2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 consumer reviews

This is both a driver's car, and a family car. You can switch from the two by simply simply short shifting and stepping on the gas. This car is a blast to drive, and it remains economical as well. After driving it for years, I have nothing bad to say about it, or Mazda as a company.

A great balance of performance and value. Good acceleration and handling. The 6-speed manual transmission is smooth and solid. It is reasonably priced, reasonable to insure, and gets good gas mileage. There's a decent amount of passenger room for a car its size. The only complaint that I have is that I think the space allocated for the driver is a little tight.

More power than you could ever need but still a versatile well mannered car. Lots of cargo room but still small enough to be very nimble.

This is a great car for anyone who enjoys driving on and off the track. Big enough to take the family anywhere but still small and nibble at the same time. Only true downside is that its not all wheel drive.

It's a super fun car, I love mine. Unfortunately, it has been extremely unreliable. Failed turbo, transmission, engine, etc.

The Mazdaspeed3 is the best car I have owned. Sport but reliable has got to be the best feature. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I only wish that they continued to produce these cars.

This car has been great to me! Performance is one of if not the best in this car genre. Most people choose to add moderations to the vehicle to bring it to its full potential including full exhaust, bigger turbo and high pressure full pump internals, to changing the intercooler from the top mount position to a front mount then including a cold air intake. And of course, don?t forget the tune. Most people use a Cobb access port tuner. Endless possibilities with that. I chose to stay very conservative with my mods only using an air intake so I could get more of the turbo ?swoosh?. The exterior has a rounded look to it all around getting away from the boxier look from the 1st generation speed3. Some love it, some hate. I tend to like the gen. 2 look much better. Most people that dislike the look of the gen 2 will point out the ?smiley face? front end. It grows on you. The interior feels fresh and comfortable for the most part. Remember, you?re in a sports car with low profile tires that sits really close to the ground. How smooth can it really be? After so many miles you will feel the road more as the car gets older on the springs. This cars performance is surprisingly incredible when you get on it. It?s fast throughout the gears. Most people will say it?s faster in the higher speeds but in my opinion, it?s impressive throughout. A simple air intake gives you the impression that it?s faster at the start. Could just be the swoosh from the turbo. Either way, for a 4-cylinder turbo this car will get on it. Unfortunately, Mazda stopped making these cars in 2013, missing out on a still, very desirable class of cars. People now need to go elsewhere to get their 4-clylinder turbo needs BUT there are still a large amount of used Mazda Speeds 3?s that need a home. So, if you come across one and it fit your needs, I say GO FOR IT!

I've owned my Speed3 for 2 years and I enjoy driving it everyday! I use as a commuter and it makes my commute so much fun!

-best car I've owned -good reliability -a lot mods available -interior design way better than a GTI -smooth driving for the most part

I loved this car. Loved the manual transmission, wished it had four wheel drive or all wheel drive. This car has too much torque for front wheel drive creating lots of oversteer.