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 161 through 170 of 322.00

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  Audi A3/4 cant touch it. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jace L. - February 12 - 8:56 pm

  Reviewed all cars in segment including some premiums cars like BMW and Audi. Nothing compared for the money. Gas mileage is lacking, it only averages 23-24 mpg in city and maybe 28 if I only did highway driving. Built quality is amazing. Strong brakes and precise steering feel beats anything Ive driven. Bose stereo sounds great but can make doors buzz if turned up too loud, although it barely happens so its not much of a problem. Overall I couldnt be happier.

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  lives up to zoom zoom slogan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By claude cabral - February 11 - 11:50 pm

  Went on a 2000 mile holiday through mountains, foothills and plains and the Mazda 3s performance blew me away. I could downshift at high speeds and get a instant surge of power and acceleration because of its smooth high revving motor. Wind noise is low and car handled tight curves with control and confidence. Steering feel is accurate and tight. The dash appointments, layout and interior comfort is topnotch.The hatch with the 60-40 fold down seat is versatile and spacious. The styling of the car is eye catching and impressive. One of the most impressive options is the 5 speed automatic transmission with the manual override feature that I used all the time. I didnt miss the clutch at all.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. H. Jackson - February 1 - 4:16 pm

  The Mazda 3 Grand Touring four door is a "great little car". It has more features than most cars in this price category. Comfort and build quality are very good. Attention to detail is amazing for a car of this price.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Taylor - January 22 - 9:00 pm

  Have owned an 06 3i Touring for a month. With automatic transmission, a/c, power package, alloy wheels, sunroof, 6 CD 6 speaker stereo. Great car. Cool looks, with silver exterior and black with gray interior. The interior layout, textures, design and feel is superb. The driver does not feel cramped or cheated, making it a pleasure and plain fun to drive. It is not a soft nor plush ride, but rather firm and sporty. Just right. The handling is top notch. 34 mpg my last fill up. We are big Toyota fans, but the Corolla is a dud compared to this, and we even liked it better than the newest Camry even though we love our current Camry. All the awards are well justified. Kudos to Mazda. Terrific car.

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cate - January 13 - 11:20 am

  Very snappy, fun to drive, easy on the pocketbook with the great gas mileage. Perfect car for the teen to drive around town.

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  I LOVE it - Nothing Better - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By forjudges - January 9 - 6:03 am

  I purchased a 3s Touring 4 door manual sedan, with leather and sunroof in winning blue. I absolutely love it; it handles better than any other car I test drove (Corolla, Civic, Jetta). The interior styling is far above average, due to the use of higher quality plastics and attention to composition/arrangement of controls. The car feels very sporty, looks sporty, and drives it too. The harder than usual suspension might be too rough for some, but no doubt is crucial to its better handling. I have no doubt that given its competition and price range, it is the best car in its class - superior handling, styling, and performance; Ive heard it called the BMW of the compact class.

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  Drives like a go-kart! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By venguyen - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  I upgraded my car from a very practical and fuel-efficient Honda Civic. I LOVE driving the Mazda 3--not just because of its unique styling, but also because of its incredible handling. I rarely brake around corners anymore--it drives like a go-kart. Very stable, incredible handling. The only thing I dont like about my car is the poor gas mileage. Other than that, it really is Zoom Zoom.

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  Terrific Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richard Stone Mtn GA - January 2 - 10:53 am

  Ive been driving Alfa Romeo sedans for 30 years, so I know what kind of small high-performance sedans I like. I dreaded giving up my last Alfa, but when I drove the 3s hatchback, I realized that I had found a worthy successor. This car tracks like an Alfa, but I found the engine far smoother, torquier, and more powerful than a comparable 2L Alfa I4. After spending February in Turin, Italy and seeing the latest offerings from Alfa, then coming home and buying a 3s Touring, I realized I had found superior bargain. If Alfa ever comes back to the US, theyll never be able to match this Mazda in build or performance for under $20K. I love this car! (This is my first Japanese automobile).

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ray Larson - December 26 - 4:40 am

  This my sixteen year old daughters car. It is every thing they say about it!

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By GLC - December 23 - 9:13 am

  Have owned this car almost 3 yrs. No mechanical/quality problems. Routine service only. Handles similar to my drowned BMW 325i, despite that it is FWD (specs for size wt and interior dimensions close, but definitely not nearly as refined as BMW, but ok for ~1/2 the price. Excellent outward visibility. Mileage ~22 mpg city and high 20s hwy. Good looking, especially to the younger set. Lots of amenities, leather, rain-sensing wipers, 5 speed auto with manual mode, atuo on-off headlights, side air bags, CD, heated seats, and more. Would definitely recomend this model for someone who wants a fun to drive, economical, utilitarian and reliable car that runs on regular gas. It is a GLC as in great little car.