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2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Quality Review

May 2, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

solid build quality
ConsumerGuide

The rear seat is a little snug for larger adults
Edmunds

The seating position is excellent and especially driver-focused
Motor Trend

Front-row riders get the most room in the 2009 Mazda 3, while the rear row suffers somewhat.

Edmunds says, "The rear seat is a little snug for larger adults, but those of average height will find a decent amount of space." All Mazda 3s have a 60/40-split rear seat with center armrest. ConsumerGuide reveals, "Legroom is especially tight with the front seats far back. Headroom [is] ample in hatchbacks, only OK for taller folk in sedans." For front seat occupants of the Mazda, 2009 3s have "good legroom [and] headroom, even below the sunroof housing," commends ConsumerGuide, which adds, "MazdaSpeed has particularly well-bolstered sport buckets." 2009 Mazda 3s have standard tilt and telescoping steering wheels, a rare feature at this price point. Edmunds notes, "Even taller drivers will find plenty of room in this compact car's front seat."

Motor Trend feels the interior detailing is "posh and stylish" and "all the controls have seemingly graduated from ergonomics school with honors." 2009 Mazda 3s have "solid build quality" (ConsumerGuide) and "an upscale interior [that] looks far richer than its price would suggest" (Edmunds). But ConsumerGuide thinks the Mazda 3 also "falls short in several areas." One is "the plastic-looking woven inserts on the door panels and seats." Another shortcoming is that there are "very few soft-touch surfaces."

Regarding the 2009 Mazda 3’s cargo space, reviewers differ in opinion. Edmunds claims the sedans "offer 11.4 cu ft of trunk space, while the hatchback boasts 31 when [the seats] are folded.” On the other hand, J.D. Power states, "Mazda 3 sedans have 11.5 cu ft, while hatchbacks offer 43.8 cu ft with their rear seats folded down." A visit to a dealer to view the cargo space in person will give you a better impression of the available room. Nevertheless, the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchbacks are "more versatile [and] include a handy cargo organizer. The hatchbacks' liftgate rises high enough to clear the heads of taller [people]," contends ConsumerGuide. They do caution, however, "Its handle is in an awkward position that makes it difficult to open without hands scraping the top of the rear bumper." Finally, they add, "Interior storage is good, highlighted by an extra-large glovebox."

ConsumerGuide attests, "Road noise is noticed more in hatchbacks than sedans, but isn't intrusive for the class." They add of the Mazda 2009 3, "Engines get loud at full throttle and aren't that quiet in gentle cruising...MazdaSpeed's low-profile tires and sporty exhaust note generate more ruckus."

Conclusion

2009 Mazda 3 models have good room for their compact size, and the hatchbacks are especially versatile.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:solid build qualityConsumerGuideThe rear seat is a little snug for larger adultsEdmundsThe seating position is excellent and especially driver-focusedMotor Trend Front-row riders get the most room in the 2009 Mazda 3, while the rear row suffers somewhat. Edmunds says, "The rear seat is a little snug for larger adults, but those of average height will find a decent amount of space." All Mazda 3s have a 60/40-split rear seat with center armrest. ConsumerGuide reveals, "Legroom is especially tight with the front seats far back. Headroom [is] ample in hatchbacks, only OK for taller folk in sedans." For front seat occupants of the Mazda, 2009 3s have "good legroom [and] headroom, even below the sunroof housing," commends ConsumerGuide, which adds, "MazdaSpeed has particularly well-bolstered sport buckets." 2009 Mazda 3s have standard tilt and telescoping steering wheels, a rare feature at this price point. Edmunds notes, "Even taller drivers will find plenty of room in this compact car's front seat." Motor Trend feels the interior detailing is "posh and stylish" and "all the controls have seemingly graduated from ergonomics school with honors." 2009 Mazda 3s have "solid build quality" (ConsumerGuide) and "an upscale interior [that] looks far richer than its price would suggest" (Edmunds). But ConsumerGuide thinks the Mazda 3 also "falls short in several areas." One is "the plastic-looking woven inserts on the door panels and seats." Another shortcoming is that there are "very few soft-touch surfaces." Regarding the 2009 Mazda 3’s cargo space, reviewers differ in opinion. Edmunds claims the sedans "offer 11.4 cu ft of trunk space, while the hatchback boasts 31 when [the seats] are folded.” On the other hand, J.D. Power states, "Mazda 3 sedans have 11.5 cu ft, while hatchbacks offer 43.8 cu ft with their rear seats folded down." A visit to a dealer to view the cargo space in person will give you a better impression of the available room. Nevertheless, the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchbacks are "more versatile [and] include a handy cargo organizer. The hatchbacks' liftgate rises high enough to clear the heads of taller [people]," contends ConsumerGuide. They do caution, however, "Its handle is in an awkward position that makes it difficult to open without hands scraping the top of the rear bumper." Finally, they add, "Interior storage is good, highlighted by an extra-large glovebox." ConsumerGuide attests, "Road noise is noticed more in hatchbacks than sedans, but isn't intrusive for the class." They add of the Mazda 2009 3, "Engines get loud at full throttle and aren't that quiet in gentle cruising...MazdaSpeed's low-profile tires and sporty exhaust note generate more ruckus." Conclusion2009 Mazda 3 models have good room for their compact size, and the hatchbacks are especially versatile. 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:

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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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