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 131 through 140 of 322.00-
Very sporty, fuel-efficient vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Mazda Owner - December 21 - 4:00 amTraded in a 1998 Mazda 626 with 130 hp 4-cylinder engine in which I averaged 27 mpg. The Mazda3 has 20 more hp and Ive been averaging 32 mpg! This car has really good acceleration and handles even better.
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Hot - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By seth - December 19 - 4:13 pmA blast to drive, between 31-35 mpg on highway 29 city, sporty, nimble, fun!
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Lovin the M3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Happy M3 Girl - December 18 - 7:06 amAfter reading Consumer Reports and Auto Trade publications, we had to check out the M3. We are not disappointed that we did. This little beauty has lots of room and storage for a compact. It has cup holders at every seat and a huge trunk and glove box. The engine is laid out very cleanly and appears easy to service, especially the little things like windshield washer fluid. The 4 speed automatic is fun, especially the quasi-manual no clutch shifting option to use when you want more control (like humming along on a winding road). The variable distance steering wheel makes it nice too. You can decide where you want the wheel and how close you want the airbag to your face and chest. The car is a 10!
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lives up to the hype - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By eric - December 11 - 11:26 amMy Mazda3 wagon has completely met all my expectations in terms of driving enjoyment, sporty feel, and style. Everyone who has taken a ride in my car has nothing but praise for the design and performance, as theyre usually surprised to encounter such a satisfying experience in a compact vehicle. The Mazda3 corners better than any other car in its class, always maintaining the drivers intended line no matter the sharpness of the turn.
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Lots of Zoom for a few $ - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By John Pauza - December 4 - 3:36 pmAmazing performance and content for the price, proof that economy transport doesnt have to mean boring and cheap. Great brakes (standar ABS) with precise steering and well tuned underpinnings make this a serious drivers car. Visually STUNNING! Cool mica paint, big 17" alloys with 50 series rubber, aggressive aero styling, and the nifty rear hatch make the 3 a real attention getter. Inside, Love the wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, light clutch and a shifter that glides through gears like a knife through butter. Opt for the 5 speed (the sport stick auto moves up to shift down}. Good goin Mazda, now how about a little better seats, AWD and another 50 or so horses? A budget Beemer?
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Not as great as I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Trish - November 30 - 5:00 amI have 4000 miles now on my Mazda. The suspension or something creaks really bad and my brakes are very noisy. The A/C is very weak for Texas heat; takes forever to cool. It is a fun car but I need all the moans and groans checked out.
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ZOOM CUBED - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Steve - November 11 - 7:40 amHandles tight. Good acceleration for a 4/automatic. Gas mileage...25 in town with a/c on; 28 without a/c; 30-32 hwy. Comfortable seats, front and back. Easy controls. Oil filter is a dealer/autoshop job, as requires a special tool and the filter is not the standard metal jacketed filter (think naked filter, needs a gasket too).
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Best Car Out There - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By gegpdx - October 21 - 10:48 amI bought my 2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback new when it first came out in 05 and drove it for about 78,000 miles before a guy lost control of his car on a highway, hit the driver side of my car causing the airbags to deploy and spinning us into a ditch. Because of the high safety standards, we were all able to walk away from the accident with minor injuries, when looking at my car, we should have been on stretchers. My car saved our lives. I loved this car and will be buying a new one just as soon as I can find one. They are so great that no one wants to part with theirs. I recommend this car to everyone. Fun to drive, safe, and reliable.
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Love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Jen - September 30 - 11:33 pmJust purchased an I Touring model, the only option added was side airbags; definitely worth the low cost to add. Weve gotten 35 mpg consistently on longer trips, and close to that with stop and go driving in the city. Its sporty, plenty of zip, and very fun to drive. Did lots of research on other similar cars (Jetta, Honda, Corolla), and very happy with our choice at an excellent cost. Everyone thinks its a BMW. Our friend is 62" and has gone on long trips and has plenty of room. Only complaint is the lack of an automatic trunk opener on your keychain (theres one inside the car though). Otherwise, we love it and would definitely buy Mazda again. Good luck!
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Gimme a break - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By silver mazda - September 15 - 12:20 pmI like the car but the brakes are a problem. Sometimes the brakes go down to the floor, sometimes it feels like it is hitting metal and sometimes it feels like I am hitting an empty box. The dealer out of a courtesy changed the front pads only as they were worn 30 percent. The rear pads are worn 50% and they refused to change them. I will see if this repair helps with my problem. I never know when my brakes will go out on me.
