2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Mazda MAZDASPEED3:

The Mazdaspeed3 allows for some gutsy merges and lane changes in fifth, and even in sixth you can massage the gas pedal just right to get the turbo to kick in and forego shifting. Every move is fun.

-- Cars.com

It's fast and the steering is so responsive that you can feel every bit of the car working under your feet, which is one of the most exciting things about driving a true performance car.

-- Edmunds.com

The engine has so much power you can almost forget about what gear you're in...

-- JSOnline.com

What reviewers liked least about the Mazda MAZDASPEED3:

Unfortunately, some of its prowess is let down by its vague shifter and mild torque steer, but I'm willing to look the other way.

-- Car and Driver

Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Comparisons:

The Mazdaspeed 3 is about as fast and quick as it gets, inside or outside of its class.

-- Edmunds.com

A true high-performance car featuring a 263-hp, turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed3 joins a group of extreme sports sedans that includes the Honda Civic Type S, Mitsubishi Evo MK IX, and Subaru Impreza WRX.

-- New Car Test Drive

Best one-liner about the Mazda MAZDASPEED3:

Costing under $23,000 and registering a zero-to-60 time in the 5-second range, its cost-to-fun ratio is hard to beat.

-- Cars.com

Beneath that unobtrusive sheet metal lies a high-quality sports car with enough performance and artful design to satisfy the aficionados without unduly straining the wallets and purses of its prospective customers.

-- JSOnline.com