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2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Features Review

May 2, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

navigation unit is an unheard-of feature in a car in this price range
Kelley Blue Book

five trim levels available for the sedan
Edmunds

Touring Value edition offers features that in the past were only offered with much pricier models
Autoblog

Have some aspirin handy when deciding which 2009 Mazda 3 you want because computing the choices will give you a headache. According to Edmunds, "There are five trim levels available for the Mazda 3 sedan: i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Touring and s Grand Touring." Confused yet? "The hatchback/wagon comes only in the s trims," they add.

Standard equipment on the 2009 Mazda 3 i Sport includes "a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls; cloth upholstery; split folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD stereo; auxiliary input jack; outside-temperature indicator; theft-deterrent system; and P195/65R15 tires on steel wheels,” says J.D. Power. The Touring trim of the Mazda 2009 3 i "adds air conditioning; cruise control; interior air filter; driver's seat height and lumbar adjustment; power windows, mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry; and P205/55R16 tires on aluminum wheels."

According to Kelley Blue Book, the s models adds "a 2.3-liter engine, air conditioning, illuminated remote keyless entry, fog lights, dual power mirrors, power locks, power windows, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels." J.D. Power notes fog lights on the 2009 Mazda 3 s Sport and says the "s Sport hatchback also has a rear cargo cover, rear spoiler and P205/50R17 tires." Kelley Blue Book reports that all 2.3-liter 2009 Mazda 3s have "Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment."

Of the 2009 Touring versions, the s Touring "gets the P205/50R17 tires as well as traction control and anti-skid control, while the top-line s Grand Touring provides leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers and Xenon automatic headlights," according to J.D. Power.

Adds J.D. Power, "MazdaSpeed3 Sport has s Touring equipment, plus a limited-slip front differential, upgraded brakes, sport suspension and P215/45R18 tires. To this the MazdaSpeed3 Grand Touring adds automatic climate control; leather upholstery; Bose AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer; trip computer; rain sensing wipers; and Xenon automatic headlights.”

Kelley Blue Book points out the "navigation unit is an unheard-of feature in a car in this price range." And Edmunds says, "Available options include a sunroof, DVD-based navigation system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and remote engine starting.”

Conclusion

2009 Mazda 3s offer a wide range of body styles, trims, and features to fit most any budget.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:navigation unit is an unheard-of feature in a car in this price rangeKelley Blue Bookfive trim levels available for the sedanEdmundsTouring Value edition offers features that in the past were only offered with much pricier modelsAutoblog Have some aspirin handy when deciding which 2009 Mazda 3 you want because computing the choices will give you a headache. According to Edmunds, "There are five trim levels available for the Mazda 3 sedan: i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Touring and s Grand Touring." Confused yet? "The hatchback/wagon comes only in the s trims," they add. Standard equipment on the 2009 Mazda 3 i Sport includes "a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls; cloth upholstery; split folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD stereo; auxiliary input jack; outside-temperature indicator; theft-deterrent system; and P195/65R15 tires on steel wheels,” says J.D. Power. The Touring trim of the Mazda 2009 3 i "adds air conditioning; cruise control; interior air filter; driver's seat height and lumbar adjustment; power windows, mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry; and P205/55R16 tires on aluminum wheels." According to Kelley Blue Book, the s models adds "a 2.3-liter engine, air conditioning, illuminated remote keyless entry, fog lights, dual power mirrors, power locks, power windows, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels." J.D. Power notes fog lights on the 2009 Mazda 3 s Sport and says the "s Sport hatchback also has a rear cargo cover, rear spoiler and P205/50R17 tires." Kelley Blue Book reports that all 2.3-liter 2009 Mazda 3s have "Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment." Of the 2009 Touring versions, the s Touring "gets the P205/50R17 tires as well as traction control and anti-skid control, while the top-line s Grand Touring provides leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers and Xenon automatic headlights," according to J.D. Power. Adds J.D. Power, "MazdaSpeed3 Sport has s Touring equipment, plus a limited-slip front differential, upgraded brakes, sport suspension and P215/45R18 tires. To this the MazdaSpeed3 Grand Touring adds automatic climate control; leather upholstery; Bose AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer; trip computer; rain sensing wipers; and Xenon automatic headlights.” Kelley Blue Book points out the "navigation unit is an unheard-of feature in a car in this price range." And Edmunds says, "Available options include a sunroof, DVD-based navigation system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and remote engine starting.” Conclusion2009 Mazda 3s offer a wide range of body styles, trims, and features to fit most any budget. 2009 MAZDA 3 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "a handsome interior that hints at the car's athletic personality" ConsumerGuide: "The plastic-looking woven inserts on the door panels and seats are unimpressive" Kelley Blue Book: "The 2009 Mazda MAZDA 3 is available in two body styles" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Mazda MAZDA3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By dave #1, Posted: 9/14/2009

    I bought a 2009 mazda 3i value and it's such a great car. This is my second mazda since my first one lasted thru 170,000 miles of my abuse and never flinched. I really enjoy driving the 3i to work since the zoom zoom and the styling, economy and cool bells and whistles are all there. My friends are impressed with all the inside room but I bought it because I drive hard and this car performs far better than the civic, sentra, corolla and jetta that I test drove. I got the 5 speed stick because that's just the kind of driver I am. Now I just have to put a sirius tuner in it.

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