less interior noise. Better sound system.
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Great car to drive... when it's working. My car went through a qt of oil every 500 miles from the first day I had the car. The engine blew at 9,000 miles and the replacement engine installed by the dealer is a dog. I read great things about this car, but I got stuck with a LEMON.
By GUEST
Submitted 2008-02-26 16:58:54
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
power handling
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
less turbo torque more smoother engagement from shifter
By GUEST
Submitted 2008-02-23 07:43:06
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
interior plastics light housings
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
reduce road noise
wheel and tire options that are a little more pracarical
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
A blast to drive and I like looking at it
I owne a 2008
By GUEST
Submitted 2008-01-29 18:58:05
Performance:
Exterior: 
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
ITS FAST HANDLES GOOD HAS GREAT BRAKES AND IS ALOT OF FUN
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
AWD A BETTER INTERCOOLER
By GUEST
Submitted 2007-12-31 18:18:44
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
That's a tough question, as there are numerous things I like about owning and driving the Sport Trim Model. The feel of the road is exemplary and the speed is amazingly smooth and quick for such a small engine mounted with a turbo. I like the practicality of the car as well since I've a wife and two kids under 14. The sound system is fair (I miss my Kenwood from the previous Mazdaspeed Pro I owned) & the seats hug well in the front and back. The profile is clean and quite the hidden gem since it looks like other Mazda 3's, just a bit more fatter. I like the sound of the engine as I enter my parking structure - oft time setting off other's alarms. The handling is superb too!
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
I guess I'd want a better shifter as I've inadvertantly gone from 5th to 2nd or 2nd to 5th. I rarely let my hand wander from the stickshift when shifting in lower gears and Thank God I live in socal where the roads are drivable with better weather than most areas. I would want a better sound system AND honestly, I'd want to feel the road more like I did in my previous Mazdaspeed Pro. I like the hidden turbo ducts, but I think a FMR would make more sense.
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Read above.
By bj70117
Submitted 2007-12-02 10:16:59
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
This a good car. Thank God Ford has not messed with the concept so far. Fit and finish are above average and the interiors materials don't look as cheap as the GTI.
Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
The exterior has become dated. Most rivals have had makeovers since the 3s introduction.
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
What would improve this car? New body shape and all wheel drive. Spinning tires leave me cold not to mention dead on slow. Mazda needs to introduce a new model ASAP. The body style was great for a long time, but seriously, new models from VW and Volvo make it look bland. In addition, Mazda has reduced the warranty to 3 years. I my opinion, this is not acceptable.
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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