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Select Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Model Year
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2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 |
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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Compact Car
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 6
MPG: 20/28 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.3L I4 263HP
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Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 4.8
Exterior: 4.7
Interior: 4.4
Overall: 4.7 Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
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2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Reviews - Consumer Car Reviews
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Subscribe to the latest reviews of MAZDASPEED3  |
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Consumer Car Review Summary |
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Top 5 Pros of 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
- First rate performance
- Effortless acceleration
- Practicality of a hatchback
- Great value for the price
- Precise handling
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Top 5 Cons of 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
- Reduce road noise
- Shed some weight
- More precise shifter
- AWD version
- Better brakes
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Displaying 20 Reviews - Read More |
Submitted 2008-04-03 14:24:56 | 
GUEST | Performance: |  | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Great sport wagon.
Unmatched for value received.
Grin factor is off the charts. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Performance: AWD, More HP (is there EVER enough?)
CREATURE COMFORTS: Sunroof, Heat/Cool seats & Cupholders. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
This segment is robust with entries. Coming from 30+ yrs of driving Hi-HP RWD's, this was to be my 1st sport compact. It was also to be delegated as my primary DD as I was finally giving in to $3 a gallon fuel prices on my 100+ mile per day commute. I did a lot of research prior to purchase for a vehicle with some mpg skills that didn't give up the farm on performance. I'm happy to say 14 months and 30k later my Speed 3 w/Grand Touring package is the home-run in the segment.
PROS (there are MANY, I'll only touch on the best):
Powertrain: 263HP/280TQ Nuff said. Great performance yet I can get 30+ hwy mpg if you drive for it. Considering whats on tap, I thought that was impressive. Lack of AWD at this performance level makes some torque-steer inevitable. Mazda manages it well, and if you press the stability control button (DSC) upon startup you disable it. As a lifelong gearhead I appreciate the ability to defeat this should I choose to. 3rd gear is definitely the go-to gear...the torque on tap really shines here. No dead spots in this baby. 280 ft lbs sees to that. Mine has the dealer installed CAI, and that'll put a smile on your face too if the acceleration won't.
Suspension: Handling is tight but not bone jarring on all but the most torn-up roads. You'll need to double your investment in order to be somewhat satisfied here, and does ANY car really do both perfectly for that matter? I own dedicated track cars, and what I can live with for 2 hours on the track is NOT what I can live with in a DD. Do I want great handling? Absolutely, and the Speed3 delivers here, and yet it can be forgiving at the limit should the road conditions prove you're a bit overcooked. Brakes are more than adequate as delivered. The hardware is there, if you need more fade resistance upgrade your pads and you're good to go.
Exterior: Stance is nice, wheels look great IMHO, and just enough change to differentiate it from mainstream models. Even with the mods, all but the in-the-know will dismiss it until you mash the angry pedal. Fart can muffler gives it a bit boy-racer look, I guess I'm my traditionalist roots show here to vote for dual tips
Creature Comforts: Interior space is both phenomenal and very flexible when you take exterior dimensions into account. Being a 5 door wagon helps here. 4 non-football linemen can fit comfortably inside, each with their own door no less. Seats are great for my size and frame (6'2" @225 lb), and its easy to have settings for both touring and (cough) more vigorous functions. A memory feature would be great, but at this price point, I can live without it. I have the Bose audio that comes with the GT package (GET THIS PACKAGE!). Its decent but I was hoping for more since the BOSE name was on it. I have hi-end aftermarket systems in other vehicles I own so I may be a little harsh here, as its a good factory system all in all. My iPod integrates decently, although I wish the steering wheel controls would also control the iPod, but at least its usable. Unique styling & LED function display on the center stack makes upgrading to aftermarket components difficult at best. Great HID package! It also includes 3 on the fly adjustments should you be loaded down with people and/or cargo and not desire oncoming drivers to bless you with their hi-beams. Rain-sensing wipers. Yes! First package I've ever driven that works as it should. Kudos. All the auto features (Climate, Stability, Wipers, etc) are indeed a blessing at this price point. 14 months & 30k miles later and the cabin is still tight; no rattles at all which I thought remarkable due to some of the washboard country roads I must drive on occasion.
Having raved on all this, is it perfect? Absolutely not. Is any car for that matter? Any vehicle is a collection of compromises, and this one makes all the right ones IMHO.
Things to change: Shifter is somewhat vague, clutch can be somewhat touchy in 1st/2nd. AWD would make this truly a giant killer (some say it already is). A sunroof would be nice (or to keep structural integrity intact, how about a glass roof option? Heated/Cooled seats & cupholders would be a great touch for the GT package. That's about it for my short list.
Bottom line: Would I buy it again? In a heartbeat. Due to limited availability mine didn't come equipped with NAV system, so I'd like to try one with that. Otherwise, Go have a cold one Mazda, you've done a remarkable job on this one! |
| Submitted 2007-05-17 00:16:12 | 
sportscommander
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Power and comfort for a car with tight suspension.
Only have 300 miles but took it for a 100 road trip varying speeds.
Combo of city/hwy mileage was close to 27 mpg. Compared to my Protege 5 (which is great car in itself), the ride is a lot smoother even on rough roads.
There's nothing not to like about this "steriod" Mazda 3.
For the price, it's got it all ... performance, great breaks, and the feel of a higher price car like a BMW. But a lot more fun driving this car than that higher price car ... truly a better bang for buck!! Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Some reviews I read say the shifiting is "vague." I disagree. Requires precise shifting but I'm sure an owner will get use to this requirement as time passes since the shifting is not so unforgiving for a close ratio, short shifting gearbox. I presume Mazda made it for the "race" driver type so I'm surprised to see so many family buyers. I wished the back seats folded completely flat like by PR5, but that's so minor compared to the car an owner gets. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Mazda really made a great car. The PR5 I still own is an excellent car too but in a different way. Drives like go kart, great mileage, quick if you add a "turbo" muffler/computer reprogrammed, but a harder ride than the Speed 3 on rough surfaces. The car has great power when need yet drives docile enough for city driving. The car was marketed for 30s and under but from reviews I have read, an older buyer also has an interest. The muffler sound is no louder than the "turbo" muffler I have on my PR5, so for those who have complained about the sound, tells me the owner is the older type than the target market. I'm in my 50's but I have always owned performance cars that offer mobility, brake safety, mileage, and quickness. This car has all of that plus comfort for the performance/sports wagon owner. It performs right up there with more expensive cars for a lot less. Get one of the 5000 supposedly being sold in the US. I don't think you will regret it. |
| Submitted 2007-01-02 11:50:20 |
rkpaup
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: |  | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Acceleration.
Dynamic Stability Control.
Braking.
Handling.
Stereo System. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Leather trim the doors.
Move dash-board vents closer to base of windshield.
Allow driver to completely disable the air-conditioner when climate control is in auto mode.
Make first and second gear a slightly higher gear ratio.
Increase range of clutch control.
Give more intensity control to the blue accent lighting.
Change the high beams to HID xenon and beef up the low beam xenon lights.
Add a boost pressure gauge.
Optimize engine mapping to 91-92 octane gas.
Move intercooler to front of car.
Change rim lug pattern to a more common pattern so tire selection is more accommodating.
Add a turbo temperature gauge or timer to let you know when it is safe to shut off the engine.
Add a full manual mode on the turbo boost control when Dynamic Stability Control is turned off and make this engine warm up faster! 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
This is a great car and it's very fun to drive. This car is very agile with quick acceleration and braking response and better than average visibility. With the BOSE 7-speaker sound system, which includes a BOSE base box under the passenger seat, these are all the variables for a perfect commuter car. I can pass those left lane losers that forgot the "slower drivers stay right" courtesy. I can switch lanes before that old stay-at-home mom in the SUV or ball-cap sporting, homophobe with the rubber balls hanging off the hitch speeds up so that you can't get in. Also, avoiding potholes and road debris is as easy as a twich of the steering wheel. I can humble just about any tailgater with a single punch of the gas and finally, I can stop on a dime when that cell phone talking teenager or half asleep, velocitized commuter misses the brake cue from the red, illuminated devices on the car in front of them. Oh, and by the way, if the car behind me misses my brake cue, I can swerve out of the way while braking on any surface with my 4-wheel anti-lock, extra beefy disc brakes. Seriously, though, this car is perfect for me. My wife, 2 kids and a fith wheel (metaphor for fith person, not a recreational trailer) fit comfortably. The back seat has as much leg room as most mid-sized sedans and the hatch has twice the capacity of most trunks. Back seats fold down so you can haul those fence posts and boards if needed. The front seats are very comfotable and the anti-whiplash, head restraint actually touches your head when you sit back. The GT model comes loaded with many cool features like a gas mileage computer, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 6-disc CD changer w/ auxiliary input port, HID Xenon low beams, additional 12vDC socket and leather trimmed seats. I takes some practice launching from a dead stop, but when the tires spin, theres very little torque steer. Actually, I love the fact that I have all that power in my hand on the steering wheel; it's very exhilarating! Last month, we had snow and black ice, so I took it out on the road. This car handles better than my old 93 civic did on ice and snow. I tested the traction control/dynamic stability control by swerving, braking and accelerating with the stock summer tires and I was very impressed. So impressed, I drove it to work (40 miles) everyday of our icy weather. This car won't lose control. The PCM (power control module) controls the fuel to the engine regardless of how much gas you give it, so if it slips, it brakes and cuts fuel accordingly. I love my car so much, I try and find reasons to go for drives (my wife has caught on though). |
| Submitted 2006-11-27 18:23:03 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Where else are you going to find a very capable 263HP, 280LB, 6-speed for under $30,000? With the braking performance of a GT race car, there is no sport compact on the market today that can beat it. The interior is very functional for an experienced racer, leather accents on the seats as opposed to full leather. For those that know that all leather seats and racing doesn't mix. Performance is first rate. A very well designed engine. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Given the size of the vehicle you couldn't shed much weight off of it. But that would be the best thing. Some complain of road noise, yet I'm assuming they've never driven a performance vehicle before. The road noise is very minimal given the characteristics of the car. A front mounted intercooler, larger than the one it has would be my only suggestion. Yet I'm sure I'll do that to the car eventually anyway. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Simply the most bang for your buck of any car on the road, minus maybe the Corvette. But if you can't afford a corvette, the Mazdaspeed 3 gives you the feel of a racer, and the comfort of a sedan. You can honestly fit 4 adults comfortably in it. Not only that even with added weight the engine gives power througout the powerband. Passing people is fun in this car. There's no better feeling on the road than going from a smooth 65mph to 100 in a couple seconds. My only dissapointment with the car is having to park it sometimes.....I'd rather drive it 24/7. Zoom-zoom. |
| Submitted 2008-12-30 18:17:38 |
GUEST | Performance: |  | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Performance, when the car is not being repaired. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
An engine that does not burn oil like crazy. Less vague shifter. Less interior noise. Better sound system. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Great car to drive... when it's working. My car went through a qt of oil every 500 miles from the first day I had the car. The engine blew at 9,000 miles and the replacement engine installed by the dealer is a dog. I read great things about this car, but I got stuck with a LEMON. |
| Submitted 2008-02-26 16:58:54 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
power handling Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
less turbo torque more smoother engagement from shifter |
| Submitted 2008-02-23 07:43:06 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
interior plastics light housings Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
reduce road noise
wheel and tire options that are a little more pracarical 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
A blast to drive and I like looking at it
I owne a 2008 |
| Submitted 2008-01-29 18:58:05 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: |  | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
ITS FAST HANDLES GOOD HAS GREAT BRAKES AND IS ALOT OF FUN Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
AWD A BETTER INTERCOOLER |
| Submitted 2007-12-31 18:18:44 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
That's a tough question, as there are numerous things I like about owning and driving the Sport Trim Model. The feel of the road is exemplary and the speed is amazingly smooth and quick for such a small engine mounted with a turbo. I like the practicality of the car as well since I've a wife and two kids under 14. The sound system is fair (I miss my Kenwood from the previous Mazdaspeed Pro I owned) & the seats hug well in the front and back. The profile is clean and quite the hidden gem since it looks like other Mazda 3's, just a bit more fatter. I like the sound of the engine as I enter my parking structure - oft time setting off other's alarms. The handling is superb too! Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
I guess I'd want a better shifter as I've inadvertantly gone from 5th to 2nd or 2nd to 5th. I rarely let my hand wander from the stickshift when shifting in lower gears and Thank God I live in socal where the roads are drivable with better weather than most areas. I would want a better sound system AND honestly, I'd want to feel the road more like I did in my previous Mazdaspeed Pro. I like the hidden turbo ducts, but I think a FMR would make more sense. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Read above. |
| Submitted 2007-12-02 10:16:59 |
bj70117
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
This a good car. Thank God Ford has not messed with the concept so far. Fit and finish are above average and the interiors materials don't look as cheap as the GTI. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
The exterior has become dated. Most rivals have had makeovers since the 3s introduction. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
What would improve this car? New body shape and all wheel drive. Spinning tires leave me cold not to mention dead on slow. Mazda needs to introduce a new model ASAP. The body style was great for a long time, but seriously, new models from VW and Volvo make it look bland. In addition, Mazda has reduced the warranty to 3 years. I my opinion, this is not acceptable. |
| Submitted 2007-09-11 21:55:08 |
kdodele7
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
I love the amazing handling in the twisties and it's incredible power that keeps on coming. It's also a bit of a sleeper which is great for flying under the radar. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
There's too much front wheel steer on bumpy roads. |
| Submitted 2007-08-23 23:53:13 |
orlandovalentin
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
the Performance. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Different gearing. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Super fast car. This is a driver car. I love to drive this car speially in the highway. Here is where this car shine. Also nobody know what pass then unless you are a car crazy guy or gal. Overall excellent value even if you paid window sticker for it. |
| Submitted 2007-08-20 09:25:21 |
edzbud3910
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Speed, of course! Oh yeah, it's also practical. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Offer HID headlights and an alarm system as customer options for the sport trim package. I don't think these items would be a problem for a dealer to do in his shop. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
I have 4000 miles on my MS3 sport model and so far I am extremely pleased with it. It is a very satisfying car to drive, plenty of power and very good handling characteristics. Some people have complained about the noise level but it is actually pretty low for a car with this kind of performance, especially considering the price point. Mazda has done their homework on this one and it shows. |
| Submitted 2007-06-13 12:01:46 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Unbeatable performance for the price. Well built. Looks great. Great gas milage for the power. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Give it a little more backseat space. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
Overall I have really enjoyed my Speed3 so far.
I have heard some disturbing talk about a weak transmission mount but I have yet to have any problems. I love the acceleration and space. |
| Submitted 2007-05-21 19:59:42 |
ezeddie88
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
interior , ride, handling, acceleration, exterior looks, hatchback. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
clutch grabs to low, notchy shifter 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
awesome car fun to drive satan is it's motor...amazing acceleration |
| Submitted 2007-04-30 13:49:54 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Everything. Owned for 4 months now. The most fun you can have with your pants on! Torque is amazing. Handling is great. GTIs, SIs don't stand a chance next to this beast!! The ladies like the look of it as well. Many more ladies check me out compared to my Jetta VR6 Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
ipod jack in center console is dead 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
For the money, the best car on the road for people who like to drive and also pay attention when they drive. Not for people who like to talk on the cell phone or drive with their knees!! Car is too powerful for the average driver. Only a true driver could appreciate this machine! |
| Submitted 2007-04-11 10:47:47 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
sold construction and precise assembly. power, power and more power. Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
offer it in a dark metallic grey and make a power moonroof available. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
This is a very nice caar compared to subaru or honda. those cars are probably ok for highschool kids, but this is much more rrefined inside and out. |
| Submitted 2007-04-01 21:13:57 |
herronphilipj
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Too many great things to mention, but walking on eggshels at the dealer, not to lose my chance to get a GT. No haggling color Navagation I really wanted, but mand all that handling, power, and still some cargo room! Bad though.. That 40-50 hp/(torque) upgrade my local parts dealer seems to have heard absolutely nothing about, a turbo boost guage sorely missed, an incredibly terrible shifter so stone age It came off its" moorings trying to get it into 2nd and 4th gear when cold. This is a fatal engeneering flaw, Mazda can do better and has, to wit my 17 year old Miata and dozens of thousands of the most perfect shifter this side of a formula 1 and we get this vague NeanderthatStick that in most cars has a hard time figuring out 1st from 3rd. I really hate this aspect of the car and a seat belt that never retract and has the seat belt idiot light now 3 months perpetually on even though it didn,t retract for 3 weeks and I hand feed it back now going on 3 months. Other than that I love the mother to death... And where is that dealer horsepower, warrenty-kosherupgrades materializing? Anyone Know? PS, my 12 PSI Redone chassis,$6,000 turbocharcharged, 1990 Miata with all Mods done in 1994 runs circles around the mazdaspeed3 in Accelleration, passing __-__, and Gs on a Track Mazda has to Try harder. wHAT HAPPENED TO THE 3RD RX-7? My Miata is real close and indestructible, the Mazdaspeed shows what they can do now lrts ask for what the next level should have been 29 years ago not just a consolation for what should have been a ride/drive reading your mind true Viceral,all senses, seat of your pants car and driver as onesynergystic modern day corvette 20 years from now drive for $30K A 240z revolution not 300z fat cow for complacent 8 cupholder Ipod, cellphone and"cocommittant", Driving enthuiast. Lets ask for More! |
| Submitted 2007-03-26 12:57:35 |
GUEST | Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
sleeper -- speed -- nice rumble off the factory floor Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
all wheel drive 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
I never thought I would own a hatchback until I drove this car |
| Submitted 2007-03-24 23:09:40 |
jrrybarn
| Performance: | | Exterior: | | Interior: | | Overall: | | | Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor |
| Pros: What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
the power and the rigid chassis Cons: How would you improve 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
get ride of some of the turbo lag and better brakes 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review:
had a mazda3 2005 sp23. this is a blast compared to it. just had to wait 2 years. |
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Displaying 20 Reviews - Read More |
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