Overview & Reviews

Mazdaspeed, Mazda's internal high-performance tuning and race division, has a long history in Japan. Known for producing exciting limited-edition performance models, the division turned its attention to the second-generation Mazda 3 and the result is the Mazdaspeed 3. Note that this article is about the second-generation model; we also have a review of the first-generation car, known as the Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda 3.

The Mazdaspeed 3 features a turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension and many other exclusive components. Priced affordably, the second-generation Mazdaspeed 3 is a performance bargain that should appeal to any enthusiast thanks to its balance of speed, practicality and affordability.

Current Mazdaspeed 3
The Mazdaspeed 3 is a front-wheel-drive, high-performance hatchback with four doors. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph takes 6.3 seconds, which is pretty quick for this class of car.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, foglights, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, front sport seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a Bose stereo with a CD player and iPod/USB interface. Option highlights include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry and a navigation system.

In reviews, our editors have noted that this Mazdaspeed 3 handles markedly better than the previous-generation model, posting superior results in both instrumented handling tests and subjective canyon drives. We've also lauded the high-quality interior materials and upscale dashboard design. There is plenty of cargo room in the rear hatch, and the 60/40 split rear seats fold down to open up even more space. There's also decent seating room in back for adults.

On the downside, the exterior styling is controversial, and while the 2.3-liter turbo doesn't fall flat at higher rpm like it did in the first-generation car, it also hasn't gained any power. Moreover, torque steer remains an unwelcome companion when accelerating hard on uneven surfaces or powering out of corners. Overall, the Mazdaspeed 3 isn't without its faults, but we still rate it very highly among cars of this type.

Used Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Models
The current-generation Mazdaspeed 3 debuted for 2010 and carried on for the first few years with only minimal changes. The optional navigation system for the 2010-'12 cars was a smaller, less useful version than the larger touchscreen unit found in the current Mazdaspeed 3.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 77.00

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  First Mazda, or Japanese car for that matter. - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By chriskojali - July 29 - 1:38 pm

  Im a performance guy...I dont care about horsepower but driving dynamics mean everything to me. My last 10 cars have been several M3s, a couple Audis, and a GTI. The easy choice wouldve been another GTI and I would be quite content. But I took a chance on the Speed3 and Im ecstatic I did. This car has excellent handling and the monster torque steer (hard to handle under hard acceleration) is kind of endearing...you know you need to pay attention when you press the GO! pedal. Im not a fan of the interior, especially when compared to an Audi, but it works and is growing on me. The styling is a bit out there but its growing on me too. You wont see yourself coming down the road.

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  Lasting Fun - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By vnmn - June 6 - 9:55 am

  After now owning the Speed3 since March I have come to find this little car to be a very good sports car as far as power delivery and over all athleticism goes, it just does everything it is supposed to no matter how hard you push it. I really look forward to driving it daily. The seats are a bit fugly and uncomfortable, those being my two largest complaints(MAZDA, GIVE US ALL BLACK LEATHER WITH POWER!).As far as the front grille topic all the new Mazdas have a grin so bare it. Torque steer on this Gen is not an issue, it actually makes this car more fun and I wouldnt want it without some. I drove a 2012 GTI yesterday and it seriously bored me, it really felt lethargic in comparison.

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  Just what I wanted - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By rockinkuwait - January 1 - 4:22 am

  I wanted a used Speed3, but ended up going new as there were only 2 used pre-owned Mazdaspeed3s in the state when I started car shopping. It has been everything Ive wanted. Currently commuting to work and it even does that well (avg 28 mpg, and most is a little two lane highway where I have the power to pass in this). Lots of fun, no problems at all mechanically so far and 40 thousand miles into the car, I still smile every time I drive it. Only issue I had was wishing you could pick something other than summer only tires if you live in colorado, though I did manage on those through two winters...

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  even better than i was hoping - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Zak - November 1 - 10:00 am

  bought an 05 3s and loved it, i test drove the speed 3 one day while mine was having work done, and i was sold. its just crazy fast, too much fun, other than the little bit of turbo lag and torque steer which is to be expected, its amazing. the best performing car you can get for under 25k

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  Fantastic car if you have smooth roads - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By slow_jim - August 18 - 6:29 am

  I owned this car for about a year and had absolutely no issues with it. Added on a couple of goodies (Corksport intake and cat delete, Cobb Accessport) which significantly increased the power without sacrificing MPG or driveability. For the $$ the MS3 really is the performance bargain of the century. Great build quality and reliability, handling, power, its all there. Dont listen to the weenies who complain about torque steer, its really not bad or difficult to control. Wheels spinning? STOP PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. Its not complicated. The only reason I got rid of the car was the ride comfort. We have horrible roads in Ohio with giant potholes and lots of speed bumps so it was just a pain

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  tires wear out at 17,000 miles - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By bryanp98 - August 13 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my vehicle in january 2011 at Cerritos Mazda new. 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 Black mica, Exellent performance but you will need to buy new tires at 15,000 miles each tire will cost you $250. or more and also youll need an aligment because my tires they were wear out from the inside. warranty will not cover poor aligment or tires wear out to early.

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  Amazingly fun, but a bit thirsty - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Nick K - March 12 - 7:43 pm

  Having had the car for almost two months now, I can say that overall Im very, very happy with it. Turning is crisp and the car stays flat even with sudden direction changes. The trans in this car certainly isnt on par with any Honda or even modern VW Ive ever driving. Shifting takes some effort and missing the 2-3 shift is fairly easy by hitting the 1-3 gate. However, the limited slip is fantastic for tightening up the car in a corner. Turbo lag is present, but not horrible. The stability control sometimes intervenes without letting you know, making you think the lag is worse than it is. Overall, an excellent car and if performance is more important to you, blows the GTI away.

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  First 400 miles - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By REV - January 29 - 2:00 am

  26 mpg after the first 400 miles. Yes I am babying it except for attacking the winding uphill winding roads where I let it loose. Handling is incredible. Brakes are great. Torque steer? Ive felt more torque pull from a 9 lb miniature poodle. Keep the engine in the right power band 3k rpm - 5k rpm and you dont have to worry about torque steer. Looks? Yes it is goofy. Especially at first. Most guys buy an expensive car because they look good in it. Me? I buy an ugly car, because next to it I look really good. Got mine in black and must say that it has a look that really grows on you. 263 ponies with a 4clynder getting 26mgp? Are you kidding me? Bought mine for much less than invoice. Great

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  Almost Perfect - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By dbaker - November 13 - 9:50 pm

  Its a great all around car for the price. Good power with slight turbo lag and torque steer. Once the power is there, hang on! Interior features are awesome for the price. Bose audio sounds rich but the in dash navigation is about the same quality as if you had bought a $50 Garmin, but still a nice feature. Love it or hate it, the front grille grows on you after a while. Combining the power of the car coupled with the price/power and features, its a really good deal.

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  Most fun car in its segment IMO - 2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By redlinez - June 7 - 4:36 am

  Well, I drove the now infamous Focus ST as well as the VW GTI and GLI and came back to the Speed3. The Focus was very slow to build boost and make power, felt very darty and followed every rut in the road. The newer GTI didnt have the magic that the MKV GTI possessed. It didnt have the instant torque feeling, maybe because I didnt floor it, very different throttle calibration possibly. The Jetta GLI was just too vanilla, it doesnt stand out in any real way other than the interior was pretty neat. The Speed3 entertains in normal driving like no other. Power comes on immediately, while the suspension is much more aggressive, its well dampened.