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 11 through 20 of 79.00

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  Not very Impressed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not very Impressed - June 10 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my Mazda3 for a little over a year and I have had some issues with the car that should not be present with only 15,000 miles on the odometer. The brake system make an awful growling noise each time I back it out of my garage. Sevice engine light came on at 13,000 miles, was told that the gas cap needs replaced, replaced it and at 14,000 miles the light came back on. I will have to replace the tires soon, wore out way to soon. Road noise is very annoying, seems to get worse as the tires quickly wear. The whole Mazda experience has not been very good for me, zoom-zoom-BOOM?

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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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  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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  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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  Fun to drive but mileage suffers - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheAsianRacer - May 30 - 9:30 pm

  Previous to this, I had a Mazda Protege5 and that was fun and I had gotten great gas mileage regardless of how I drove it. Recently I got a Mazda 3s and it is fun to drive but my protege was more fun. The biggest issue I have with it is yes, we get more performance but your gas mileage suffers greatly depending on how you drive. My style of driving has been the same and yet Im getting just barely 22 mpg around town and if Im lucky Ill get 28 on the highway. The car is a blast to drive but the 16in rims and tires make the car feel less responsive but otherwise its a great car.

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  Great Car for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdantech5 - March 11 - 8:06 am

  Being a honda and toyota guy for many years. I have finally step foot inside a Mazda dealership to check out the final year release of the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchback. Hey ,they are practically giving these away right now & with 0% APR. I like the styling , boy racer look thats me. I couldnt understand why I have bought and sold my previous 08 4 door civic si and 09 corolla s within 6 months time, their styling was not really my cup of tea. I quickly got tired of the 6 speed manual and ridiculous righ revs on the honda and the boring ho/hum corolla styling, and its slow/weak acceleration. Mazda did a great job with the exterior and interior styling. I added the 18"mazdaspeed wheels and I am done

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  Great dynamics, so-so build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - March 8 - 8:33 am

  The driving dynamics of the car are hard to beat. Snappy transmission, soft clutch, responsive steering, linear brakes, and agile suspension. The engine power is adequate, but well matched to the car. The interior is well appointed with leather seating, heated seats, moon roof, premium stereo (which is decent, but not great), and HID headlights. The materials feel of high grade, and the design is sharp. The only gaff is the crammed info LCD. The build quality leaves something to be desired. The interior looks fine and the gaps are minimal, but after only 400 miles, Ive already got a ridiculous windshield rattle (ticking might be more apt) and buzz in the headliner near the moonroof.