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 21 through 30 of 322.00

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  Love my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carol - April 20 - 12:56 am

  Ive had my hatchback for three weeks and absolutely love it. The ride is smooth and the car definitely has great pickup. The folding seats are great for storage and very easy to get up and down. It is a really comfortable car to drive. The air conditioning is good, the stereo great and the interior is very comfortable.

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  Unbelievable - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Unbeilevable - February 28 - 1:33 am

  I almost bought the BMW 325. A friend bought this car; I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy the Mazda instead and I am not sorry. Automatic climate control, heated leather seats, xenon headlamps, auto rain sensors the list goes on all for $20,000.00 I love this car! I saved about $12,000. Average mph is 28-30 for me (had an X-Terra that got 15 mph so I am thrilled). Cannot say enough about this car.

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  Six months in - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT in SC - February 23 - 6:50 am

  Updating my earlier review: I have had my Mazda 3 i Touring (with manual transmission) for six months now (just over 7500 miles). I am still very happy. Fuel economy has actually gotten better! And thats with running the A/C much more. I am getting around 31-32 around town and 34-35 on the highway. It is still a solid performer and just as much fun to drive.

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  Owned my 06 M3 for 1 week.....GT Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gruffydd - February 4 - 10:03 am

  Other than the crack in the windshield I got while driving to Vegas (in less than 12 hours of ownership) I love this car. Fun to drive, fast (you need to remember that 60mph is not on the top of the speedometer, but at 90 degree angle.) Lots of room - 3 suitcases would have fit. I like the folding seats, the plastic tray, the little compartment to the right inside the hatchback. Comfortable on long trips. I like the automatic climate control Still trying to figure out what all the displays mean.

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  SAYYYWEEETTTT!!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By STERN1 - January 29 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased this brand new, loaded. I drove 500mi a week to and from work..this car is AWESOME!! It was red mica w/ black leather. I just sold this car to a family member and REGRET doing so. Only complaint is i was on my 3rd set of tires (low profile).. other than that NO problems.. I was averaging 29-32mpg with regular gas.. S Grand Touring(loaded)is the way to go.. Bi-xenion headlights DO make a difference.. especially in fog and with deer... Kids are comfy in backseat, big adults may not be as comfortable.. Great economical and reliable car.. Mazda got it right with this one!!! LOVED IT!!!

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  2006 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By surfrider1978 - January 16 - 7:13 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its stylish and runs great. Ive had zero problems with it since I bought in 2006. I owned a Honda Civic before, but the Mazda 3 is definitely beats it out on performance and pricing. I recommend this vehicle to first time buyers since is affordable, stylish, and runs great.

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  After 6 Months, I Love It - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bruce6 - January 2 - 1:00 am

  I deliberately waited to write this till Id owned it 6 months and the new- purchase glow wore off. But I love my 3 as much as the day I bought it. Its quick, roomy, sharp-looking, and an utter blast to drive. Lots of room front and rear for a smallish car, lots of cargo room, all the amenities one could reasonably want standard. And on the highway the thing feels rock-solid and amazingly smooth blasting along at 80 MPH. The only drawback is that the peppy performance from the 2.3 engine does come at a cost of only so-so fuel economy. I can get up to 28-29 on the highway, but in city or mixed driving it drops appreciably. No matter. I adore this car.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John F - January 1 - 3:43 pm

  I traded in a 07 Civic for this car. The civic was ok but it didnt have the pep, boring to drive and everyone has it. My insurance dropped a lot when I bought the Mazda. Bought it used with 80k. Had for a year now and its still fun to drive, tons of storage space, better gas mileage then my old civic and plenty of power for such a small car. Was looking at the speed3, but not all mazda dealerships can fix it and I live in Sacramento. Closest repair is in San Jose so I got this one. Save your money and buy this one and just add the speed hood.

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  my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By military - December 14 - 5:06 pm

  Great car, nice look -- sporty but professional.

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  A fun car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - December 9 - 7:53 am

  Ive had my Mazda 3 hatchback for about 10 months. This car is fun to drive. There is a bit more road noise than some of the other cars, but the stereo system with Sirius radio takes care of any background noise. The navigation system works well. I am getting an average of 25.5 miles per gallon (city/highway driving). The controls are easy to get to. Seats are firm and supportive. With the rear seat folded down, my golf clubs and pull cart fit nicely.