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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  After 6 Months, I Love It - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bruce6 - January 2 - 1:00 am

  I deliberately waited to write this till Id owned it 6 months and the new- purchase glow wore off. But I love my 3 as much as the day I bought it. Its quick, roomy, sharp-looking, and an utter blast to drive. Lots of room front and rear for a smallish car, lots of cargo room, all the amenities one could reasonably want standard. And on the highway the thing feels rock-solid and amazingly smooth blasting along at 80 MPH. The only drawback is that the peppy performance from the 2.3 engine does come at a cost of only so-so fuel economy. I can get up to 28-29 on the highway, but in city or mixed driving it drops appreciably. No matter. I adore this car.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John F - January 1 - 3:43 pm

  I traded in a 07 Civic for this car. The civic was ok but it didnt have the pep, boring to drive and everyone has it. My insurance dropped a lot when I bought the Mazda. Bought it used with 80k. Had for a year now and its still fun to drive, tons of storage space, better gas mileage then my old civic and plenty of power for such a small car. Was looking at the speed3, but not all mazda dealerships can fix it and I live in Sacramento. Closest repair is in San Jose so I got this one. Save your money and buy this one and just add the speed hood.

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  my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By military - December 14 - 5:06 pm

  Great car, nice look -- sporty but professional.

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  A fun car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - December 9 - 7:53 am

  Ive had my Mazda 3 hatchback for about 10 months. This car is fun to drive. There is a bit more road noise than some of the other cars, but the stereo system with Sirius radio takes care of any background noise. The navigation system works well. I am getting an average of 25.5 miles per gallon (city/highway driving). The controls are easy to get to. Seats are firm and supportive. With the rear seat folded down, my golf clubs and pull cart fit nicely.

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  Yup - I love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - December 8 - 3:53 am

  I replaced a 1999 Audi A4 ($35K+) with a new Mazda3, GT, Bose, Nav. This car has more features than the A4, is just as much fun to drive and cost almost half as much!

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  Unbelievably Great Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Angie S. - December 3 - 3:30 am

  I have only had my Mazda 3 for 2 weeks, but I love it. It has great acceleration and is very nice. It is really unbelievable that I got this great car for under 18,000. My friend has a little BMW and these cars are comparable! I highly recommend this car!

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  Econo Box be gone! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TSK - November 28 - 6:16 am

  In outside sales, I drive a lot. Had a truck, but 15MPG was getting old. The Mazda 3 is a "must see" if you are looking for an econo-box driving expense crossed with a compact euro-luxo feel. At one time I sold BMW and while they are wonderful automobiles, the Mazda gives the BMW 3-series a run for the money. The Mazda 3 is worth EVERY penny when compared to a BMW. Suggestion, buy the Mazda 3 and buy a BMW emblem. Needless to say, I am very pleased.

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  Tire issues - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By KayakMazda - November 22 - 11:20 am

  So I am having a similar problem, alignments off, and I am not rough on driving. The tires wont last long and I have gone with several brands, they still couple. (sp) I will say Dealership was great with belts and replacement pricing. That was Gainesville GA Mazda. Cheaper than my normal mechanic. shocking.

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  Great car - economical too! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By alamo - November 18 - 10:40 am

  Great pick up for a 2.0 engine Just love the standard transmission feature (have auto transmission). Handles great and the ride is reasonably comfortable. Am getting good gas mileage - almost always 27 - 31 combo city and hwy - 30+ hwy only. Roomy for a little sedan.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By J.P.G. - November 14 - 3:00 pm

  This car is great in just about every aspect. I bought the car in Oct. of last year and I put on a a lot of miles. Around 100 miles a month. Since most of my driving is freeway miles, I get around 32mpg. On one tank of gas I average 420 miles for two days of driving. The car hugs the road like a true sports car and rounds corners as if on rails. I changed out the standard tires with Hankook low profiles. I actually get better gas mileage and improved performance. The interior space is about what I expected from a compact car. Interior design is very well laid out, spacious, and very nice. The sound system can rock the music with no problems. Large glovebox and trunk. I like the fold down seats.