2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,740 to $24,455

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(7 reviews)

The 2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 might be unique in the hot hatch front-wheel-drive category in its ability to combine performance, practicality, and build quality.

Although based on the Ford C1 platform found under various Volvo models and the international versions of the Ford Focus, Mazda’s high-performance race division has made “a few adjustments.” Starting under the hood, they have dropped in a multiple award winning turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The direct-injected four spins out 263 hp and an amazing 280 lb-ft of torque. Backed exclusively by a six-speed manual transmission, power flows through a limited-slip differential to the front wheels. A chrome-tipped “sport-tuned” exhaust pokes out the rear.

The MAZDASPEED3 is lowered and rides on 18-inch alloys. Mazda has further reinforced and stiffened the frame. Larger brakes and a MAZDASPEED sport-tuned suspension keep things under control. The 0-60 bolt comes in 5.4 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Reviewers couldn’t get enough of the twisties, as the car represents one of the best front-wheel handlers out there. Yet with all this performance the EPA estimates fuel economy at 18/26 mpg on premium fuel.

The well-designed interior is comfortable for both front and rear passengers, and reviewers were impressed with Mazda’s fit and finish. In front, high-bolstered sport seats, aluminum pedals, and special trim provide a “high-performance atmosphere” that suits its road capabilities.

The hatchback/station wagon format also renders the MAZDASPEED3 eminently practical, with comfortable rear passenger and spacious cargo space given its compact size. The standard folding 60/40 split back seat enables increased trunk space that can accommodate 43.8 cubic feet of cargo when folded down.

The MAZDASPEED3 offers two trims: Sport and Grand Touring. The engine and mechanicals are the same on both trims. The base Sport comes well equipped with such features as cloth-covered bolstered sport seats, cruise control, power accessories, a six-speaker stereo with CD player, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and climate control. The Grand Touring trim provides an enhanced stereo system, leather sport seats with Alcantra seat inserts, xenon HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a trip computer. A nav system is one of the few optional packages.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, Mazda’s “Triple-H” energy absorbing crash construction, a tire pressure monitoring system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), and a braking system that incorporates power-assisted ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

The MAZDASPEED3 bundles impressive performance and practicality in a distinctive hatch/station wagon format.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

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User rating:
by Xathrin H
Jun 21, 2022
Great car at a great price! Love that 6-speed. Jun 21, 2022
by Anonymous
Mar 15, 2014
The Mazdaspeed 3 has got to be one of the best sport compact, performance out of the box vehicle ever made. It is hands down the best bang for the buck. If you're looking for a performance sport compact, look no further.Mar 15, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 13, 2013
Great car, fast fun to drive and reliable. Great looking car and has the performance to match. Best part is just driving with the windows down and listening to the turbo as your head flies into the back of your seat.Jul 13, 2013

2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,740 to $24,455
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front 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 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.35 · Limited slip differential: front

Exterior Features

Paint: pearl · 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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium 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: summer performance

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 222 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · 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 illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.35 · Limited slip differential: front

Exterior Features

Paint: pearl · 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

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

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: summer performance

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (2)