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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  Mazda3 5 door - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By fox - January 21 - 2:43 am

  The car has had zero problems in 50K miles. It is fun to drive and not a mushmobile like the competition. Great performance for the price! Smooth and quiet engine with a wide torque band. Standard transmission shifts great, precise and easy.

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  Lots of Zoom for a few $ - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John Pauza - December 4 - 3:36 pm

  Amazing performance and content for the price, proof that economy transport doesnt have to mean boring and cheap. Great brakes (standar ABS) with precise steering and well tuned underpinnings make this a serious drivers car. Visually STUNNING! Cool mica paint, big 17" alloys with 50 series rubber, aggressive aero styling, and the nifty rear hatch make the 3 a real attention getter. Inside, Love the wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, light clutch and a shifter that glides through gears like a knife through butter. Opt for the 5 speed (the sport stick auto moves up to shift down}. Good goin Mazda, now how about a little better seats, AWD and another 50 or so horses? A budget Beemer?

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  Gimme a break - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By silver mazda - September 15 - 12:20 pm

  I like the car but the brakes are a problem. Sometimes the brakes go down to the floor, sometimes it feels like it is hitting metal and sometimes it feels like I am hitting an empty box. The dealer out of a courtesy changed the front pads only as they were worn 30 percent. The rear pads are worn 50% and they refused to change them. I will see if this repair helps with my problem. I never know when my brakes will go out on me.

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  Fun car, minor annoyances - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Craig - June 19 - 8:56 am

  This is a fun car to drive, quick and handles well. Has a solid build feel and lots of bells and whistles. Having said that i am already thinking of getting rid of it, heres why: I am tall, 66" and with the sunroof the car is for a 65" tall person. The steering wheel does not have a comfy place for your hand on long drives. There is no remote truck release. I bought this instead of a Civic for fun factor and it is fun. I get 30 mpg average which is also great considering the way I drive. Leather is cheap almost like plastic, but the heated seats are great; heated mirrors would have been nice, but you cant have it all.

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  My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Donna - March 1 - 2:40 pm

  This car drives nice and smooth, you cant even tell when the engine is running. It has a lot of storage room. Its perfect. The only thing I dont like is the fact that it doesnt have power locks or windows. Anyone thinking about this car should definitely opt for one that has that. Its just a hassle to use the key to open the door. Then you have to reach over and open the door for other people.

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cate - January 13 - 11:20 am

  Very snappy, fun to drive, easy on the pocketbook with the great gas mileage. Perfect car for the teen to drive around town.

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By GLC - December 23 - 9:13 am

  Have owned this car almost 3 yrs. No mechanical/quality problems. Routine service only. Handles similar to my drowned BMW 325i, despite that it is FWD (specs for size wt and interior dimensions close, but definitely not nearly as refined as BMW, but ok for ~1/2 the price. Excellent outward visibility. Mileage ~22 mpg city and high 20s hwy. Good looking, especially to the younger set. Lots of amenities, leather, rain-sensing wipers, 5 speed auto with manual mode, atuo on-off headlights, side air bags, CD, heated seats, and more. Would definitely recomend this model for someone who wants a fun to drive, economical, utilitarian and reliable car that runs on regular gas. It is a GLC as in great little car.

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  Most Fun for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rogracin - February 18 - 9:06 pm

  This is only the second new car we ever bought. The first was a 1988 Mazda MX6 GT and that car is still my daily driver (230K) so yes I am partial to Mazda. It was a little sluggish off the line until I installed a K&N air filter. Not sure what people are talking about saying they have poor MPG but dont forget the K&N filter! I would buy this car all over again!The original Eagle GT RSA tires were super hard and undriveable in any type snow. The replacement ContiPros ride and look much better but there is a slight roll over the sidewalls on very aggressive cornering. The interior is a little cheap like the sun visors and I gave a 8 on the build quality because I have a weird quirk where the radio does not always turn off with the car. Mazda has not traced down. Great car for the money!

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By thetejon - February 12 - 5:40 pm

  Ive put about 4600 miles on this car, and I love it. All my complaints so far are pretty trivial - a little too much engine noise, the interior clock isnt that accurate . . . nothing to keep you from buying the car. Before buying, I read reviews that mentioned excessive brake noise - I test drove a couple of 3s, and the brake noise only occurred in the automatic. I was really unimpressed with the automatic - it felt sluggish compared to the manual. I get good mileage - average 23-27 MPG driving in traffic in Northern Virginia, and I dont drive it gently. I averaged over 31 for the tank during a weekend trip spent doing a lot of driving on country highways.

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  Fun To Drive ... Zoom Zoom* - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JoJo - January 4 - 10:53 am

  I LOVE my Mazda3. It handles well for a car in this class, love the stereo controls and cruise control on the steering wheel. Seats are so comfy, huge glove box, tons of storage for bottles, maps, books, CDs, tapes, etc. Great stereo system. The exterior looks so cool. I have the Nordic green, it is almost a green/black color and I have seen people stop to look at my car on the highway. If my stupid neighbor didnt hit it 7 days after I bought it I would be even more happy with it. I will get it back from having it fixed and painted tomorrow, cant wait, I miss my baby. Anyway, if you have a choice in buying a economy car, this is luxury all the way for a car in this class!