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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Mazda MAZDA3

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3

Overview

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2007 Mazda MAZDA3 Review

By KBB.com Editors

It's now three years into the compact Mazda3's model run, and Mazda still can't keep up with demand. The Mazda3 continues to attract buyers, due to its attractive styling, impressive array of standard and optional features, good fuel economy and sporty handling. Few economy cars have enough style to sit beside an Audi A3 and look right at home, yet the Mazda3 can do just that, and its starting price just a little over $14,000 places it within reach of most compact car buyers. The Mazda3 is available in two body styles, with the four-door sedan offering two four-cylinder engine choices: A 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter. The five-door hatchback is available only with the larger engine. Both models are wildly popular with drivers young and old, poking a big hole in the commonly-held belief that Americans won't buy hatchbacks.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're shopping for an economical small car that can be nicely equipped for around $18,000, check out the Mazda3. Sharp styling and road-hugging handling are standard, as is a long list of uncommon options such as DVD navigation and Bose audio.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're searching for maximum passenger space, the Mazda3's rear-seat legroom won't impress. Though no wimp, the 2.3-liter engine can't compete with the high-powered turbocharged engines from Subaru, Volkswagen and MINI.

What's Significant About This Car?

A significant improvement for 2007 is that Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control is now standard on all five-door models and all four-door s models, which is to say, all with the 2.3-liter engine. In addition, there has been a major front-end freshening across the line. New features include a rear-seat center armrest with built-in cup holders, an audio auxiliary input jack and an additional 12-volt power outlet.

Driving the MAZDA3

Driving Impressions We found the Mazda3's handling to be simply superb, with incredibly tight steering that responds instantaneously to input. As we joyfully wound our way over a serpentine road, we were...

instantly reminded of other great compacts that evoked the same emotional response. Even though the Mazda3 is a front-wheel-drive car, it exhibits very little torque steer.

The secret ingredient for a faster, more thrilling Mazda3 is the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine of the s trim level. Though it has only 12 more horsepower than the 2.0-liter, the 2.3's low-end torque helps the Mazda3 accelerate effortlessly. The optional automatic transmission features a quick shift from first to second gear for a faster response, making even steep hills no threat to rapid acceleration.

Favorite Features

DVD-Based Navigation Unit
The Mazda3's optional DVD-based navigation unit is an unheard-of feature in a car in this price range.

Hatchback
Who says Americans don't like hatchbacks? The new hot hatches are gaining converts for their looks and versatility.

2007 Mazda MAZDA3 Details

Interior

You can shop this segment until the cows come home and not find as handsome an interior as in the Mazda3. A racy three-pod instrument cluster, red dash lighting and long list of standard and optional features make the Mazda3 feel like a high-priced sports sedan. Front-seat occupants will find head- and legroom generous, although the passenger's seat does not offer lumbar support, nor is it height-adjustable. The five-door model allows you to lug around bulky items that would not easily fit in the sedan's trunk. Two features missing from an otherwise well-planned interior are a remote hatch release switch and a retained power feature, the latter necessary to operate the power windows after the key is removed from the ignition.

Exterior

The Mazda3's scorching exterior could easily have been penned by BMW or Alfa Romeo. The strong lines denote its performance abilities and look particularly attractive on the sporty five-door hatchback. A new front end features a revised grille and headlamp treatment with a large rectangular air intake and, on s trims, integrated rectangular fog lights. Sadly, heated exterior mirrors are still not available. The s model's sporty 17-inch five-spoke wheel is replaced this year by a multi-spoke design that mimics the wheels found on the new CX-7 crossover SUV. While they look good, the pattern is not as aggressive as the old wheel.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The entry-level Mazda3 i features a 2.0-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, dual remote-control mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD, cloth bucket seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, tachometer, intermittent wipers and 15-inch wheels. The s five-door hatchback includes a 2.3-liter engine, air conditioning, illuminated remote keyless entry, fog lights, dual power mirrors, power locks, power windows, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels. And all versions with the 2.3-liter engine have Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment.

Optional Equipment

Options include a power moonroof, Bose audio, six-disc MP3/CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels (Grand Touring), heated leather seats, five-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), remote engine start (automatic models only), front-side and front/rear side-curtain airbags, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and a DVD-based navigation system.

Under the Hood

The base 2.0-liter engine works just fine in this car, competing with similarly-sized engines from Ford, Toyota, Honda and Kia. Performance driving requires the larger 2.3-liter engine, which offers more low-end torque but also consumes more fuel. A new five-speed automatic with manual shift control is available only with the 2.3-liter engine.

2.0-liter in-line 4
148 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
135 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/35 (manual), 26/34 (automatic)

2.3-liter in-line 4
156 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
150 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/33 (manual), 25/31 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2007 Mazda MAZDA3 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 1119 Ratings for the 2004 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.4/10

Great gas efficiency & reliable

By h20rosy (CA) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Great price, fuel efficient, nice body"

Cons: "average stereo system, no leather seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"3 year owner of Mazda 3 and very happy with no issues to report. Great fuel efficiency has saved me lots of money at the pump. Was going to trade it in for a bigger car since I have 2 kids, but decided to keep it for my commuter car. I tinted the back windows and now it's perfect! Seat come down in back to make a bigger trunk."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best car ever.

By wifus (AL) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 143,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "reliable and fuel efficient"

Cons: "back seat isn't really big enough for grown ups"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great gas mileage, no serious repairs in almost 150,000 miles, drives like a go cart( so much fun) and reasonably priced. I got this car new and have loved it. I've owned Audi's and Acura's that both almost put me in the poor house with repairs and premium gas but neither of those cars could compare to my little Mazda 3!"

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decent vehicle overall

By asiandude8638 (NV) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 116,750

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great value, fun to drive, fast little car"

Cons: "a tad bit small and under-powered"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought my 06 Mazda 3 2.3 hatchback about 2 years ago only because of the amazing deal I got on it. At the time I bought it I paid 5k for a car that blue booked at almost 10k so hence why I couldn't pass up this deal. It only had just under 72k miles on it which was another good thing as well. When I first bought it I was very skeptical about the car cause I am normally a GM vehicle type of guy and really don't care for foregin cars too much. But now that I have been driving it for the last few years I must say that this car is an amazibng fun little car. I have driven it all over the place and put on just over 45k miles and havent really had too much of replacing to do to the vehicle besides the usual things like new tires and transmission/oil changes. Overall I must say that this car has treated me well and am very happy with it!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Excellent Car

By Danricc (PA) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fund to drive, reliable, value"

Cons: "road noise, tire wear"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car new back in 2007 (left over 2006 model). At that time the competition was lacking. Mazda offered a smart looking car with good interior for the price plus a sporty fun drive. Reliability has been great. I have only had wear parts replaced. I even have the stock battery still! I have driven from PA to Oklahoma a couple times with the car overloaded with furniture and luggage, I have driven it on harsh dirt/muddy/rocky mountain "roads" (work demands), and city roads. I did replace the sprockets but I blame that on myself for taking a definite street car on mountain trails usually reserved for jeeps, 4X4 lifted trucks, and bulldozers (I worked on gas drilling pads. The tires for the 17" wheels are an odd size so they tend to be slightly pricey, but brakes and rotors are cheap enough. The only alterations I've made is installing a K&N air filter (NOT a cold-air intake) and I am getting 31mpg on my country road commute. (Note I have the manual transmission) The biggest issue with the car is road noise and tire wear. The car is designed to have a sporty feel, so rear tires are set from factory with an aggressive camber which will tires faster if you don't rotate regularly. It is a rough drive compared to my wife's 2007 Volvo, but that's hardly a fair comparison. Gears on the manual are close together. You can tell it was developed in Japan where the highway speeds tend to stay under 60mph. The car will reach 113(its e-limited) and cruises easily at 80, but you'll wish you had another gear to improve the gas mileage at those speeds My dash has developed a crack in the very front plastic dash panel. Probably wouldn't notice it if the plastic wasn't lighter in the middle then the surface (black interior), and one of the climate control nobs stop illuminating. Other than that, its good as new, if you ignore the cosmetic damage I've incurred by pretending I was driving a pickup with a 12" lift kit."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love my Mazda3

By MazdaDJ (WI) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Drives like a sports car, stickshift is most fun"

Cons: "Interior trunk release doesn't work"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought my 2009 Mazda 3 iTouring 4D sedan used in 2011. The car was in excellent condition, almost like brand new but much cheaper. I drive the manual transmission. If you can drive a stickshift, get a Mazda 3 with a manual transmission - it's like driving a sports car. I prefer a stickshift and it's getting harder & harder to find good cars with stickshifts. It was easier to find a Mazda with a stickshift. I test drove other Mazda 3's that were base models (no electronic doors, windows etc) but I prefer all of the bells & whistles of iTouring edition. I love my car. It drives great, runs great and is probably the best car I've ever owned. I selected the Mazda 3 because the interior was so roomy, I love all of the features & because it had a manual transmission. I researched many cars and poured through the annual car issue of Consumer Reports, which gave high reviews to the Mazda 3 (as new & as a used vehicle). The glove box is very roomy & the trunk has a lot of room although you couldn't tell it by looking at it from the outside. The only downsides are that the tire pressure sensors have had to be replaced on most tires (which may be due to the car or the fact that the roads I drive on are in such terrible condition). The interior trunk release doesn't work anymore & I can only open the trunk with the button on the remote. Overall, I would highly recommend this car."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I've really enjoyed this car

By TopHatGal (CA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "very responsive if you're a smart driver"

Cons: "needs interior trunk handle;"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"and so have all my passengers, rear and front! Great handling, comfort. If I stick to the speed limit, I consistently get 40 mpg on the highway. City - 27."

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See all 1119 reviews