I have a Mazda 3 hatchback and i want to do some work to it. I was think about getting a cold air intake but im not sure what brand. Does anyone have any suggestions. I also was wondering if there are any negative or positive feedback from adding one?

 

If it is too "exposed" you will get water in it when going thru car wash and puddles splashing up on it. Make sure the one you get either has a deflector shield for this or you make one up. Location and shielding are the keys. If it is also close to the radiator, you will suck in hot air which will actually hurt your performance..

 

Please be advised, your Mazda3 came from the factory with a "Cold Air Intake"; adding an aftermarket unit will do absolutely nothing for your performance or your fuel economy.

 

Hi Brittany,
I can appreciate wanting to improve your car, and trying to add some power/economy to it.
Remember that its a fact of current science that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. By that I mean that increasing high rpm performance you are liable to reduce day-to-day low speed driving.
I have the MazdaSpeed (made by AEM ) CAI, and I noticed no difference in normal performance or mileage.
What I did notice is a better looking engine compartment, but its a rather steep price to pay for it.
If your heart is set on a CAI I suggest Injen. They are expensive, but I have also read that they offer one of the best performance increases, though be it in the upper mid range.

 

I am looking to get an after market intake, I understand that there may not be any horse power gain, and nor am I looking for a power increase, what I want out of it is a different look under the hood, better sound, and if possible slightly better fuel mileage. Money isn't an issue to me, I am just curious what brands people would recommend or what your opinions on this topic are.

 

Injen, AEM, MazdaSpeed (made my AEM,) K&N, basically any of the "reputable" companies intake should be fine. Be advised that prices can vary widely, so do some shopping around.
Also when you install it, be sure to allow enough flex in the MAF sesnor cable. Release it from its hold down on the battery box. Too tight and the wires inside will break and you dlon't want that.