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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  ZOOM ZOOM! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BigRed - November 9 - 12:00 am

  I love this car! I traded in my 02 Focus for it, and would never go back to a Ford. This car is so much fun to drive, great gas mileage, and some people even thought it was a BMW!

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  Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 S - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I used to flip cars very often, had many faster cars. But i always looked up for economy also. This car comes with nice compromise for both. Its sporty, good on gas, has practical hatch and looks good. The main thing is that is very reliable. Im getting close to 150k miles on this car and has been trouble free. Just tires, brakes, plugs and runs still strong. Have improved radio with navigation system and headlights with HID.

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  Second Mazda 3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By moonman - August 23 - 5:50 am

  Went to dealer for an oil change on my 04s, and looked in on the 06 Grand Touring. Mazda has done right by this car -- several of the larger problems (the slow shift out of first when cold) have been fixed by the new 5 speed transmission, and the other refinements on the car are well done. Its the same shell but it feels substantially different ... also appreciate the (admittedly slight) gain in MPG w/ the 5 speed.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Grant - August 18 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 3 Grand Touring in June and have already put 12k miles on it. It has been extremely reliable and a pleasure to drive. It is surprisingly quick for a little 4cylinder. I have the 5 speed manual and couldnt imagine it with an auto, even with the manual mode on the auto. Brakes are amazing as has been said. Interior quality also top notch.The Rockford Fosgate stereo that came in my girlfriends Sentra is considerably better then the Bose stereo in my car. Gas mileage is better then most have said on here and I drive it pretty hard. I get about 26-28 in the city and about 29-31 highway. Drove the competition and nothing really came close in comparison in this price range.

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  Wonderful, best in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Will - July 27 - 5:46 pm

  I am writing this review of my new Mazda 3 mainly because I am one that reads A LOT of these reviews before buying anything, especially a new car -- so for good karma, I will add to the collective. I LOVE my new Mazda3 on so many levels that I will not be able to got into them. But for anyone considering this car, I can honestly say I regret nothing form buying this car. I also seriously considered the Toyota Matrix/RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Subaru Forrester, Honda Accord. I test drove them all multiple times as well as did in depth research online. They all came out pretty close on paper, but the Mazda was incomparable when behind the wheel. It is fun, sporty, great mileage, and reliable.

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  Good car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomfan - July 18 - 11:40 pm

  This is a great car to own, but if you are considering a new Mazda3 then you should be warned about the tires. The Toyo tires that come on the Mazda are worthless. I have 25K miles and Ive needed new tires for the last 2K miles. Ive heard similar stories from other Mazda 3 owners. My suggestion: make them put on different tires for you before you take it home!

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  Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By J.W. - July 17 - 9:46 am

  With 10 days (700 miles) of ownership of my first new car I am very pleased. 2 tanks of fuel averaging 27 MPG (70% highway, slightly aggressive driving) so far (manual transmission). Solid car with great git-up. I love how the car handles. Some types of road, amazingly quiet, other types lots of road noise. Compared most all other compacts, this was the best all around car we liked. Other cars had things that stood out, but nothing had as good of a package like this 3 did. Great handling with decent ride. I love this car so far.

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  Excellent Car in its Class - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan - July 14 - 11:03 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Mazda3 after looking at all of its competitors in its class. For the money I paid, I really feel like I got a steal. This is a fun car to drive and it looks and feels like I paid a lot more than I did. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a great car at a great price.

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  Im impressed! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By DonMTL - June 27 - 4:26 am

  5K miles in on a 06 fully loaded S hatch. So far Im impressed and quite proud to drive it. I came from the 4X4 scene but the fuel just got too much to deal with. This is quick, comfortable and fun to drive. Too small for ski trips, but excellent for 98% of my requirements. I would definitely recommend.

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  zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jeff - June 21 - 3:56 am

  Bought this for my wife as a xmas present. Have not driven it too much -- about 300 miles, but I love this car. Fun to drive, fast, holds the road, great looks sporty. Have not found any flaws with it yet, not sure how the gas mileage will be. I’m sure if I kept my foot off the gas it would be about what they say, love the 2.3. Matched great with AT.