Mazda Speed3
Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Mazdaspeed3 brings competitive driving performance with a sharp exterior design and practical affordability. If you're in the market for a compact sport hatchback, check out the check out the confident handling, and slightly less expensive Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si or the Subaru WRX/Sti.
The 2007 Mazdaspeed3 is a highly rated sport compact, and reviewers say it has enough zoom and zip to satisfy any enthusiast. Built on the hatchback platform of the Mazda3, it is the sportiest of the Mazda3 lineup and boasts a stiffer ride and more powerful acceleration without sacrificing practicality and affordability. Available in Sport or Grand Touring trims, the 2007 Mazdaspeed3 is hailed as "a superstar in the sport compact world," according to the Detroit News. "The Mazdaspeed3 is one of those rare have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too packages capable of entertaining its driver, hauling family or friends, and minding a budget," reports Automobile Magazine. Auto writers from Edmunds praise the 3's combination of "awesome performance with realistic pricing and five-door practicality," and encourage prospective auto buyers to consider this "[t] op-notch sport compact contender." The Kansas City Star says that this "compact wagon has the heart of a giant killer," and calls the Mazdaspeed3 "zoom-zoom squared."
The 2007 Mazdaspeed3 garners ample recognition for its all-around appeal. Car and Driver lists it as a 2007 "10Best Car," calling it a "very good bad boy." Consumer Guide recognizes the Mazdaspeed3's competitive pricing by calling it a "worthy Best Buy," adding that the 3s "share a spirit of sporty driving fun, solid build quality and a pleasant, efficient interior package."
While acclaim for the Mazdaspeed3 isn't universal -- the Detroit Free Press, for one, considers the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Si better choices in the sport-compact segment -- Edmunds calls the Mazdaspeed3 "a serious enthusiast car. It's a lot of machine for the money and it offers the same balance of speed, practicality and value we've found previously only in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI." Motor Trend reports that the 2007 Mazdaspeed3's specs "read more like the resume of a $45,000 BMW or Audi sport sedan" and will "undoubtedly give pause to those considering a WRX, a GTI, or even an A3." Yet the Detroit Free Press disagrees, saying that the Mazdaspeeed3 provides a "wonderful package," but "is a real disappointment compared with leading sporty compacts such as the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Si." Kelley Blue Book sums it up nicely by saying, "If you're in the market for a compact pocket rocket that can also serve as a daily driver, the MAZDASPEED3 should be at the top of your list."
Auto reviewers find the 2007 Mazdaspeed3 competitively priced and quite affordable, especially for all that it delivers. Car and Driver calls the base price of the Mazdaspeed3 and the total package "unbeatable." The Detroit News says the Mazdaspeed3 is "an outstanding little car for anyone who wants something that's fun to drive, looks good and is relatively affordable -- nearly as much fun as a Subaru STI or a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, but more civilized and considerably less expensive." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Mazdaspeed3 an "Excellent" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The 2007 Mazdaspeed3 comes in two trim levels, Sport and Grand Touring.
Speed3 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
Auto critics praise the 2007 Mazdaspeed3's performance for its great acceleration, confident handling and daily driving feel. The Mazdaspeed3 is a "poor man's AMG, a limited-edition in-house tuner car with outrageous power and subtle visual signifiers of its ill intentions," says the New York Times. continue
Speed3 Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2007 Mazdaspeed3's exterior is nearly identical to the standard Mazda3, but differentiates itself with sporty touches. Most reviewers find the Mazdaspeed3's exterior striking and attractive, without being overdone or flashy. continue
Speed3 Interior - 7.7 (Good)
The 2007 Mazdaspeed3's interior matches its performance appeal with bolstered bucket seating, red accents and an overall sleek cabin look with quality fit and finish. Most reviewers find the interior successful at fusing both form and function. continue
Speed3 Safety - NA
The 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback earned 4 out of 5 stars for driver protection in front impact crashes, and 4 stars for front passenger protection. In side impact crashes, the 2007 Mazda 3 earned 3 stars for front seat occupant protection and 3 stars for backseat occupant protection, according to the federal government. continue
Speed3 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Mazda Speed3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mazda offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
