Comments on: Too fast for its own good: 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 has too much horsepower

By: Bill Cole

Bill Cole — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:21:27 +0000

Most fun car I ever had, traded in 2002 VW GTI it was quick but not like this car. It feels bigger and safer. I am 62, give it the gas any gear it takes off, I have had big cars 455 cube inch. drove 406 Fords with three two’s this is a cool car. most fun car I ever had for the MONEY.

By: virgil vizcaya

virgil vizcaya — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:25:44 +0000

Sorry but Mr Phelan, you are a whimp. I own an 07 blk speed3, and it is a hundred times better than my 06 civic si coupe. I wish it had 300 whp. If you think the speed3 is hard to drive, then maybe a toyota prius would be perfect for you. Besides, one ride in my modded 363whp speed3 and you’d have a heart attack.
This is why there are Honda fit cars and chevrolet zo6 cars. Something for everyone.

By: Mike Dankewich

Mike Dankewich — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:41:56 +0000

I have to agree with Mr Barr and Mr Alford. I too own a Mazdaspeed 3 and in no way find it too powerful, infact, I feel the power ratings a bit generous and would like the car to be a bit faster. I do not feel that the hadling is upset by the application of power, as long as the driver knows how to handle it.
I think Mr phelan needs to grow some balls or stop reviewing performance cars.

By: Ian Alford

Ian Alford — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:32:32 +0000

I agree with Mr. Barr. I have owned the Speed3 for two months and have thoroughly enjoyed all of my driving time. I am 42 years old and an enthusiast so maybe don’t fit into a niche that Mr. Phelan appears to be concerned about. (Inexperienced or inattentive drivers?) The car does have torque steer, but it is predictable and manageable. I primarily utilize the car’s power on the interstate and this is where it shines – although winding roads are also a pleasure with, in my opinion, no “undermining of the steering and handling”. The steering is precise and almost effortless so I am at a loss to explain why the author feels “it took a lot of effort to steer the car.” Like most anything else in life this car is what you make of it. If the operator isn’t in tune with this or any other machine – bad things can happen. This is a drivers car; designed for the thrill and enjoyment of a person melded to their vehicle and focused on the road – not their cell phone, ipod or the looming deadline for the submission of their article. If Mr. Phelan even drove this car perhaps he should resign himself to testing / calculating MPG figures for the Prius or the wonderful assortment of accoutrements available for the various Scions.

By: jack barr

jack barr — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:20:28 +0000

Maybe the Detroit Free Press should have sent a real car enthusiast to test the Mazdaspeed 3 instead of Mark Phelan. Mark should not be testing balls-to-the-wall performance sedans. This car is a limited-edition performer with production of only 5000 in the USA for 2007. The Speed 3 has been highly rated by editors and customers on many magazines and websites on the net. It has won top honors in many magazines which you can find with a google search.
It may look like a family car but it’s a pocket rocket.