Overview & Reviews

The previously optional 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system is now standard on the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3.

• Premium interior and features
• Reasonable price.
• Precise handling
• Hatchback utility
• Strong turbocharged performance

• No automatic transmission
• Not available as sedan.
• Pronounced torque steer

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 14.00

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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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  Defintely "What Do You Drive" - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By alfagtv630 - November 26 - 9:52 pm

  A car built for drivers, with little compromise. If you dont love to drive (and I dont mean tour), this is not the car for you. Congrats to Mazda for being willing to build a car like this knowing that it will be a low volume seller at best. Think a practical, budget Lotus, older 911, Alfa GTV6 (or maybe a 75 sedan or 164S), BMW Z3 coupe or E30 M3, Saab 9-3 Viggen or early 9000 turbo, Audi Quattro GT or a first-gen A-4... or a number of true Europe-only hot hatches (Ford Escort RS). Go look up an Alfa 146 GTA, maybe that is the best comparison! The styling has grown on me, in black, silver or now available pearl white tones it down a bit for more mature drivers.

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  2nd One Ive Owned - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By brentonlange - November 17 - 2:57 am

  This is the 2nd Speed3 I have owned. The first one was a project car. This one will be a project car as well. The overall value is unbeatable. So what, the NAV screen is small...but you still have nav compared to other models. The price is amazing for a small sports car. So far I have not lost a redlight-to-redlight race yet against trucks, or other cars. What you may not know, this car is lighter than most and with 263HP stock, you can beat many people right off the line and keep your edge for the mile long run. Great car, will definatly buy another one unless Mazda screws it up (doubtful). I have bought three Mazdas in the past year, all have of them have been amazing!

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  Its fantastic,,, - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By mrdreadnot - January 17 - 12:04 am

  I have owned a 2007, 2010, now a 2012. All were GREAT ! For those on the fringe of buying a hot hatch, dont go by reviews or word of mouth: test drive one and see for yourself. One of the things that burns me is that some say the seats are uncomfortable. For me (real bad back and over 300 lbs) they are perfect. Drove back and forth from TX to CA several times,no prob. Torque steer? It will get your heart pumping if you dont expect it. Road noise? The throaty sound from the engine is to die for. Price? Try beating it.

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  10,000 Miles In - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By civitaresel - October 5 - 4:43 am

  Cross shopped WRX, Ralliart, GTI. None offer as much equipment for the money. Ive deemed third gear the yellow light gear as its the one to go to in order to blast from 35 ish to 65 or so. Merging is a joke, even in Philly where no one moves over (Im a burgher), simply engage the yellow light gear and go. Constant 75 mph on Pa turnpike for 300 miles yields 28 mpg as calculated at the pump. Even in sixth you easily pass any car with vigor. Exhaust is very quiet at highway speeds. Seats are comfortable but if youre anything other than slim to medium weight (Im 510 and 175 on a fat day) they will most likely be to form fitting for you. Overall, very pleased with the purchase

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  Wow. Incredible Buy. - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By zoomerdan - March 14 - 11:16 am

  I just bought this car (July 2012) after doing lots of research on fun sporty cars on Edmunds. I needed passenger room, but wanted something fun to drive. Theres only a few cars that fit that category. This happens to be the cheapest- and the best. No other car offers such speed, handling, technology (like bluetooth and Bose radio), solid design and build quality, in a multi-passenger vehicle. I simply love it. The closest competitor is at least 5K more money.

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  Goodbye VW - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By madpuffin - March 8 - 12:16 pm

  Having been a VW FANatic since I was 16 has been practically destroyed after getting into this beast built by Mazda. I have owned 3 GTIs with the last one being an 07 Turbo, dumped tons of money into this problem fest—maxed out the performance without going the big turbo upgrade route and then the little German car made in mexico (lame) started to cry—all the time. I cant remember when I didnt have some sort of problem light on my dash Unlit. Mazdaspeed is awesome and it allows for amazing tuning for the enthusiast. This is an enthusiast car—given away from the feeling of sheer fun it is to drive this thing, although it can be a rough ride and I love it. Old men and children stay away.

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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.