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 51 through 60 of 322.00

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksga - May 1 - 7:50 am

  After only 3 weeks of ownership, I can say I dont think Ill regret this purchase. Very fun to drive (great acceleration with manual transmission), stylish inside and out, and best of all...good fuel economy (33mpg for combined city/hwy). My biggest concern was small size of car since my last car was an SUV. Yes, smaller, but amazing trunk room and interior is roomier than expected. I researched cars to death before buying and this one really stood out from the rest for TCO (true cost of ownership), reliability and consumer satisfaction. Originally was looking at Mazda6 hatchback, but extra cost for not a whole lot more room, and drop in fuel economy made the 3 look like the winner.

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  Ford Engine - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bernie - April 14 - 3:30 am

  With 12000 miles on our new Mazda, the engine locked up which sent us on a one month "Mazda doesnt want to sell us another car" misery. We found out that Ford builds the engine for our car. We also learned that the problem our car was having was a mystery for Mazda and Mazda engineering would direct our dealer as to what to do next and when. After one month of experimenting with our car and several threats from us that we would not accept the car unless the engine were replaced, Mazda replaced the head and gave us a 100000 mile engine/drive train warranty. If Mazda had been concerned about keeping us happy customers, they woulds have replaced the engine and had our car back to us in a week.

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  Zoom-Zoom, no gas. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobgeshio - April 10 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent performing car. I love driving it. It handles great, it is fast and looks awesome. But the fuel economy is horrible I have driven the car 1500 miles and I am averaging 22-24 MPG. I would recommend the manual. Mazda automatics dont get good gas mileage. I test drove a Benz C230 with the Kompressor and enjoyed driving this car much more.

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  I love my Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NikkiMarieV - April 6 - 11:06 am

  I just love my new Mazda, it really does have the heart of a sport car. The stying is wonderful, it looks a small BMW.

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  Easily the best compact for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By James - April 3 - 9:23 pm

  I fell in love with the car when it first came out, replacing the interesting Protege 5 with a more substantial car with a much beefier engine. The Mazda3 5-door brings fun, quality, and style to the compact market without sacrificing price and fuel economy too much. I tend to get 23-27MPG in the city with fairly aggressive acceleration. The seats in the 5-doors are a high quality cloth, with a great look and feel. I am tall at 62", and I fit comfortably in the driver seat. I even have it forward a click, and if I do not recline my seat too much, I can get a 6 foot person behind me. Much more room than my friends 04 Jetta. Overall, it is a great car with features and quality to boot.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Natalie - March 14 - 11:40 am

  I got my Mazda almost 2 months ago. It is my first car, and I absolutely love it. Everybody is jealous! It gets great gas mileage around town, and the interstate mileage isnt bad either. It is a really great car, and its the best to drive. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sporty sedan. It has plenty of room for you and 4 other people. For all the options that you get compared to other cars in its class, it is a number one pick, especially for the price.

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  blind spots a problem - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ash - March 14 - 7:23 am

  I needed a small hatchback, and of the ones I compared, liked this one the best (and the price was right). But after driving it a bit, we both were troubled by the blind spots; The window dividers make it difficult to see whats next to you or coming up. Weve not had that problem with other cars. We are getting used to it, but its something for others to consider when purchasing this car.

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  Im still alive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By osusanna8 - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  Purchased 7/06, someone hit me turning left in front of me 1 week ago. The complete front end was totaled. Luckily I made it out alive, and felt very lucky. I think this car saved my life. It wasnt a head on collision, but it was close enough that the air bags shouldve deployed (I thought). Maybe the severity of the crash controls them? One more thing. Going from a Camry to this car, I feel like Im always having to fill up my tank, so its hard for me to tell if Im really getting good gas mileage. Adding the numbers at each fill up, I got about 3 miles under what manufacturer reports in city and 2 miles under on the hwy. Overall, I enjoyed it.

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  Finally, a car thats fun & economical! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jennifer - February 18 - 1:50 pm

  I originally tried to lease the Mazda 3 back in Jan., but the payments were too high and I really didnt want to pay $1000s and have nothing to show for it three years from now. By the end of March, I was ready to buy. I had already taken a test drive of the Mazda in Jan., and was really impressed. I tested it against the Civic and Corolla (just like another reviewer) and felt the same way--the Corolla was completely unimpressive and very boring, and Ive driven enough Civics to know that, as reliable a car as they are, Ill be like the other 5 million people who have one in LA. After my second test drive of the Mazda, I was sold, and have been very happy with my choice.

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  Car for all ages! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julian - February 16 - 1:23 am

  This car is very fun to drive and has a lot of power to give when you need it. With its automatic transmission theres no worry, but also offers a "Slap stick" which allows you to choose gears for those quick 0-60 runs. The gauge clusters sharp looks, controls at your finger tips, and the feel of driving it is sure to please all drivers. Over all I give it a 10 out of 10, this car is sure not to disappoint. ZOOM- ZOOM.