2009 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Trevor Wild

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1 May 2, 2009

The Hyundai Elantra is a good value in the compact range of cars, and while you might be attracted to its price and warranty, the Elantra is not as refined as the Mazda 3.

However, the Elantra Touring is an extremely versatile and sporty vehicle, rivaling the five-door Mazda 3.

The Honda Civic could be the Mazda 3's closest competitor in terms of quality and on-the-road character.

You may or may not like the Civic's two-tier instrument panel, so try it first.

The Ford Focus is another competent competitor and a likable mainstream product aimed at mainstream shoppers.

Neither its styling nor its handling is as sporty as the Mazda 3's, but the Focus does offer a two-door coupe body style and an attractive, comfortable interior.

The VW GTI is a robust and enjoyable two- or four-door hatchback that feels a bit more mature than the 3, even though it’s about the same size.

Finally, the Civic Si is an alternative to the Mazdaspeed3; it isn’t nearly as fast, but with its high-revving engine, great handling, and excellent tactile experience, it’s a blast to drive.

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Browse Used Listings	2009 Volkswagen GTI Browse Used Listings	2008 Ford Focus Browse Used Listings	2008 Hyundai Elantra Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 The 2009 Mazda 3 is practical, affordable, and well built, with a sporty, fun-to-drive character.	7.8 The 2009 Volkswagen GTI is the most conservative-looking of sporty hatches—and a bit pricey for a dressed-up Rabbit—but it redeems itself with the driving experience.	7.2 The 2008 Ford Focus isn’t all new, but it is an improvement, and a solid choice if you’re looking for a roomy car that handles well with a base price that starts around $15,000.	7.6 The 2008 Hyundai Elantra doesn’t have a lot of personality, but it’s the undeniable practical choice.
MSRP From
$14,690	$23,230	$14,395	$13,970
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	24 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas Turbocharged I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Compact	Mid-Size
Style Name
4-Door Sedan Man i Sport	2-Door HB Man	2-Door Coupe S	4-Door Sedan Man GLS
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	2 Door HB	2 Door Coupe	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD