2007 Mazda3 Review

What reviews like:
The 2007 Mazda3 gets excellent reviews for its sporty style, precise handling, interior quality and good fuel economy -- overall, both hatchback and sedan versions of the Mazda3 score highly. Reliability is good, as is long-term owner satisfaction. Reviews say the Mazda3 is just a fun car.

What reviews don't like:

Critics don't have many harsh words for the Mazda3. Some say the rear seat is a little cramped. Trunk space is on the small side. Road noise is a complaint in several reviews, and some testers think the ride is a little too firm. While many cars in this price range include standard side-curtain airbags, they are optional on the Mazda3.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 25 to 28 mpg/city, 31 to 35 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Mazda3 review highlights

The hatchback version of the Mazda3 competes with the better reviewed Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170), but the Mazda3 is over 20 inches longer than the Fit. So the Mazda3 hatchback is a good alternative if you want a larger hatchback. The sedan version of the Mazda3 also gets good reviews for its peppy engine, quality interior, confident handling and sporty ride quality, but in most reviews, it falls a bit short of the Honda Civic (*est. $14,810 to $21,290). Altogether, reviews say both Mazda3 body styles are excellent, and either would be an alternative to the two Honda cars.

The 2007 Mazda3 is a compact car that comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Car and Driver has the most comparative review of the Mazda3. Editors include the model's Touring edition in its roundup of six compact family-friendly cars, where the Mazda3 finishes second. We found balanced -- but not comparative -- reviews at Edmunds.com, KBB.com (Kelley Blue Book), Consumer Guide.com and Consumer Reports. All of these publications actually road test cars, rating them on performance, comfort, fuel economy, cargo space and handling.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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Sensible Shoes
Patrick Bedard
Dec. 2006

Car and Driver's comparison review road-tests six economy cars side-by-side, evaluating them for comfort, handling, features, practicality and all-around appeal. Coming in second place, the Mazda3’s Touring makes a respectable showing, finishing behind the VW Rabbit, but ahead of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and others. Testers like the sporty style of the Mazda3, as well as its quality interior. The car is mildly criticized for a harder to read control panel and some tire noise.

2. Edmunds.com
Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007
Editors of Edmunds.com

For the 2007 model year, the Mazda3 has been chosen by editors at Edmunds.com as the best wagon under $20,000. While the review notes that the Mazda3 is truly a five-door hatchback instead of a wagon, the reviewers love the style, performance and build quality of the vehicle. Links lead to a longer evaluation of the Mazda3.

3. KBB.com
2007 Mazda MAZDA3
Staff of KBB.com

The staff of KBB.com delivers an interesting review of the Mazda3, breaking the review down into sections. Editors say the Mazda3 is priced well, looks good, handles well and has a vast array of options. It's not the best choice if you need a comfy rear seat, and the Mazda3 isn't as powerful as some of its competitors. In this report, however, the Mazda3 isn't really compared to other cars.

4. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
2007 Mazda3 Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Report haven't tested the 2007 version of the Mazda Mazda3, but they did test a 2006 model. Since the car hasn't been substantially revised since then, Consumer Reports' ratings still have value. Along with road-test results, there are notes on safety and predicted reliability.

5. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Mazda 3 Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Feb. 2007

ConsumerGuide.com gives the Mazda 3 one of its "Best Buy" ratings for economy cars. The other Best Buy in this class is the Honda Civic. Acceleration, fuel economy and steering/handling are all high points on the Mazda 3. The trunk isn't very big, however.

6. CarCritic.com
2007 Mazda 3 review
Don Vorderman

You won't find lengthy discussions or features lists here. Rather, CarCritic offers a short evaluation with an overall assessment. The Mazda3 is said to be "fun-for-the-money" and editors especially like the high-performance MazdaSpeed hatchback. The car isn't compared to others. Reviews on this site cost $1 each to read (with a $5 minimum).

Also see full report: Economy Cars