Entered CNET Catalog: 10/21/2006
SKU: 100778262
Manufacturer: Mazda
Product summary
The good: The 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda3 is the best handling front-wheel-drive car we've tested. Its engine puts out good power and makes a satisfying growl, all while delivering decent gas mileage. The car looks good and has practical interior space.
The bad: The stereo system interface is terrible, and worse, the dashboard isn't aftermarket-friendly. The aux jack in our test car didn't work and the disc changer wouldn't play MP3s. Turbo lag is an issue in hard acceleration.
The bottom line: Although the 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda3 looks good and seems like a lot of fun at first, a few problems start to reveal themselves. While we never tire of good handling, a good stereo would also be nice.
Average user rating: from 10 users
4.5 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/27/2007
Photo gallery:
Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda3
Mazda joins the ranks of automakers offering tuned-up versions of their popular small hatchbacks with its 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda3. Mazdaspeed takes its place amongst GTI and Si as an indicator that the car it's emblazoned on is designed for low-end sport driving. Mazdaspeed took the Mazda3, an already peppy and fun little hatchback, and tightened the suspension, dropped in a turbocharger, and gave it a limited slip differential.
The result is a car with a great-sounding engine growl and some of the best handling we've seen in a front-wheel-drive configuration. But all isn't perfect in Mazdaspeed land--acceleration suffers from turbo lag, torque steer is a factor, and the stereo is a complete mess. And you won't be upgrading the sound system, as the dashboard configuration isn't suitable for easy stereo replacement. We like the look of the car, though some might not care for the tuner-look elements, such as the rear spoiler and the big exhaust tip. Mazda's design language combines the right amount of curves with more modern, smoothed out elements on the sides, hood, and roofline. The front is particularly interesting, with Mazda's new tiny grille above the bumper, and an extralarge honeycomb intake below. The fog lights also float in their own slots on either side of the grille. But with its four doors and hatchback, it remains as practical of a car as the Mazda3 on which it is based. Test the tech: Running to 60After reviewing the Volkswagen GTI, a reader e-mailed us that the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 is a worthy competitor. So, as we had tested the GTI by doing zero-to-60mph timed runs, we decided to do the same with the Mazdaspeed Mazda3. However, the drivetrains of these two cars are very different. The GTI had Volkswagen's fast-shifting direct shift gearbox (DSG), while the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 has a regular six-speed manual. The Mazdaspeed Mazda3 should regain the edge with its 2.3-liter intercooled and turbocharged engine. The GTI's engine is also turbocharged but only 2 liters. When we tested the GTI, we had four people in the car. We decided not to repeat that test, only having two people in the Mazdaspeed Mazda3. These tests aren't all about getting the best time from zero to 60mph--if we wanted to do that we would only have one person in the car and we would do our best to destroy the clutch in the process. While we try to get a respectable time, we also want to see how the car handles under hard acceleration.
With our performance computer in place, we drive out to our testing ground.
With its sport seats and metal pedals, there's no mistaking the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 for the regular old Mazda3 when you get behind the wheel. The seats are manually adjustable, but an extra lever lets you change the height. They are covered in a grippy material that keeps you from sliding around during hard cornering. The steering wheel is a three-spoke design with embedded buttons for cruise control and the audio system. The materials, fit, and interior look is all very good. A navigation system is available for the Mazdaspeed Mazda3, but we didn't have it on our test car. If it's anything like what we saw in the Mazda CX-7, it's a worthwhile option. Bluetooth cell phone integration isn't available in the Mazdaspeed Mazda3, so that leaves us with the stereo. The standard system in our Grand Touring trim level Mazdaspeed Mazda3 has a six-disc in-dash changer, an auxiliary input in the console, seven Bose speakers, and a 220-watt amp. We also had the Sirius satellite radio option.
Three knobs is one too many. This is probably the worst stereo interface we've seen.
The Mazdaspeed Mazda3 mainly stands out for its driving experience. Anyone getting behind the wheel will feel a happy adrenaline rush as the engine growls and the car shoots forward. Flicking the steering wheel and feeling the control the car offers will engender feelings of driving superiority. And for the most part, the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 keeps its performance promise. We ran the car through San Francisco city streets, down Bay Area freeways, and on twisty mountain roads during our week of driving. Some rain also gave us wet pavement to work with. In all of the cornering we put the car through, it proved to be one of the best handling front-wheel-drive cars we've driven. We had a good, twisty mountain road complete with a few 15mph hairpins to drive the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 on, and it gripped the corners well. The wheel is very responsive and the car's limited slip differential makes a serious difference in letting the tires dig in, right at the point where you think they're going to break free. We also took corners at speed in the wet, and again, we could feel the tires digging in right where we expected them to start slipping.
An intercooler and turbocharger bring this four-cylinder engine's output up to 263 horsepower.
Mazda equips its Mazdaspeed series cars pretty well, so there are few options to choose from. Our Mazdaspeed Mazda3 had the Grand Tourer trim ($23,955) and only one option, Sirius satellite radio ($430). With a $595 destination charge, that makes for a total of $24,980. The only serious tech option we didn't have was navigation, available for $1,750. In the world of hot hatchbacks, the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 exhibits a few important values, but not all. It's got the handling, the body style, and a peppy engine. But it won't deliver the thumping bass that is also part of the hot hatchback culture, and the stereo won't easily be upgraded to satisfy music lovers. The Honda Civic Si can be had for less money with an excellent navigation system and a decent stereo. Or, for better performance, the Volkswagen GTI offers the DSG. What the Mazdaspeed Mazda3 has over both of these competitors is a roomier interior, hence, a note of practicality.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Most zoom for the money
Pros: Extremely fun to drive
Decent gas mileage if you can restrain yourself
Stealthy
Cons: More rattles than my previous Mazda3 S hatch, most likely due to the stiffer suspension.
Review: This car is a joy to drive; every single time you get in and start it up you will congratulate yourself on your astute car acumen. The great thing about it is you don't have to beat on it to enjoy it, it is very satisfying to drive like a normal car but knowing about the vast reserves of power at your disposal is like money in the bank.
Hardly anyone will recognize the supercar capability, so if you want a car that says "Look at me" this is definitely not it. This works in your favor when you blow the doors off almost everything else on the road. Good utility with the hatchback. This is probably the most fun car you can buy that can be used as a daily driver, but if you drive in winter conditions snow tires are a must.
My best gas mileage has been just over 29 with all highway driving and 20 when beating the crap out of it, averaging 24 overall which is not much below what I got with my 2006 3s hatchback. For some reason, the trip computer gas mileage reads about 2 mpg high so you should check the mileage yourself to get accurate readings.
The Mazdaspeed3 is a helluva car for the money.
Hardly anyone will recognize the supercar capability, so if you want a car that says "Look at me" this is definitely not it. This works in your favor when you blow the doors off almost everything else on the road. Good utility with the hatchback. This is probably the most fun car you can buy that can be used as a daily driver, but if you drive in winter conditions snow tires are a must.
My best gas mileage has been just over 29 with all highway driving and 20 when beating the crap out of it, averaging 24 overall which is not much below what I got with my 2006 3s hatchback. For some reason, the trip computer gas mileage reads about 2 mpg high so you should check the mileage yourself to get accurate readings.
The Mazdaspeed3 is a helluva car for the money.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Agreed with all others, reviewer needs to be slapped.
Pros: Extremely quick car, superb handling even on stock tires, beautiful power delivery, stylish, roomy, economical even on premium fuel, comfortable seating even for 4 adults, tons of trunk space, OUTSTANDING REVIEWS FROM EVERY OTHER BESIDES CNET.COM
Cons: Digging deep there are few cons for the price. Road noise a little high, sound quality is a little weak for a Bose unit... especially when compared to the stock unit in my 07 Mazda CX-7, but it's not horrible as the reviewer described.
Review: Bottom line, if you want something quick, fun to drive, safe, and reliable, you CAN'T find a better car for less than $25k.
The reviewer for Cnet should have done a little more homework during his "less than acceptable" review for this vehicle. Check Consumer Reports, Car and Driver, or any other reputable automotive reviewing source before taking the word of this idiot. It has been a Consumer Reports "Best Buy" for two years in a row, and Car and Driver's "Best Sport Compact" for three years strong. I have owned this car for almost a year now, and have put just over 7000mi on it. Highway, and city streets. The car has performed flawlessly! I bought this car after owning an Audi A4 1.8T for the past 4 years. It blows the Audi away as far a performance and handling is concerned.
Basically put, this car is flat-out a thrill to drive every day. Always puts a smile on my face. Either pushing it hard, or putting around, the car performs superbly and is by far the best car (in the price range) that I have ever driven.
The reviewer for Cnet should have done a little more homework during his "less than acceptable" review for this vehicle. Check Consumer Reports, Car and Driver, or any other reputable automotive reviewing source before taking the word of this idiot. It has been a Consumer Reports "Best Buy" for two years in a row, and Car and Driver's "Best Sport Compact" for three years strong. I have owned this car for almost a year now, and have put just over 7000mi on it. Highway, and city streets. The car has performed flawlessly! I bought this car after owning an Audi A4 1.8T for the past 4 years. It blows the Audi away as far a performance and handling is concerned.
Basically put, this car is flat-out a thrill to drive every day. Always puts a smile on my face. Either pushing it hard, or putting around, the car performs superbly and is by far the best car (in the price range) that I have ever driven.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Ummmm, what? Reviewer needs to wake up...
Pros: Excellent Handling and acceleration, brakes are fantastic, great interior space and interior trim. Seats are fantastic.
Cons: Turbo lag exists, but isn't bad. Torque steer exists, but isn't bad.
Review: Whoever reviewed this car for Cnet is insane. This is a fantastic car. I got the MS3 with the GT package and the stereo is great. Aux jack works fine. 0-60 times are substantially better than posted here. The Mazdaspeed 3 is a blast to drive all the time, and I find myself looking for reasons to go out to drive her. Check out a consumer reports magazine or any other reputable automotive review agency. I hate to say, but I have to suspect a bit of Honda/VW bias here... This thing crushes both the Civic Si and the VW GTI, overall. The Si has the 'Honda' name and the VW has great interior materials and one of the best steering wheels I have ever seen, but other than that, neither car can compare to the Mazdaspeed 3. I can say this because these were the three cars I researched, on a daily basis, for 4 months. I also test drove all three.
If you are in the market for a 'hot hatch', please don't use this review to determine your descision. Check out some other sources, you owe it to yourself.
If you are in the market for a 'hot hatch', please don't use this review to determine your descision. Check out some other sources, you owe it to yourself.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Brilliant Car at a Bargain Price
Pros: Torquey powerful engine. Incredible grip. Great Interior. Roomy. Perfect driving position for heel toeing.
Cons: Bit of torque steer under full throttle. Occasional lack of soundproofing evident with stereo
Review: Not sure what this reviewer was thinking. This is without a doubt the best Car I have ever driven. Cnet should stick to the interiors. Not sure how Cnet managed to get that high a 0-60 time considering Car and Driver and Road and Track both got 5.8 seconds to 60. This is a bit beside the point. This is an amzing car with a little turbo lag and a little torque steer. Put your foot down and the traction control does a great job of controlling the power. Occasional squeal from the tires after a gear change when too much power is given. Test the car on a winding road and you can see where it truly excels. The car seems to be stuck to the road and with proper driving techniques you can really power out of the corners. Great value. You cant get this kind of power for this cheap in any car. Ive driven the GTI as well and though fun to drive and technically a great car, it really lacked the fun of the mazda. This is probably attributed to the absurd power in the mazda.
Anyway a wonderful car and the best deal in the hot hatch segment.
Anyway a wonderful car and the best deal in the hot hatch segment.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
best bang for the buck right now
Pros: power, handling, rare, subtle, wagonesque room
Cons: some turbo lag, lacks some creature comforts
Review: I replaced my favorite car of the past 16 years (B13 Sentra SE-R) with my Speed3 in 11/06. The Speed3 offers the best of all worlds - incredible power, fantastic handling, 5-door hatch roominess.
One of my favorite aspects is how subtle it is - nobody knows what kind of screaming rocket I have unless they read the performance car magazines. I am hoping most cops mistake it for a regular Mazda 3. So far, so good.
I have been very impressed with the steering, suspension, and power combination. Autocross has been a barrel of laughs with the outrageous power when the turbo kicks in - mostly seemless, but some lag is inevitable. Overall, the best product of this type that is available for this money.
One of my favorite aspects is how subtle it is - nobody knows what kind of screaming rocket I have unless they read the performance car magazines. I am hoping most cops mistake it for a regular Mazda 3. So far, so good.
I have been very impressed with the steering, suspension, and power combination. Autocross has been a barrel of laughs with the outrageous power when the turbo kicks in - mostly seemless, but some lag is inevitable. Overall, the best product of this type that is available for this money.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 10 user reviews
STi KILLER! Editor is a R-****
Pros: pocket rocket = Mazdaspeed3
Cons: none really.
Review: I own one. and this is a great car. Almost everyone on the MAzada3 forums is modding this car in one way or another. This is also a very fast car and not for the faint of heart. specially if you don't know how to speed shift or how to drive a manual.
For example. Mr wayne Cunningham and his buddy are a R-****, they posted possibly the worst times one could get from a mazdaspeed3. I have a little sister who can drive better than those two. and Cnet you take off this review and its wrong in so many ways. Youtube for MAzdapssed3 videos and what you will get is people doing 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and running a 1/4 mile at over 100mph and mid 13's. Wayne, if its got a skirt of wheels, you're going to have problems.
For example. Mr wayne Cunningham and his buddy are a R-****, they posted possibly the worst times one could get from a mazdaspeed3. I have a little sister who can drive better than those two. and Cnet you take off this review and its wrong in so many ways. Youtube for MAzdapssed3 videos and what you will get is people doing 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and running a 1/4 mile at over 100mph and mid 13's. Wayne, if its got a skirt of wheels, you're going to have problems.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
The almost perfect car
Pros: Power, Fuel mileage, handling, awesome response to aftermarket mods, and best of all - the price.
Cons: Stereo lacks bass, limited colors, somewhat small back seat, needs a built in turbo timer. :P
Review: Since all the issues with the Cnet review have been addressed by other with accuracy, I would like to comment on my own observations about this car.
I recently took the MazdaSpeed3 (with a cold air intake, dealer installed) on a trip and was able to obtain 35mpg while carefully monitoring the MPG meter. Having a lead foot has allowed me to get 26.4mpg with mostly city driving. The Bose radio does lack bass, but in my opinion, every radio lacks bass. The handling of this car is superb. The turbo sensation of this car is not like any other I’ve felt, but I agree that lag can be an issue if you’re in the wrong gear, as it would be with any turbo car. After properly dialing in my Gtech meter I am getting consistent sub 6 second 0-60s, as well as sub 14 second ¼ miles. This thing is a bargain, and this sort of dollar to performance ratio hasn’t been available since the 4th generation Z28s hit the market back in the mid 90s. Test drive one and you’ll be sold. But hurry, they're only making 5000 of them in North America.
I recently took the MazdaSpeed3 (with a cold air intake, dealer installed) on a trip and was able to obtain 35mpg while carefully monitoring the MPG meter. Having a lead foot has allowed me to get 26.4mpg with mostly city driving. The Bose radio does lack bass, but in my opinion, every radio lacks bass. The handling of this car is superb. The turbo sensation of this car is not like any other I’ve felt, but I agree that lag can be an issue if you’re in the wrong gear, as it would be with any turbo car. After properly dialing in my Gtech meter I am getting consistent sub 6 second 0-60s, as well as sub 14 second ¼ miles. This thing is a bargain, and this sort of dollar to performance ratio hasn’t been available since the 4th generation Z28s hit the market back in the mid 90s. Test drive one and you’ll be sold. But hurry, they're only making 5000 of them in North America.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Car rates 9.5 of ten, reviewer needs educating.
Pros: Performance, price, build quality, speed and handling.
Cons: Bose stereo in higher priced model.
Review: This car is the best I have ever owned. It handles well, accelerates like nothing else in the class, and has the best manners when driven normally.
The reviewer makes several mistakes about the car. First, the acceleration figures are way off—I have to wonder if the person is experienced with a stick. My 19 year old, with only 6 month’s training by me, achieves low six second times in my bone stock Speed. I can hit 5.8 seconds. Several national car publications list sub-6 second times to 60. If these people are good with a stick, and have post-seven second times, then that particular car has a problem. I wonder if cnet did not use premium fuel?
As far as the stereo goes, this car was built to go fast for very little money first, look and work great second, and the stereo makes a distant third. The reviewers should know, as Mazda does, that an audiophile is going to throw out ANY stock stereo system—why spend a lot of money (and raise the price of the car) on a stereo that will be hardly ever used?
I also question the opinion on the stereo controls—when you use the steering wheel controls for the stereo, you never touch the knobs again…making it an incredibly easy radio to use.
Another FYI: the stereo in this car is ridiculously easy to change out! Scoche and Metra make direct fit head unit replacement frames. Once you put a new Molex plug on the back of your aftermarket head unit (standard for ANY install) and then bolt it into the replacement face plate, it takes you less than 10 minutes to remove the old stereo and put in the new one!
I encourage anyone who reads this review to take any of the negative points with a grain of salt, and to check out any Mazda forums where people talk about this car.
The reviewer makes several mistakes about the car. First, the acceleration figures are way off—I have to wonder if the person is experienced with a stick. My 19 year old, with only 6 month’s training by me, achieves low six second times in my bone stock Speed. I can hit 5.8 seconds. Several national car publications list sub-6 second times to 60. If these people are good with a stick, and have post-seven second times, then that particular car has a problem. I wonder if cnet did not use premium fuel?
As far as the stereo goes, this car was built to go fast for very little money first, look and work great second, and the stereo makes a distant third. The reviewers should know, as Mazda does, that an audiophile is going to throw out ANY stock stereo system—why spend a lot of money (and raise the price of the car) on a stereo that will be hardly ever used?
I also question the opinion on the stereo controls—when you use the steering wheel controls for the stereo, you never touch the knobs again…making it an incredibly easy radio to use.
Another FYI: the stereo in this car is ridiculously easy to change out! Scoche and Metra make direct fit head unit replacement frames. Once you put a new Molex plug on the back of your aftermarket head unit (standard for ANY install) and then bolt it into the replacement face plate, it takes you less than 10 minutes to remove the old stereo and put in the new one!
I encourage anyone who reads this review to take any of the negative points with a grain of salt, and to check out any Mazda forums where people talk about this car.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Editor needs to stick to what he knows
Pros: This car brings new meaning to the term, Zoom Zoom!
Cons: WOW! Is it fast!
Review: Wayne Cunningham needs to stick to LCD reviews because he obviously knows nothing about cars and certainly knows nothing about this one. First off, you can easily upgrade the sound system if you feel you need to, although the factory unit is hard to beat without dropping $1k or better. Audiopilot is not included as Wayne states. Also, if you have Sirius, the auxiliary jack is disconnected, which is labeled as so if Wayne took to time to read. You can get an additional adapter which allows you to use both. Store bought CD's only? Wrong again Wayne! You can burn the cheapest CDR's you can find and they will play in this unit. As for those 0-60 times, they are horrible. Anyone who knows how to drive a stick can easily shave a good second off of that time or more. The turbo lag is a non issue you just have to realize that turbo does not kick in at 2k RPM's, more like 3k and this one peaks out between 5500 and 6k. This car is not some rolling entertainment system, it’s a 5 door, sports compact with better styling, better handling and more speed than any other similar car in it's class. This thing beats up on GTI's, spanks the SRT4's, laughs at Civic Si's, makes the WRX struggle and even gives the Evo a good run for it's money at $8k less.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 10 user reviews
Good Sports Car for the Money
Pros: Performance, Price, Style
Cons: Bit of Noticeable Tubro Lag
Review: Overall this is great sports car for people not willing to spend top dollar. Also the car can get pretty good gas mileage if you treat it right. I get from anywhere from 24 City to 28 Hwy. The car handles pretty well especially moving out and in traffic and going around corners. Some might find the ride a bit stiff and bumpy but that is how sport cars are supposed to drive in order to get better performance.
Another Con also mentioned by the CNET review is the audio jack. If the car has satellite radio, you need to buy a switch box from the dealer in order to get the audio jack in the dash to work. That is why the CNET reviewer couldn't get the MP3 to work in the car. Mazda should of included that with the sat radio add on.
Still overall this is fun car to drive and own.
Another Con also mentioned by the CNET review is the audio jack. If the car has satellite radio, you need to buy a switch box from the dealer in order to get the audio jack in the dash to work. That is why the CNET reviewer couldn't get the MP3 to work in the car. Mazda should of included that with the sat radio add on.
Still overall this is fun car to drive and own.
