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2007 Mazda 3 Full Review
Date Published: 4/11/08
Also in the 2007 Mazda 3 Review:
2007 Mazda 3 Review
Mazda 3 adds a performance model and is available with traction/antiskid control for 2007. These 4-dr sedans and 4-dr hatchbacks come in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim, and are joined by a MazdaSpeed hatchback for '07. All have a 4-cyl engine. Models with the "i" prefix have a 148-hp 2.0-liter, "s" versions a 156-hp 2.3. The MazdaSpeed has a 263-hp turbocharged 2.3 and comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other models have a 5-speed manual or a 4- or 5-speed automatic. The automatics include a manual shift gate. All have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard or optional depending on model, though curtain side airbags are unavailable on the s Sport hatchback. Traction/antiskid control is standard for MazdaSpeed and s Touring and Grand Touring models. The Grand Touring versions of the s and MazdaSpeed have leather upholstery and xenon headlamps. A navigation system is a MazdaSpeed Grand Touring option. MazdaSpeeds include limited-slip differential, sport suspension, larger brakes, and 18-inch wheels, plus specific styling touches. Other models get minor cosmetic changes for 2007.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
The rumor mill forecasts a Mazda 3 redesign for 2009. Specifics haven't leaked yet, but keep checking back here for late-breaking news.
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2007 Mazda 3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (MazdaSpeed) | Cargo room (sedan) |
| Steering/handling | |
| Fuel economy | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| i Touring, auto. | s Touring sdn, auto. | s Touring hatch, man. | MazdaSpeed Grand Touring | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.5 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
Leg room tight with front seats far back. Fine toe room. Head room ample in hatchbacks, only OK for taller folk in sedans.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 | 52.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Mazda 3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| i Sport 4-door sedan | $13,795 | $12,928 | $595 |
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| i Touring 4-door sedan | $16,155 | $15,128 | $595 |
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| s Sport 4-door sedan | $17,090 | $16,001 | $595 |
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| s Sport 4-door hatchback | $17,580 | $16,458 | $595 |
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| s Touring 4-door sedan | $18,325 | $17,152 | $595 |
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| s Touring 4-door hatchback | $18,325 | $17,152 | $595 |
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| s Grand Touring 4-door sedan | $19,795 | $18,523 | $595 |
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| s Grand Touring 4-door hatchback | $19,795 | $18,523 | $595 |
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| MazdaSpeed Sport 4-door hatchback | $22,240 | $20,804 | $595 |
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| MazdaSpeed Grand Touring 4-door hatchback | $23,955 | $22,404 | $595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| MazdaSpeed3 | 5.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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| Mazda3 | $1000 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 06/02/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
i Sport
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release (sedan).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.
i Touring adds to i:
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
s Sport adds to i Touring:
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover (hatchback), intermittent rear wiper (hatchback).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler (hatchback), 205/50VR17 tires (hatchback).
s Touring adds to s:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/50VR17 tires.
s Grand Touring adds to s Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Automatic xenon headlights.
MazdaSpeed Sport adds to s Touring:
Powertrain
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 215/45YR18 tires.
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring adds to MazdaSpeed Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, rain sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Automatic xenon headlights.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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ABS and Airbag Pkg.
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i Sport, i Touring
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$395
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$340
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Antilock brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags. i Sport requires air conditioning.
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Moonroof and 6-CD Pkg.
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i Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$890
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$765
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s Grand Touring
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$1,335
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$1,148
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Power sunroof, Bose sound system (s Grand Touring), in-dash 6-disc CD changer. NA i Sport.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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i Sport, i Touring
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$900
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$840
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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s Sport, s Touring, s Grand Touring
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$950
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$885
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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s Sport sedan
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$245
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$211
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Includes front side airbags.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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i
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$880
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$757
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Includes interior air filter.
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Navigation system
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s Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Grand Touring
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$1,750
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$1,505
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s Grand Touring requires Moonroof and 6-CD Pkg.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$500
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$400
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NA MazdaSpeed Grand Touring.
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Satellite radio
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$430
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$344
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Leather upholstery
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s Touring
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$590
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$507
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Requires Moonroof and 6-CD Pkg.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$175
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$140
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Includes compass.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/universal garage-door opener
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$250
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$200
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Includes compass.
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Remote engine start
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i Touring, s Sport/Touring/Grand Touring
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$350
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$280
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Requires automatic transmission.
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Cargo net
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$40
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$32
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Cargo mat
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i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$40
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$32
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NA MazdaSpeed.
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Rubber floormats
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$60
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$48
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Fog lights
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i Sport, i Touring
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$300
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$240
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i Sport requires air conditioning.
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Rear lip spoiler
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sedan
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$325
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$260
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Rear wing spoiler
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sedan
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$375
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$300
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Front air dam
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s Sport/Touring/Grand Touring hatchback
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$550
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$440
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Door edge guards
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i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$100
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$80
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NA MazdaSpeed.
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Satin-finished fuel-filler door
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$100
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$80
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Mud guards
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i Sport, i Touring
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$120
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$96
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Side-sill extensions
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s Sport, s Touring, s Grand Touring
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$400
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$320
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Rear bumper pad
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s Sport/Touring/Grand Touring hatchback
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$45
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$36
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Special paint
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s Sport, s Touring, s Grand Touring
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$200
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$172
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Wheel locks
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MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring
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$40
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$32
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NA i Sport.
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2007 Mazda 3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda 3 4-door sedan | Mazda 3 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.9 | 103.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.4 | 176.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.1 | 69.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.7 | 57.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2780 | 2930 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.5 | 43.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.1 | 41.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.3 | 36.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 | 2.3 /138 | 2.3 /138 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 148 @ 6500 | 156 @ 6500 | 263 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 135 @ 4500 | 150 @ 4500 | 280 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 28/35 | 26/33 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 20/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 26/34 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 25/31 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda 3 4-door sedan | Mazda 3 4-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Mazda 3 Review:
Car Buying Resources
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