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 81 through 90 of 322.00

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By KeepAustinWeird - May 9 - 1:53 am

  Replaced my VW GTI with a MZ3 S hatchback. Was stunned by the test drive. MZ3 handled better than the GTI and was nearly as quick. Very nice interior for the money and a a real back seat with plenty of trunk space to spare. Mileage is also pretty good to unless you really bury your foot in the gas - which is easy to do with the 2.3 motor. Variable valve timing kicks in quickly and the car really takes off when you want it to. I cant imagine doing better with any other car in the $17K range. Fit and finish are exceptional and I suppose only time will tell as to reliability but the car has a great rep and it is built in Japan.

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  I love my car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lovemycar - April 13 - 4:26 am

  Every time I drive my car, I feel like it is the first time I have driven it--and this is after owning it for over two years! I am a student, and this car was very affordable for me. It has everything I wanted in a car--safety, handling, comfortability, peppy engine, good gas mileage, fun to drive, great features inside and out, easy to maintain/ not very costly. It makes me feel great, safe, and very pleased with my purchase. I would not trade this car in for anything!!

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  Nice little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3 fan - March 20 - 11:33 pm

  Only a month under the belt, but Im a fan of my new Mazda3i touring sedan. Fun to drive and comfortable. The back seat has enough room, but getting in and out is a bit of a challenge due to the sharp rake on the tops of the doors. The AT is responsive and solid, but I wish the extra gear was paired with the 2.0 and not just the 2.3. I just didnt feel the extra torque was worth the big drop in fuel economy. Once you move to the 2.3s, there are a lot of cars in the price range.

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  All Around Winner - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SupportTech - March 16 - 10:10 am

  Nearly 3 years and 38000 miles later this car still puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. You simply wont find a better balance of economy and performance in its class. Interior fit and finish have been excellent with the only beef being a floormat that has worn out already. Manual Tranny and brakes are top notch in operation and feel. Worst mileage: 26 mpg. Best Mileage: 33 mpg Suspension may be a little rough for the sensitive, but the dividends pay off in the handling department. If you want a plush cruiser this is not the car for you. This vehicle is built for those who like to be involved and take pleasure in the driving experience.

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  Awesome Sedan, Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By pepsizen - March 10 - 5:55 pm

  I have had this car for a year and a half now and I really like it a lot. It feels like Im driving a sports car because of the pep and the great handling. It has 90k miles on it and in the time Ive had it I havent had to do anything other than regular maintenance. It is very reliable and I dont mind that it doesnt get great gas mileage (I average 25 - 28 mpg with a mix of city/highway) because it is so fun to drive. The sporty/luxury mix is perfect. In the snow and ice, one must be careful of the pep and be easy on the gas pedal when accelerating after stopping, but other than that, Ive had no problems driving it in the snow.

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  Most underrated car on the market - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By blizzy - March 9 - 1:06 pm

  Personally, I love the Mazda over other cars in its range. The 2.3 is well made, with a spirited engine and solid performance throughout the RPM range. Redline performance is amazing, the engine sounds like a V6 and outperforms many would-be "speedsters" on the road hands down. The thing I love the most is the steering. It tends to become more precise and effortless at higher-speeds, which makes fast-paced driving easy. And the safety features are important as well. My biggest complaint are the crappy Goodyear tires - they get loud after a while, and Goodyears quality is horrid to say the least.

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  No regrets! Love this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TM - February 14 - 9:10 am

  After much research, I bought a Mazda3 hatch, LOVE it, decided to write a review since reviews helped me pick the 3. Comfortable ride, though can hear/feel road more than in some cars. 28mpg mixed driving, 36mpg highway on a recent 1,300 mile trip. Engine labored a bit going thru mountains, cruise control liked to rev 5mph at top of hils. Cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel are great! Some reviews complain about the A/C--comfortable for the front seat, airflow to rear not as good but tolerable. (Change cabin air filter since this keeps the A/C at peak performance.) Nice hatch for extra cargo. Super compromise for a racecar--sporty performance/handling, fun to drive!

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  Copper-Hatch - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Copper-Hatch 06 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 06 Mazda3 Hatchback in October 05. Thought about getting a Toyota Corolla S, but after trying with several Toyota dealerships they couldnt get the options that I wanted. So far the Mazda3 has been a fun, reliable, good looking car. This is my first Mazda and so far a good car, Im a Toyota kind of guy, but decided to give Mazda a chance.

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  Heart of a Sports Car - Sleek Looks - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HorsySce - February 12 - 10:06 am

  I have 25,000 miles on my winning blue hatchback and am very satisified with my purchase. It accelerates fast and handles like a Porsche. It looks great on the road (especially with tint). It could use slightly better gas mileage, but its not too bad. One complaint is the tires - the Goodyear Eagle RSAs it comes with from the factory are pretty great in the summer but useless in the winter. The hard rubber freezes up and is dangerous with even an inch of snow on the ground. I frequently got stuck in the snow. After purchasing Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires for the winter, Im very satisfied. I recommend doing the same.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lacey - January 20 - 8:10 am

  I love the 06 Mazda 3! I have been reviewing lots of info and many other reviews on this car. They have helped me out so much! In the 05 model, many complained about the bad A/C. It HAS been corrected. That was my main worry and now its so cold itll freeze you out ... and Im from Texas so that is mandatory! The new models also feature an outside temp gauge which the 05s did not. Overall this is a great car. I love it.