Overview & Reviews

For 2009, all Mazda 3 models now come standard with antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also, four-door sedan models thankfully gain a standard remote trunk release on the keyless entry fob.

• Athletic handling and performance, plenty of standard and optional features, well-constructed interior, hatchback utility.

• So-so fuel economy, smallish sedan trunk, some may find the ride too firm.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 79.00

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  Love my Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By buckeye 4ever - January 16 - 5:50 am

  Decided to buy my first Mazda after studying Consumer Reports - so far not disappointed. Like others, the road noise is very noticeable but the car is alot of fun to drive. Only have had 2 issues with car so far (very minor). Was told that the brakes accumulate rust every morning with the humidity but after applying the brakes a few times, is gone (was told this was normal with Mazdas)and also thought had problem with braking system (icon was lite) but turned out to be low tire pressure. Icons almost identical (not good) and was told at dealership they get someone everyday with the same issue. Otherwise, this will be a great car for my daughter when she starts driving. (ugh the thought)

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  Poor gas mileage - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmmm1982 - November 29 - 2:55 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years and havent had any major issues so far. All the maintenance is done regularly, but the car still gets only 24-25 MPG in the mixed cycle. I guess all of Mazda3 have this issue with the power steering pump, which I had to replace under recall. Interior looks kinda cheap.

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  Replacement Tire Suggestion - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MarRod - November 28 - 9:23 am

  With 29,000 miles on the original (junk) equipment tires, I read several tests and found a very good replacement tire for the Mazda3. Try: Continental Extreme Contact DWS (Dry,Wet,Snow) They transformed the car, with much improved wet and light snow traction, much less road noise, better steering feel and much better tar strip and rough road performance. Have 5000 miles on them so far. A very good all performance season tire. Also much cheaper than replacing the factory original (GY) rubbish.

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  Low quality Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By needquality - October 1 - 1:21 am

  I made the mistake and believed Edmunds when they talked up the Mazda3. I bought a 2009 Mazda3 with 10K miles. I am very sorry I did. The car is covered with very low quality materials. Some examples... The carpet and upholstery are of the lowest quality I have ever seen. The body panels are like aluminum foil. You do not want to lean on your car. The trunk latch is all plastic. The huge irritant I have now is the drivers seat. It squeaks horribly whenever I adjust my position even a little bit. Dealer cant fix and Mazda refuses to replace seat. I am looking for a after-market replacement. Do not buy any Mazda if you care about quality. Thanks, Edmunds, for nothing.

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  a detailed look - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jimmy P - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  I got the 09 M3i, 2.0 manual. I deliver pizza and do a lot of driving. Ive driven nice cars; a porche, some bmws and a few other nice cars so Im trying to be completely objective with my review and will break down my scoring on the scale above. Performance: zippy, but not real fast, cant hang with the big boys but the handling is superb, which brought the score up to a 7/10. Comfort: I drive for HOURS! Im never uncomfortable. 7/10. Fuel economy: I avg 27 mpg...depending on the use of AC and if im driving like a maniac which i sometimes do. 350-290 miles per tank.(usually around 320). 7/10. Fun to drive: that the handling is so surprisingly responsive combined

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  Best vehicle out there for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Canaan - August 9 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle at the very beginning of January this year (so it is difficult to estimate items like "reliability" and "build quality." I have thoroughly enjoyed everything about it so far. Its very stylish exterior is, in my opinion, best in class. It is fun to drive, handles well, and the 2.0L engine feels like a sizable step up from the 1.8L of my former Corolla. The interior is well-designed and comfortable, and the dash looks sleek (and the controls are easy to use, contrary to what I have seen in reviews). The fuel economy is perfect for me, even if not the best in its class. I get almost 30MPG off freeway. The value here is undeniable, so why wait? Get one now!

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  My Long Term Review After 1 Year - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - June 26 - 12:30 pm

  This is an update to my review back in 4/2009, after 1 year plus few months of ownership of my Maz3. The cars still in excellent shape after more than 23k miles of hard driving, mostly long distance highway miles. No major repairs needed besides routine maintenance and oil changes. Overall I have no regret for my ownership. The most major complain though, is from the P205/50VR17 stock tires and Maz3s stiff suspension. The tires are almost worn out (should last 30k miles). They are very noisy. They are all-season tires, but absolutely horrible for driving in snow! Unfortunately, Ive moved to a potholes-ridden and snowy state. That proved to be the most unforgiven condition for my Maz3.

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  Best I could do to replace Acura Integra - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mhouse - June 13 - 6:03 am

  After owning Integra for 17.8 years, finally found something to replace it with. Nice size for one person, nice luxury features. Not as fun to drive as Integra but handles just as well, even better on fast curves, like its on rails. Quietness masks real acceleration compared to Integra which was "throatier". A lot has changed in cars since 1991 so Im still getting used to things like position of steering wheel (further away), thickness of steering column (limits leg room), the explosion of new technology, and in my case, four doors. Bose stereo is good but I do have to have the volume way up to level 40+ hear details (deaf in one ear so this may be me not the car). Mileage in upper 20s.

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  Try To Beat It.! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 8 - 7:03 pm

  If you like sporty cars, you cant beat this one for the money. Blows away all the competition. This is my third Mazda of this type (323, Protege, and now Mazda3). All the performance features (brakes, acceleration, handling) are top-notch. The I-Value package gives you all you need. BMW for a cheaspskate.

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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By chickie - April 27 - 10:06 pm

  I owned a 95 Mazda Protege for 13 years before getting my Mazda 3. I am really enjoying this new car. Looks nice and I receive many compliments on it. Rides wonderful and handles wonderful....sporty feel. My hubby remarked how comfortable the front passenger seat is, and hes a big guy. Love the stereo system. Only thing it needs improvement on is gas mileage. Could also use a little more room in back seat. Dont know what the reliability will turn out to be, but gave it a high score based on my 95 Protege. Test drove 5 cars in its class, and this one, by far, was the best. Some felt junky, cheap interiors, handled lousy, or too expensive. This one is best value for the money.