What do you like about 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Great sport wagon. Unmatched for value received. Grin factor is off the charts.
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 what’s 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 it’s 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 it’s 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!
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