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 11 through 20 of 322.00

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  Mazda3 very Audi-like - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rex - August 15 - 3:20 pm

  Replaced a 2002 Infiniti Q45 with this little gem, which has almost as many "goodies" at about 1/3rd the price. Was looking for a disposable "commuter car" with decent mileage and some measure of driving fun. I considered Prius (boring), Civic Hybrid (cheesy), Audi A3 & A4 (great cars for people that like to drive), Acura TSX (just a fancy Accord), and BMW 3 (too, well, pretentious) before trying the Mazda, and had just about settled on the Audi A3. I had never driven a Mazda and was very pleasantly surprised. Good (not great, but considering the price, good) performance and handling, gorgeous interior, and enough electronic toys to make the morning commute almost entertaining. Two thumbs up.

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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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  I should have waited for the 07 3Speed - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By louisvilleMazda - September 13 - 11:53 pm

  It looks quicker than it is but it still outperforms the competition. A great platform to build a nice street racer. You cant find a sportier compact wagon for the money.

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  Great fun, and reasonably practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurkin - August 22 - 6:20 pm

  I prefer a standard shift, and so I really enjoy this car. It is the best car I have ever owned, considering it cost me $17k as an "economy car." Great value. Cargo capacity is impressive, comfort is very reasonable, although over time, chintzy interior materials and high maintenance bills disappoint. She eats tires and her tires are expensive; third set within 100k miles at $750 a set. Expensive also was the turn-signal switch replacement with "stealership" labor pricing, as well as a broken motor mount, and failed fuel injector. Downside is, maintenance adds up pretty substantially, IMO. You do pay for the sporty performance eventually. Great fun, versatile and reasonably practical.

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  Mazda is the best - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By george H. Pannell - August 13 - 4:26 pm

  This Mazda3 has been an exciting and very dependable car to own. The comfort and the ride of the car has been great. I picked this car over the Toyota Corolla because of the body style and performance. This car has more horsepower than the Corolla.

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  made driving fun again - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By motomike - June 19 - 8:33 am

  Although I just bought it I can smell potential. Out of the box it handles great, more so than you would expect. I drove all cars in this class and not only was the 3 better, it was thousands less. Leaving money for goodies. Really the only thing wrong with it is even with sport package and 17s it still comes with all-season tires. Take them off asap replace with 205/45/17zr and it sticks like glue. I have nothing but positive things to say. Out of every car Ive had this one Im truly happy with. Drive it, youll see. For the money nothing even comes close.

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  Disappointing Fuel Economy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NYCDriver - June 16 - 10:00 pm

  Bought the 2006 Mazda 3i Touring after owning a Honda Accord for 12 years. Drove it as a rental in 2005 and was impressed. I bought the smaller engine because of the variable valve timing and have been underwhelmed with the pick up and MPG. Have not gotten better than 23MPG in the city or 25MPG highway. Has a tendency to throttle down while holding accelerator in 50- 60mph range. I think this is what kills the mileage. Hopefully its only a sensor that needs adjusting.

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  Mazda is a Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bleslie - April 9 - 4:46 am

  Interior was the main disappointment - quality of material for the floor carpet could be better - seems to wear quickly. Seat material (black interior) shows all the dirt, doesnt release dirt or hair easily when vacuumed and does not release spills easily when cleaning. Static shocks constantly when exiting car. Gauges and speedometer are recessed making them hard to read - need to turn on lights in order to see them well. Great big huge glove box! Great leg room in front and rear. Handles beautifully, good mileage (promised 39 MPG, get 31 MPG on average, but that is a lot better than the 21 MPG on our previous car).

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  Fun car except 1 Flaw! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ddkway - March 12 - 7:20 am

  Quick, agile car begging to be driven. One drawback is the car has a quick to appear symptom of strong vibration from the front when moderate to strong acceleration is applied. The dealer speculated it seemed like a loose motor mount, but on investigation by their tech they could only determine it was the nature of the car to have wheel hop. It comes on quite easily and is embarrassing and somewhat hard to explain to passengers when it occurs as it is quite loud. Im thinking the addition of traction control to the 07 model was to help rectify this. All the other good comments you see about this car are right on the money!

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By StanleyD - February 21 - 9:46 am

  The 5-door hatch makes excellent use of interior space. I can carry my bicycle inside along with enough luggage for two people. Seats and controls are excellent. Optional leather seats are great. Gearing is a bit too short so its easy to chirp front wheels when starting with manual trans. Back seat is comfortable for two. Acceleration is snappy but runs out of power at high speeds. Gas mileage is a disappointment. I have averaged 23.5 mpg in 10,900 miles of mostly suburban driving. It was rated at 26 city, 32 hwy. Completely reliable. Id buy it again.