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 101 through 110 of 322.00

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  Wow, its a winner! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly - October 11 - 3:16 am

  This is an excellent car. It is our second Mazda3, we also own a 2004 model which has given excellent service. Im averaging better than 32 MPG in mostly mixed driving. Steering and handling are at a level well above what would be considered acceptable for an economy compact. This car is more of a sport sedan than some cars costing thousands more.

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  Mazda 3S - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JS - September 26 - 2:16 am

  Wife and I have been looking for a new car for more than a year. Test drove Honda, Toyota and the Mazda 3S. Didnt take very long to fall in love with this car. More solid from stem to stern. Handling, braking and road authority in a different league. Very smooth, fast and safe. Begs to be driven. Mazda must have taken apart a BMW 3 series. This car must be German. A lot of car for $18K! Well see how reliable it is over time. Paid extra for the 100 K warranty.

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  I should have waited for the 07 3Speed - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By louisvilleMazda - September 13 - 11:53 pm

  It looks quicker than it is but it still outperforms the competition. A great platform to build a nice street racer. You cant find a sportier compact wagon for the money.

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  Great fun, and reasonably practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurkin - August 22 - 6:20 pm

  I prefer a standard shift, and so I really enjoy this car. It is the best car I have ever owned, considering it cost me $17k as an "economy car." Great value. Cargo capacity is impressive, comfort is very reasonable, although over time, chintzy interior materials and high maintenance bills disappoint. She eats tires and her tires are expensive; third set within 100k miles at $750 a set. Expensive also was the turn-signal switch replacement with "stealership" labor pricing, as well as a broken motor mount, and failed fuel injector. Downside is, maintenance adds up pretty substantially, IMO. You do pay for the sporty performance eventually. Great fun, versatile and reasonably practical.

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  Mazda is the best - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By george H. Pannell - August 13 - 4:26 pm

  This Mazda3 has been an exciting and very dependable car to own. The comfort and the ride of the car has been great. I picked this car over the Toyota Corolla because of the body style and performance. This car has more horsepower than the Corolla.

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  Zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tiq - August 6 - 6:26 pm

  For a 160hp pocket rocket, it makes ground really fast. This ride can hit 60mph at 3rd gear. Its effortless when climbing. Never doubt if a car pops in front of you and you have slow down or brake and it can accelerate right back with ease.

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  Mazda 2006 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By shpage - August 5 - 3:56 pm

  We are so happy with our new Mazda. We wouldnt of thought that our Mazda would make such a difference in our lives. We absolutely love driving it and going for car rides. It is exactly of what we wanted from a car and now we would recommend it for anyone to own. We will have this car for a long time. It drives so smooth and has power when it needs to go. It looks sporty enough plus its economical. I drive it to and from work and get about 35 mpg on a 5 speed transmission. We are so happy with it and wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  happy owner - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Owner111 - July 31 - 6:00 am

  Great car for the money, the BMW of economy cars. Top notch styling inside and out, 17in. wheels, all power options included, 4 wheel discs w/ABS and EBD and a pretty good stereo for $15k? When you consider how much fun it is to drive - with the excellent handling, acceleration and braking of a 30k sport sedan - competitors like the Corolla S model (with the spoiler and aero body cladding mated to a 126hp engine) are blown away. It boggles the mind why Ford wont incorporate this platform into its US based Focus line yet does so abroad.

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  Reliable, Safe, and a FUN CAR TO OWN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By WB3Jay - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new (coming out of a Mazda Millenia) with 7 miles on it. 5 years and 120,000+ miles later I am still a proud owner. This is one reliable car with nothing needing replacing with the exception of normal wear and tear items (I went 115k on the original front brake pads!). Ive been through 2 sets of tires and 2 rear brake jobs thats it. It is so much fun to drive and that means a lot to someone who spends a lot of time in their car. Gas mileage has been around 25 mpg.

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  Love my Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bernie - July 25 - 6:06 am

  Ive had this car for over two weeks and really like it. It has great acceleration, good braking distance and is very responsive. The interior is great and I really want to push the car, but Im trying to discipline myself.