Review
Introduction
The Mazda 3 has been a solid success for the Japanese company since it went on sale in the U.S. in 2004 as a 2005 model. Offered as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback, this front-wheel-drive subcompact is based on the underpinnings of the European Ford Focus and the Volvo C30/S40/V50.
Three flavors are available: i, s, and Mazdaspeed 3, the latter available only as a hatchback. The i uses a 148-hp, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, and the s is fitted with a 156-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The rip-snorting Mazdaspeed 3 packs a turbocharged 2.3-liter four making 263 horsepower, which is enough to power the little hatch past 150 mph.
Verdict
The Mazda 3 and the Mazdaspeed 3 are firm favorites with Car and Driver editors. The Mazda 3 finished second in our roundup of subcompact family cars. The Mazdaspeed 3 has been on the 10Best Cars list for two straight years, as well as winning our last comparison test of sub-$25,000 performance sedans and hatchbacks. The 3s are nicely made, look terrific, have excellent handling and steering, and are fun to drive. The Mazdaspeed 3 is a rocket ship and among the best performance bargains on sale in the United States.
Click here to read our full review of the Mazda 3.
Click here to read our full review of the Mazdaspeed 3.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Mazda 3.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Mazdaspeed 3.
What’s New for 2008
Mazda left well enough alone for the 2008 model year. The only change to the lineup was the standardization of side and curtain airbags on the s Sport model.
