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 1 through 10 of 322.00

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  Fun Daily Driver. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luv2drive - December 8 - 7:26 am

  I have an 06 with a 2.3L engine and manual transmission, and it is one solid, sporty little car. Its interior and exterior styling are, without a doubt, the best in its class. Everyone who rides in it comments about the cool interior. Its way more fun to drive than its price tag might suggest, especially with the manual transmission. The engine is responsive and rev-happy, the steering is precise, and the suspension tears up corners like a sports car. The only reliability issues Ive had were minor annoyances related to my own modifications. This is probably the most exciting car you can buy for under $20,000... and it still gets 26/31 mpg!

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  I would buy another one! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By clapp6 - November 29 - 10:49 am

  After owning this car for 1 year here are my thoughts: 1)Fun to drive everyday 2)Not as much cargo room as you think 3)Breaks a lot! (been in the shop multiple times for bad shocks, replace belts, power steering pump, and many more parts) 4)Good gas mileage but could be better 5)That zoom zoom factor is addicting Simply put, every time I drive this car I fall in love with it a little bit more even though it has it flaws.

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  My first Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By superddawg - September 26 - 12:23 pm

  Wow, this car is fun to drive! I can definitely tell a power difference between it and some other cars at which I was looking. I cant believe the acceleration from a 4-cylinder engine! I also enjoy being able to change to manual shifting for winding roads. It is also a plus for cruising on the Interstate when approaching a big hill ... just drop it down into 4th gear and theres no loss of speed. I am impressed with how quiet the engine and road noise are at 80 MPH. In addition, the extra storage space will come in handy after the after market stereo and speakers are installed. This was a big problem with my previous car ... I lost all of my trunk space. The headlights are awesome!

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  Cant Get Enough! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - August 3 - 1:30 am

  I went from a 1990 V8 Ford Mustang to this car. All I can say is WOW! Although there is a drop in horsepower from the Ford to the Mazda3, I hardly notice it. The car handles much better and the features cant be beat. The automatic transmission is fun to drive as well. Im always looking for an excuse to drive my car. The fuel economy is so-so, but an improvement over my last vehicle. All-in-all, this is a must drive. The only gripes I have are that my right knee rests a little uncomfortably on the center console and the sun visors are too small.

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  07 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By MAzda3 - July 16 - 12:56 am

  The car is great. The paint is terrible. It chips and scratches too easy (my purse chipped my paint). The interior sucks. The floor mats are cheap, the plastic door panels are poorly made, scratch way too easy and the plastic piece around the gear shift, well the silver paint is coming off of that from the heat. So yes I like this car, it runs great but the quality of the interior and the paint is very poor. Although I do like the car I would not buy it brand new again. Go for the used its not worth as much as it costs. Depreciation on this car is terrible.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ryan - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Out of college was on a budget of 15k. Bought a 2006 Mazda 3 with 45k miles on it for 12k, 14k after financing and taxes. Bought the 2.3 version, and it has been an excellent car. Great pick up for a 4 cyl. Handling is amazing, easily equals the maxima i had to trade in. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired (i average about 25). leather is fake feeling, but hey, heated leather for a 14k car isnt bad. on board GPS is ok but outdated. Bose sound system is nice but not as good as i expected (again 14k). sun roof is a nice touch. lacks torque to put you back in your seat. if you are a looking for a great, reliable, go-kart like car to drive for under 16k, look for used mazda3.

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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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  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.