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 41 through 50 of 77.00

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  Practical Performance Bargain - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Kevin - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Nothing from me that contradicts the other positive reviews. Ive driven my car for a few months now, and I have to remind myself of how inexpensive this car is; great handling, powerful engine, comfortable interior with loads of standard features, practical and reliable -- all for ~$23K! When I consider how aggressive the exterior styling is, Im really surprised at how comfortable and civilized the car is. As a middle-aged guy, I tend to feel a bit self- conscious due to the cars styling, but it just drives SO well! Be advised that if you live in an area that gets snow, you should plan on buying a set of snow tires for winter since this car is fitted with summer performance tires.

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  The Darkness has enveloped me - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By rickibobbi - March 9 - 2:50 am

  Just got my MS3 in black, Ive put on a heftier rear motor/transmission mount and a heftier rear sway bar (for autocross), Strange sensation to have all that power and control (particularly with the mods) and for such a low price, the dealers cant sell them because of the manual transmission, I kid you not, I test drove one that had a dead battery, it was sitting in a back lot, covered in dust, surrounded by mazda3 automatics, quite forlorn, but I got a really great price on the car! An amazing drivers car, simply fun and well sorted. Couldnt recommend it more. Youll run out of courage before this car runs out of a capability.

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  Extreme bang for your buck! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Mikey6273 - March 5 - 2:10 pm

  Ive owned the car for about 3 weeks now and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. I was planning on waiting for the new STi, however Im glad I decided on the MS3 for both practicality and affordability. Plenty fast for a mid-thirty year old, gas mileage is a solid 26 mpg (I do a lot of city driving), and it handles like its on rails through the curves. Motor Trend just did a comparison between the MS3, the wrx, gti and ralliart, and out of all of them, this is the "point and shoot racer" that simply feels much more "dialed in". Believe me, theyre spot on. I simply cant stop grinning.

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  I love my Mazdaspeed3! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Katelyn66 - February 26 - 7:30 am

  If I could go back I would buy it all over again. This is a very responsive & quick car with lots of features to make your ride & needs feel beyond met. I am still finding new features that make my ride exciting, I enjoy the blue tooth I can listen to my Iphone wireless & answer calls while shifting hands free. The Bose system is awesome, my previous car had subs & I dont miss them at all. The blue lights underneath the dash and on the stick are a fun feature for a night drive out on the town. I feel safe in this car without the feel of being in a mini van. The stock dual exhaust sounds great, like a race car. This is definitely a luxury car that is affordable and fun to drive. Zoom zoom!

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  Doesnt get any better for $ vs Hp - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By don_83 - February 6 - 4:59 pm

  You get 280 lb/ft at from a car that costs 23k to start. Mazda has made a true winner here and the car has a lot of plus points. Its comes loaded in standard form and Interior is very well laid out for a compact with true seating for 5. The handling is very sharp and the ride is on the stiff side. The only downside is the exterior styling which doesnt cut it for some buyers. 6 speed is precise and its never hard to find the right gear. I think its a great platform to improve on and sort out all the quirks for the next gen. The new ECU is not as easy to mod as prior years even though the motor is the same. I would give the speed 3 a serious look before pulling the plug on any other hatchback

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  Joy to Own - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By DMCliff - December 24 - 5:23 am

  Purchased as a replacement to my 2003 Nissan Sentra Spec V. While this car is a downgrade in low end torque and gas mileage (Was getting 31 mpg now getting 24 mpg) the fun factor and refinement is miles ahead. The space in the back seat is also a lot nicer. Traded up because of a baby seat and the Speed allows a person to sit in front or behind me with a child in the rear passenger side. Hatch allows plenty of room for stroller and diaper bags. Looked at other hatch backs but none compared as far as fun, price, and space. I went with the tech package and love the push button start. The Navigation system is average, but nice for an integrated unit.

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  Cant beat it - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By unlvrebels - December 14 - 1:22 pm

  I had been doing research for a year and a half for my next car. I was going to choose one of the following three; VW GTI, Subaru WRX, MS3. I test drove each and everyone of them they all were great, but the MS3 truely stood above the rest. Power, Performance, Comfort, options standard, looks (the grill you get over shortly). I currently have 1500 miles on it and have loved every minute of it. Not a big fan of the city MPG, but it was defenately something to I expected, but what was unexpected was the great HWY MPG. I recently did a drive from Las Vegas to Phoenix which was roughly 400 miles. Did with only using 3/4 of the tank which gave me a whopping 32 MPG.

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  Dont Hesitate, it has everything you want. - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By primetime8032 - November 24 - 11:49 am

  To start off, Ive only owned this car for 4 days now. I was a very proud rx8 owner and loved every bit of it, except for the gas mileage. This car, has everything that you want. Perfect handling, the right amount of power, its very practical and to be honest, economical. I know people will be like "economical? it only gets 18mpg!" Yeah, when youre flooring it everywhere. When I drove home from the dealership I was about 50 miles away from home. I drove it like a grandma and averaged 34mpg. So if you really want to economical, this car can definitely do it. I cant talk on the reliability as I just got the car, but I still rated it a 5 because I love everything about this car.

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  The best Mazdaspeed 3 built to date! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By TJ - November 6 - 9:53 pm

  Got the Celestial Mica Blue w/ tech package. Tech package is totally worth it... push button start, bluetooth, Bose system, navi, and Sirius for 6 months. The color is exotic! The new body style is incredible. Curvier lines, RX8 type wheels, lower appearing stance, functional hood scoop, and dual exhaust make this the best MS3 ever built to date. And the inside is super contemporary and high quality. No torque steer and super clean shifts. Honestly, the best bang for your buck. GTIs, Civic Sis, even the WRXs and EVOs truly cant compare w/ the overall build quality (interior/exterior) and the "best bang for your buck" factor that the MS3 offers.

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  Best Car for the Money! - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Bao Q. - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several different sport cars, and the most impressive car in my recent memory was still the 02 BMW 330C. However, after owning this car for two weeks now, I can confirm that this is a better car and much more affordable than the 3-series. I tested the new Subaru WRX in the morning and planned a backup with the MS3. Surprisingly, the MS3 became the target purchase right after I drove it. The main reason I don’t like the WRX is that the gear box is little bit shaky, while the MS3’s box is rock solid. In addition, the MS3 is much roomier than the WRX. Its back seat can fit two child seats comfortably! Thanks to MS3, a family man can still drive a high performance sport car now! Ano