2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2009 MAZDA3 sedan/hatchback returns unchanged in preparation for a major redesign and power boost for the 2010 version. This popular front-wheel-drive compact outperforms many in its class, exhibiting energetic and sporty handling and performance tuning that actually bring some fun and excitement to driving an economy compact car. It lags behind the Civic and Corolla primarily in passenger room, safety ratings, and overall fuel economy.
Eight trims are divided into two categories (i and s) depending on their powertrain. Those with the i designation house a 2.0-liter, 148-hp inline-four engine that delivers 22/30 mpg, while the s trims receive a 2.3-liter, 156-hp inline-four with fuel ratings around 21/29 mpg. Both come paired with a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Sedans come in both i (Sport and Touring Value) and s (Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring) trims, while the hatch is offered only with the s powertrain. Nominally standing for “sport,” s trims feature larger wheels, electroluminescent gauges, and unique front and rear fascias.
The 2009 MAZDA3 still earns only three and four stars in crash tests, despite coming standard with 4-wheel ABS brakes and dual front-side and side curtain airbags. Moving up to the s Touring and Grand Touring gets you standard traction and stability control. The MAZDA3 excels in its equipment list, offering features not often seen in compacts. The base Sport includes tilt and telescopic steering, wheel-mounted audio controls, and a CD/MP3 player. That sounds good, until you realize there's no air-conditioning. Better to move up to the Touring trims, which add power accessories, cruise control, and leather trim. The s Grand Touring peaks with a 6-way power driver's seat, heated leather seats, a trip computer, and xenon headlights.
Though not as roomy as the Civic, the 2009 Mazda3 does offer a hatchback version, which holds anywhere from 17 to 44 cubic feet (an improvement over the sedan's small 11.4-cubic-foot trunk). It also features an oversized glove box. The hatch distinguishes itself from the sedan by adding larger 17-inch wheels, side sills, a body-colored grille, and a rear spoiler, and as such comes across as the more appealing model. It's sporty bold looks don't scream budget car.
There's a reason sales of the MAZDA3 continue to rise every year. Its combination of nimble, responsive, and driver-connected handling add an element of fun behind the wheel, while its long list of standard features and hatchback option make it a good value at an affordable price. Major complaints focus on the lack of power and noisiness of the 2.0, both of which may be remedied with the 2010 redesign.
User reviews for 2009 Mazda MAZDA3
Write a review2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.68
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.86
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.86
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: manual leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.86
Engine
Alternator: 90 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: intermittent
