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 141 through 150 of 322.00

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  Research Pays Off - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT in SC - September 14 - 1:00 am

  After much research, thought and debating, I finally picked up my Mazda 3i Touring before the old car totally gave out. Im am so happy I did. To me, the biggest difference between the 3 and the other cars I test drove is how well this thing handles. It also has the horsepower when you want it - even with the smaller engine. I specifically got the manual transmission and have gotten 28-30 MPG for the first four tanks.

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  3 hatchback s GT - 5 speed -Titanium Gray - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 783 - September 6 - 9:40 am

  Very pleased with the car, performance & handling, interior, stereo is amazing. Havent yet driven in snow, but I have a feeling that it will be reliable. Everyday that keeps looking better & better.

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  No Contest - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris W - July 31 - 2:50 pm

  Bought M3 back in May after trading 03 Civic EX Coupe. This is definitely the best compact out there due to the refined interior, impressive acceleration, and nimble handling. No other compact Ive driven in this price range has the ability to "wow" me like the Mazda. My 5-speed Touring has leather, sunroof, 6-disc changer, and Sirius with an MSRP right at $20k. Ive heard the factory tires do not last too long, but considering the way this car makes me want to drive, I can see why they do not last. Sure, the rear seat is small, but it is a compact. All in all, no regrets!

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  My Car ROCKS! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virginia Mom - June 29 - 4:43 pm

  Looks great! Drives great! Has great pick-up on the highway - beats the 4-cylinder Honda Civic in this regard. Plenty of room for kids and equipment especially with the 40/60 fold down seats. Its sporty but practical. I have to agree with the other reviewer that the only problem is not having a trunk release on the key fob. Kind of inconvenient in this day and age. But with all this car has to offer I wouldnt change my mind over this small inconvenience. Highway mileage is 28-30 mpg.

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  small discomforts - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By daren - June 26 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased my new 06 Mazda3 i Touring in late May. I get roughly 28 miles per gallon with country driving to work few stop signs not many lights. The vehicle I have purchased is "fully loaded" with an automatic transmission. I believe the interior is nice along with the sporty look of the exterior. When I was in the market I wanted to purchase the s model which had most the options I wanted standard along with the 5 speed automatic; with the 3 i Touring model it has a 4 speed so not as good get up nor as good fuel economy but there were none in the area. The vehicle I bought was fully loaded with the same options I was looking for but you can tell the change from the 4 to 5 speed transmission.

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  happy diva - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By qtqueen2 - June 25 - 2:26 pm

  I love everything about this car! It is fun to drive, and sporty too. I like its performance. I couldnt have asked for a better car for the money.

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  Fun car, minor annoyances - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Craig - June 19 - 8:56 am

  This is a fun car to drive, quick and handles well. Has a solid build feel and lots of bells and whistles. Having said that i am already thinking of getting rid of it, heres why: I am tall, 66" and with the sunroof the car is for a 65" tall person. The steering wheel does not have a comfy place for your hand on long drives. There is no remote truck release. I bought this instead of a Civic for fun factor and it is fun. I get 30 mpg average which is also great considering the way I drive. Leather is cheap almost like plastic, but the heated seats are great; heated mirrors would have been nice, but you cant have it all.

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  lil red 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By chadw - June 9 - 2:13 am

  The only thing you might run into is the manual gearbox. The tranny has a reverse lock out and if you are in fifth gear, every once in a while you wont be able to get into reverse at start up. Read the manual and it will tell you pop in N let off the clutch and retry. I was getting frustrated and now, no problems. It needs to recalibrate itself.

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  ZOOOOOOOM!!! :) - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By paradude - May 29 - 7:50 am

  I needed more space than my Protege offered, so I traded it in on the 3wagon. WOW! What a car!

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  Smooth city car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Juan de fuca - May 22 - 9:26 pm

  Great car! I did a ton of research before buying this car and drove just about everything I could find (Toyota/Scion,Honda,Chevy,Ford....). Nothing felt as solid and responsive as the 3. So far (4,000 miles) this car is great; its smooth, well built, the fuel economy isnt spectacular but it is reasonably good (25-28). It is a little too easy to speed.The clutch is good and the shifter is excellent. I can actually lay down in back to sleep! And Im 6ft tall! I highly recommend this car. Bargain for the price.