I'm new to most car stuff...
My question is:
What are the first steps (cheapest and easiest) I can take to make performance and exterior upgrades to my car? What things can I easily and cheaply upgrade and about how much will it cost? Thanks in advanced for the help.

 

Step one: use the search button.
I don't mean to sound like an ***, but your questions are very general. There are hundreds of threads on this forum to get you started.
When you have something specific that you can't find the answer for, let us know.

 

Ditto that, Kargoboy.

And, I recommend that you have some goals in mind.
1) How much more power do you want?
2) How much do you want to spend?
3) How much effort do you want to put into each and every upgrade?
4) How much additional noise, vibration, and harshness are you willing to accept?
5) How willing are you to void your warranty?
6) Is the goal to make the car a cruiser, formidable weapon on the racetrack, or are you just trying to make up for a few shortcomings that you percieve (i.e. slight lack of power)?

 

The above should be the first thing anyone reads when joining this forum.
Choose forum name, choose password, sign in, read the above.
I am thankful for the patience all the members had when I first joined, so I try to never flame a n00b, unless they have it coming!

 

check out this forum.
all of your questions will be answered.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/viewforum.php?f=77