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 31 through 40 of 77.00

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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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  Must Read for Speed3 Owners! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Herkdriver - September 25 - 3:56 am

  I noticed a black soot material on my tailpipes (which Ive since learned is normal for turbocharged cars) but I heard that previous models had issues w/turbo smoking (smoke coming from tailpipe at idle/all engine speeds) & I thought this might be the onset. Videos are online if u Google. Mazda allegedly fixed this in 2010 but theres a "mystery" Tech Service Bulletin (TSB)for service depts to switch owners to 5W-40 synthetic vs. std 5W-30 (what the filler cap & manual says). TSB doesnt apply to 2010 models. My dealer couldnt even find the TSB in their system! Question service depts b/c Mazda N. America doesnt endorse synthetic oil or 5W- 40! Could void warranty b/c manual says 5w-30 oil.

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  Speed3 - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By jbbrow00 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 2010 GTi to the 2011 Speed3 and it was worth it. The speed3 is much more fun to drive, smoother acceleration, better content included in package and significantly more solid.

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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.

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  Great deal for the money! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By silspeed310 - May 29 - 11:53 pm

  Car is great all around. The only thing I would improve on the interior is to add a temp guage (**its a SPORTS CAR!!), the exterior is to get rid of the smiley face. I own one, I tolerate the smiley face, but it doesnt belong on a "SPORTS CAR". I dont understand what Mazda was thinking, I thought the point of business was to satisfy customers and increase sales, a smiley face on their sports car does the opposite. Overall though, the car is still the same as the 1st generation, awesome.

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  The best package & vlaue - 2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By kneo - November 18 - 10:15 am

  I test drove and heavily researched for 3+ months before I acquired a 2013 MS3 w/ Tech Pkg. I looked at all "classes" with budget of up to $45000 . I looked at Subaru WRX & WRS-STI, Acura TSX, Acura TL SH-AWD, Genesis 2.0T, GTI, BMW 328, etc. I needed a practical 4-door sports car which would provide convenience, great looking exterior, "every day" drive-ability, fast, good interior, excellent handling, good on gas when not "pushed", etc. I Could not ignore the amount of money Id save with an MS3 while getting everything I wanted. If you love motorcycles, youll love MS3--simple! :) Love it!!

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  Unbeatable Deal on Speed3 Sport - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By HerkDriver - November 11 - 9:46 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive, well- built car that would be fun to drive and get reasonable fuel economy and I found it! I have friends w/VW (too many build quality issues), WRX (dealers are too proud & I cant figure out why), & why waste my time on a Civic Si with ~200 horses? This car is a comfortable every day driver. The Dunlops are a little loud on certain road surfaces (rough asphalt) but the car grips the road better than any of the other cars mentioned above. It performs when you want it to and is well behaved during all driving conditions (wet/dry). The turbo has no lag & when youre on the highway & you want to pass, you dont have to downshift...let the turbo work! Paid 22K!

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  Zoom-Zoom It Is - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By fastlane123 - August 9 - 4:32 am

  Ive owned a 2004 Nissan 350Z Grand Touring model and from the experience of driving that car for 6 years, I can definitely say that this 2012 Mazdaspeed3 is nearly as excellent as the Z when it comes to cornering at high speed and 0-60 mph time; simply a superb machine. The best time Ive ever gotten from this car when going from 0-60 mph was 5.4 sec at San Antonio Raceway, Texas. As a hatchback, 5 doors and contains 5 seats, by performance, it is not too far off from my Nissan 350Z with the time of 5.1 sec. I am very impressed how the turbo makes no lag and shows consistency throughout every hard push of the gas pedal. Just dont take my opinion alone, drive one for yourself & youll see.

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  I love my speed3 - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Jase - June 5 - 11:56 pm

  I cant say enough good about it. My trade in was a 2005 mazda3s... Which I absolutely loved. 40,000 miles on it at trade and not a single issue other than routine oil changes. Buying the speed3 was an impulse buy while on vacation. I could not pass up the offer. I never knew the performance was anything close to what I had "heard" but wow! Its simply an awesome car with true Mazda soul and zoom zoom on steroids.