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 31 through 40 of 79.00

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  Living Up to most of the other reviews - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Staten Island Sr - September 10 - 6:43 am

  I found the Madda 3i touring Value Sedan had the best overall interior quality look and feel, and the standard equipment package included everything I wanted. Driving it over the past few weeks confirmed that I made the right choice. The seats are very comfortable, the car is nimble, very maneuverable and a pleasure to drive.

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  Pretty nice - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JOHN M - July 18 - 12:06 pm

  This is our first foreign car and shes not too bad. We bought the Mazda 3 i Touring edition. You see we drive a 2002 Vette and a 05 Tahoe so we are used to V8s. We looked all over and went through all the motions in comparing the Civic, Nissa Altima, Cobalt, G5 and G6 and the Mazda 3. In the end we decided that the Mazda 3 looked the best and the gas mileage was nearly as good or better than the others. We like the ride, sporty feel and its pretty comfortable. We also bought the version with the Goodyear tires instead of the Toyo for the winter time. Im a bit disappointed with the mpg so far around 26 but I hear they need to break in so we will see.

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  Sporty Looks and a Quality Drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By tippsy12 - May 23 - 1:53 am

  Bought this car a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I bought the 3i Touring Value Edition in Galaxy Grey Color and paid 16489 before taxes and tags. The engine is very upbeat and peppy. Pretty good acceleration for only the 2.0L engine but I think its helped by a manual transmission. It handles very well with a tight wheel that is very quick to respond. Ive been getting about 35 mpg on the highway. Gearbox is very smooth. Although on very steep hills there could be a little more torque in 2nd gear. The TVE upgrade comes with 17" alloy rims which are great looking. Ride is a little on the louder side, but feels like a sports car. Bottom line is great buy for the price.

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  Love my M3 - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - April 13 - 9:26 pm

  My Mazda M3 is more than I could ask for in value. As a previous Protege Owner the M3 is great. I am having problems with the clutch pedal position and think other comments about finding the gears is from the pedal being too far forward and you have to lift your from the left side foot rest. I am looking for an alternate pedal or will actually modify it myself. The pedal needs to be further back behind the foot rest so you can pivot with your heal, and not have to lift your foot forward and bring your knee up. That is why people are having a hard time finding the gear because they are clutching the way they should but the throw is off on the pedal/

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  Mazda3 Touring Value Manual 5 speed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ronald in Virginia - March 4 - 10:40 pm

  Just bought it. Already put fifty miles on it. I got the manual because it gets better mpg than the auto. I narrowed it down to a Malibu and a Corolla Sport and for the money this is a much better car. I test drove a loaded Corolla Sport and figured the Mazda3 was going to be too small for me but I was wrong and it is a blast to drive! I got the six speaker six CD disc that would cost an extra grand with the Corolla and this car has ABS and traction control. I recommend this car to anyone.

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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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  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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  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.

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  Part III of My Reviews - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - January 8 - 6:56 pm

  I decided to write a PartIII to my reviews. PartI compares Maz3 to 2 major competitors. PartII adds more details on Maz3. PartIII will add more comments and answer two critical questions for buyers/owners. Handling is the selling point of Maz3. But on center feel is not as good as German cars. Above 70mph, you better hold onto the steeling wheel tight. The P205/50VR17 stock tires provides adequate grip. But wider tires with directional patterns will sure improve traction more. Understeer is presented in high speed. DSC is not available unless you have the touring model. Zig-zag shifter needs get used to for straight shifter users. Trunk design can be simplified to yield more usable space.