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2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Safety Review

May 2, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

One must typically go to upper trims or pay extra to get the latest safety features.
Edmunds

Good," frontal offset; "marginal," rear crash protection
IIHS

Four stars, frontal impact; four stars, rollover resistance
NHTSA

No Mazda 3 has been side-tested recently, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested a previous-year Mazda 3 without side airbags, and the results of the test weren’t pretty. While it received a "good" rating for the front offset impact test, it earned a "poor"—the lowest rating—for the side test. Now that side bags are standard across the line, results should be better. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal-impact crash tests, the 2009 Mazda 3 scored four (out of five) stars.

Side and curtain airbags are now standard on the Mazda 3, but electronic stability control is still limited to top trims.

Motor Trend notes that with its short hood and ample glass, the 2009 Mazda 3 will let drivers see well. Only in the hatchback will the C-pillars "cause some blind spots.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Mazda 3 now gets a competitive set of standard safety features, yet it’s still not at the top of the class.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:One must typically go to upper trims or pay extra to get the latest safety features.EdmundsGood," frontal offset; "marginal," rear crash protectionIIHSFour stars, frontal impact; four stars, rollover resistanceNHTSA No Mazda 3 has been side-tested recently, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested a previous-year Mazda 3 without side airbags, and the results of the test weren’t pretty. While it received a "good" rating for the front offset impact test, it earned a "poor"—the lowest rating—for the side test. Now that side bags are standard across the line, results should be better. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal-impact crash tests, the 2009 Mazda 3 scored four (out of five) stars. Side and curtain airbags are now standard on the Mazda 3, but electronic stability control is still limited to top trims. Motor Trend notes that with its short hood and ample glass, the 2009 Mazda 3 will let drivers see well. Only in the hatchback will the C-pillars "cause some blind spots.” ConclusionThe 2009 Mazda 3 now gets a competitive set of standard safety features, yet it’s still not at the top of the class. 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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