2007 Mazda 3: Road Test
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2007 Mazda 3 ▼
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- MSRP: $13,795 -$23,955
- Invoice: $12,928 -$22,404
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Our road test for the 2007 Mazda 3 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mazda 3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mazda 3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mazda 3 help you decide if a 2007 Mazda 3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4.6 |
The i sedans are OK around town but lack midrange punch, especially with automatic transmission. The s models are peppier overall; test manual-transmission hatchback did 8.0 sec 0-60 mph. Still, passing on two-lane roads requires planning. MazdaSpeed very quick, though acceleration blunted a bit by turbo lag. Mazda pegs it at under 6.0 sec 0-60. On all, automatic transmission is smooth, responsive and manual has precise shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.4 |
Test manual-transmission s sedan averaged 27.1 mpg in mainly highway driving, hatchback averaged 20.8 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Test MazdaSpeed averaged 20.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure with i model. MazdaSpeed requires premium-grade fuel, other models use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
All 3s have firm suspensions, show good composure except on largest high-speed dips and swells. Impact harshness increases with wheel size; 17-inch tires on s models register some sharp bumps, but ride is never punishing. MazdaSpeed notably tauter.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
Among the best handling compacts, especially the MazdaSpeed: nimble and balanced, helped by precise, linear steering with good road feel. Excellent directional stability. Uplevel models' standard traction/antiskid control a small-car safety plus. MazdaSpeed minimizes torque steer by modulating engine power, torque transfer. Braking on all stable, but be sure to get ABS.
QUIETNESS
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
Road noise noticed more in hatchbacks than sedans, but isn't intrusive for class. Same for highway wind rush. Engines get loud at full throttle and aren't that quiet in gentle cruising. MazdaSpeed's low-profile tires, sporty exhaust note generate more ruckus.
CONTROLS
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Not all testers like legibility of deeply recessed gauges, and some want brighter dashboard lighting. Most controls are simple, handy, but some testers find climate switches a stretch, stereo layout a bit confusing. Navigation system fairly easy to use and another rare small-car feature. Cabin decor shows upscale flair, but some materials have slightly low-buck look and feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
Fine six-footer head and leg room, though taller drivers may want more of both. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel aids positioning in all models. Chair-height seats provide fine comfort, support. MazdaSpeed has particularly well-bolstered sport buckets.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Leg room tight with front seats far back. Fine toe room. Head room ample in hatchbacks, only OK for taller folk in sedans.
CARGO ROOM
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Sedan's trunk is a bit small but useful, with low liftover and sufficient height. More-versatile hatchback includes handy rear cargo organizer. All 3s have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold almost flat. Interior storage just OK, despite extra-large dashboard glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
While the mainstream Mazda 3s aren't among the quicker-accelerating compacts, the new MazdaSpeed version is. All share a spirit of sporty driving fun, solid build quality and a pleasant, efficient interior package. Add in competitive pricing, and you have a worthy Best Buy.
Total Score
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 55 | 60 | 58 | 52.8 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Compact Cars
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