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 31 through 40 of 322.00

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  Fun Car with Annoying Problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By optimus - December 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car has been very, very fun to zip around on both the highway and city. However after only driving it for 6 months my clutch pedal became squeaky (replaced under warranty). Then a month later my brakes became extremely squeaky even though I still had 75% of the pads left. I plan on taking it in again soon.

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  Everything I asked for - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin - April 18 - 9:43 am

  I leased this car and it did everything I needed it to do. It is a great commuter but it is not a long distance car. I needed to stuff things like jeans and pillows behind my back and next to the driver door to lean on for 5 - 6 hour trips. The style is great and I totally enjoyed cleaning and polishing the exterior. I have the rally white. The inside is less quality especially compared to my wifes Corolla. It is noisy at higher speeds especially as the oem tires wear. Good car to lease but I wont buy it. Gets 31/35 mph, same as the Corolla we check.

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  Bottom engine protector - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TC in MT - February 9 - 2:46 am

  We have torn two under guards off because of the low clearance on this vehicle. As a consequence we have gone with out this under guard and now see some pulleys & belts with wear & tear. My wife and 16 yr old really like it, me? Im on the fence.

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  Fun little car with some problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anna - November 18 - 6:06 am

  I bought my Mazda 3s in April 2006. About 3 months after I bought it, the brakes started squeaking, then about 5 months after I had it, the cd/time/temp display went out and I had to have it replaced, which took forever because they had to order the part; however it was under warranty. Also, be prepared to spend extra money for an oil change because it takes a special filter and oil that is an extra $20. The car does not handle well in snow or in hard rain. I really do like how the car drives and the way it looks, but I hope in the long run it will be a better car than it was this pass year.

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  2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By markanash - June 7 - 4:19 pm

  Great little car now with 138K on it. Nice features including the Bose sound, LED lights, adjustable headlights, great styling, etc.

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  A good value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - January 15 - 6:00 pm

  I have only has the car a short time, but I am overall impressed. Good features for a compact car. I traded in a 2004 Acura TL because of financial reasons, and dont feel like I have given up a lot. I got the NAVI and Bose. I would like to be able to play MP3 CDs, but got the cassette deck to use an adapter for my iPod. Works fine. Much better utility than the TL. My complaints are lack of dead pedal, mats are lousy, and the brake and accelerator are a bit too close. I find the left side of my right foot hitting the brake when I put my foot on the gas or take it off. My TL had great cupholders (seems silly, but used every day, right?), but these are good too.

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  Mazda 3, Oregon Review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kens mazda - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Overall the vehicle is ok, 4 cylinder engine kind of gutless. Too much road noise. Have to turn radio up to drown out. Wouldnt want to drive it across the country.

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  Great Car - Poor Quality - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By wardboom - December 25 - 3:53 am

  The car drives excellent and feels solid. However, I have had problems with the engine light repeatedly coming on (5k-10k miles) for no reason. The repair is under warranty but it is a nuisance to keep taking the car to the dealer for repair. Now at 38,000 miles the driver’s side wheel bearing needs to be replaced and the tires need to be replaced soon. The wheel bearing is also under warranty but I am told that the tire is normal wear and tear. It appears that the tires are an off-brand. I like the car but quality is poor. I would not buy another Mazda of any kind.

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  wow - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BW - October 3 - 10:06 am

  This is the best small car out there. After driving a Toyota Matrix and Mazda3 back to back I bought the 3 on the spot. This car is fun. I love the stereo, the interior, and the 17" wheels. Handles like a dream and my bike fits in the back.

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  Mazda 3i Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nadia - September 23 - 9:13 am

  I purchased this car about 3 weeks ago. I really like the vehicle. It has numerous options at a great price. Only two complaints; one is that the muffler had surface rust on it. I thought that was odd for a 2006 with 5 miles on it. Also, due to some bad luck in the past for a family member, I had the battery tested prior to driving off the lot. Guess what? The battery failed the test! I would have been stranded somewhere for sure after a couple days/weeks. So I had to have the battery replaced before I actually took the car home. I found that quite disturbing. Most people probably dont ever think of doing such a thing but look at what happened. No a bad idea for others to try.