Overview & Reviews

For 2006, the Mazda 3 benefits from the addition of variable valve timing to the 2.0-liter engine and the availability of a five-speed automatic transmission on models with the 2.3-liter engine. Additionally, the 2.3-liter engine is now PZEV-certified in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. Models with air conditioning get a pollen filter and outside temperature display on the center console. ABS and variable-intermittent front wipers become part of the standard features list for all 2.3-liter models. Also, a couple of new Touring trims are added to the lineup.

• Superbly refined suspension, steering and brakes, sharp styling inside and out, smooth engines, excellent build and materials quality, hatchback utility.

• Ride might be a tad stiff for some, tight rear legroom, so-so fuel economy with 2.3-liter engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 221 through 230 of 322.00

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  Everything I asked for - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin - April 18 - 9:43 am

  I leased this car and it did everything I needed it to do. It is a great commuter but it is not a long distance car. I needed to stuff things like jeans and pillows behind my back and next to the driver door to lean on for 5 - 6 hour trips. The style is great and I totally enjoyed cleaning and polishing the exterior. I have the rally white. The inside is less quality especially compared to my wifes Corolla. It is noisy at higher speeds especially as the oem tires wear. Good car to lease but I wont buy it. Gets 31/35 mph, same as the Corolla we check.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kyle - April 18 - 9:13 am

  Overall, you cant find a better car for the price, period. The combination of performance, interior design, and aesthetics makes this car extremely desirable. I rigorously examined the Corolla, Civic, and other midsize sedans, and this Mazda tops them all.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By bwalk05 - March 4 - 6:43 pm

  Ive only had my Mazda for a little over a month, but it has been a beauty! It gets great gas mileage, nearly 400 miles to the tank. It has superior handling ... it can take on any corner at regular speed. Mine is white, it doesnt show the dirt as much.

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  ZZZZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin G - February 20 - 6:00 pm

  I ordered my 2006 3i Touring Sedan at the beginning of September 2005 and got it October 11th 2005. The best value for the money in its class. Be sure to get the optional side airbags/ABS package. I have over 3000 miles on it so far. Im getting 34MPG with the 5 speed manual transmission. This car cruises very nicely at 70mph. The overall fit and finish is excellent except for the cheap material used for the carpeting. The seat are comfortable but I would have paid extra for a 6 way power seat option. Get the beige interior. It is much nicer looking than the black interior.

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  just cant get enough - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By murfslk230 - February 18 - 2:10 am

  Traded in 2000 Contour SVT and this Mazda blows it away! Zippy, quick turn-in, and extremely predictable, even in Minnesota winter driving. The Mazda3 has incredible value for this class - for under $20k it offers niceties like heated seats, nav system, rain-sensing wipers, tire-pressure monitor, electroluminescent gauges, automatic climate control and xenon headlights. No other car in the compact class offers that kind of value. The exterior offers 17 inch 5-spoke wheels with brake-assist and EBD.

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  A whole LOTTA car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fatty Arbuckle - February 15 - 7:53 pm

  Im 23, and had to decide between the Scion tC and Mazda3. Two features of the Mazda won me over: the 5-speed auto with sport shift, and the interior design. 7000 miles in, and I have no regrets. The driving experience has always been fun, and usually exhilarating. This is due to the tight suspension, tight cornering, and plenty of torque @ 4000 RPM in 2nd gear. No major problems to speak of; the wipers cracked early, leaving streaks. A small squeak has arisen from somewhere beneath my seat.

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  Bottom engine protector - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TC in MT - February 9 - 2:46 am

  We have torn two under guards off because of the low clearance on this vehicle. As a consequence we have gone with out this under guard and now see some pulleys & belts with wear & tear. My wife and 16 yr old really like it, me? Im on the fence.

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  glad I did it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - February 8 - 5:43 pm

  Having owned four Chevrolet Cavaliers in the past I expected this car to a much better machine based on all the research I had done. Although the Mazda3 is considered a compact it is a completely different vehicle than any other compact I have driven. I understand the Cavalier has been around forever and the technology is old but I must say the cars I bought served me well. My sister has a 2005 Honda Civic and her husband has a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. They are both nice cars but after having been in all of them I dont think there is a car on the market today that can compare to the Mazda3. I bought the s Grand Touring Sedan with just about every option you can get. Buy it -- you will like it.

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason Trojacek - February 1 - 6:30 am

  I had a Dodge pickup truck, which I loved, but the gas priced were killing me. I get about twice the gas mileage in this little car. Its not as good as some other small cars, but compared to the truck its excellent. The base 5 door is loaded with all kinds of fun stuff. I could use a little more horsepower and torque, come on Mazdaspeed. But the car serves me well in my daily commute. I was a little put off by the walk-in price. I couldnt get anything below MSRP. So I tried the internet and was able to find one for $100 over invoice.

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  MAZDA 3-2006 TOURING 4DR SEDAN - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Arnold McLemore - January 29 - 11:06 am

  I am very pleased that I purchased the Mazda-3. I must say the styling of this vehicle is sporty and not cheap looking for a economy car. Im very impressed with the performance of this vehicle. My main reason for a economy car was for gas mileage. If youre looking for a reasonable car w/style and performance I definitely recommend this car. Ive looked at Toyota Corolla and Toyota Matrix which are very nice cars, but the Mazda-3 beats them all to me.