Mazda MAZDA3
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The 2012 Mazda3 gets a freshened front face and a new instrument panel with a blue background and white lettering. Also new is the fuel-efficient 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine. Cars equipped with the Skyactiv engine are fitted with a choice of two new 6-speed transmissions, either manual or automatic. In addition, there are a number of equipment changes across the numerous trim levels.
In the MAZDASPEED3, Mazda finally has a compact sports model to do battle with the Volkswagen GTI and Dodge Caliber R/T. Billed as one of the fastest front-wheel-drive compact cars on the planet, the turbocharged MAZDASPEED3 puts some real muscle behind Mazda's sporty design language. Sharing most of its body with the hot-selling Mazda3 five-door practically insures the MAZDASPEED3 will be a slam-dunk success, while dynamic changes to the suspension, gearbox and interior are sure to satisfy the most demanding compact car enthusiasts. With a starting price below $23,000 and a 5,000-unit limited production run, customers are likely to find that the greatest obstacle to owning a MAZDASPEED3 won't be cost, but finding one on a dealer lot.
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Best vehicle in class
By SgtRock (Lafayette, IN) on Monday, July 06, 2009
overall rating 5 of 5rating details
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"Absolutely the best in class, super fun automatic/manual transmission, interior is beter than a lot of much higher price sedans, getting 33 mpg IN TOWN and 36 mpg on highway. Sound system is awesome, first time I have nothing to complain about after six months of driving. White 3 with tinted windows...looks awesome!"
28 people out of 28 found this review helpful
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Mazda 3 take 2
By Falco (Kentucky) on Friday, September 24, 2010
overall rating 5 of 5rating details
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"I bought a 2010 Mazda3 GT 2.5 with the 6 speed manual about 7 months ago and I’ve already put over 22k mile on it without any issues. I researched the heck out of this purchase, including driving just about everything in the $20k to $35k price range. Funny that the car I ended up buying was at the bottom of the price range I was considering. When it came down to it the Mazda had the all the equipment I wanted and I just loved the way it drove and handled. You can tell that the chassis is the highly refined platform used on the S40 Volvo (I had a 2008) but you get a package that, quite frankly, is a better car for about $8k less money. Fit and finish are very good and the interior is really above its price range. I recommend the 2.5 with the 6 speed if you want to have some fun with it. The clutch and tranny are precise and snicky. While not the fastest thing out there, it certainly does make the most of the power it has and the 2.5 is an improvement over the 2.3 it replaces (I also own a 2008 Mazda 3 T 2.3) the 2.5 has a nice broad torque curve. I can get 30mpg if I’m careful (I’m usually not). The only gripe I have is that the beautiful Velocity Red paint chips too easily. Other than that, I don’t have any complaints There simply is not another car on the market that delivers this much fun and practicality in this price range."
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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I loved it and it saved my daughters life.
By Kay (AZ) on Friday, January 27, 2012
I owned and sold this car
Reason: actuallly, it was demolished in a car accident - My approximate mileage is 15,000
Reviewer Ratings
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Pros: "Everything."
Cons: "I should have gotten an automatic."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I drove this car for about a year and loved everything about it except I requested a standard shift and should have gotten an automatic. Otherwise, I have no complaints. My main point about this car is how well it held up to a severe accident. My daughter was driving about 70 mph on the freeway. She came around a curve and saw the traffic was slowed ahead and didn't have time to stop. She braked and swerved into the cement barrier on the right side of the freeway which blew the tire and flipped the car (she said it felt like 3 times). She broke her hip due to not wearing a seat belt and had a few cuts and bruises. We went to the collision repair place it was taken to in order to get any belongings out of the car. When the man came out to meet us he was acting strange. He thought someone had died in the car. When I looked at it, it was completely demolished, all the windows broken, there wasn't a spot where the exterior wasn't damaged. However, the interior was intact. The car seats for the kids were still in place, the shell was only pushed in an inch or so (my guess). The front end of the car was smashed but inside was only pushed in a couple of inches. I'm not an expert but I feel if my daughter had been driving another car, she would have died."
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful
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