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 191 through 200 of 322.00-
Baby BMW - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Robby Butler - June 12 - 2:30 amThis is one of the best small car on the market. The interior is well appointed, the seats are comfortable, and the stereo system is excellent. Close the doors and you hear a tump not a rattle like most small cars. The performance is great, and the handling is on the level of high ends vehicles. I have owned over 20 cars in my life time. I call it my baby BMW. I have owned two Bimmers and I enjoy this car better. I cant say more; I bought it for my wife, but I gave her my Expedition to drive and I take the Mazda. If you buy one you wont be dissatisfied.
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A bit under the MPG in the first tank - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By kevivoe - June 11 - 2:50 am1st tank was only 23 MPG and I was expecting 25-31 MPG. I am hoping the MPG goes up during break-in. So far very satisfied with the car. Plenty of HP and FT-LB to move around well. Very quiet car, without checking the speedometer youll be doing 80 MPH on the freeway with no effort. Perhaps the performance is the reason for the lower MPG. Well do better the 2nd tank. The interior is roomy, the trunk cavernous. Love the euro style looks. Test drove a Jetta TDI and considered a Toyota Corolla ... certainly made the correct decision. Performance of the Mazda3 is far superior. Instrumentation is a.o.k. The Bose sound system is lacking. Too much "hiss" when music stops. Premium? Not quite.
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Performance and Good MPG - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By JLS - May 25 - 7:46 pmYou dont have to sacrifice performance for good gas mileage. I have gotten 30-33 MPG on my first three tanks of gas. The engine isnt even broken in yet. I commute 120 miles per day and so far that car has been great.
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I love my Mazda3 touring wagon. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Gerald Deckler - May 17 - 8:13 pmI love to drive my Mazda3 wagon. I live in Houston, Texas with some of the worse traffic in the country. My Mazda3 zips through difficult traffic situations with ease. The handling is like driving a European sports car. The interior is large and very comfortable with great eye appeal. The six disk changer is exceptional. Overall, I love this car. Zoom Zoom!
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WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Saabster27 - March 2 - 6:23 pmI just moved to a 2006 Mazda3 GT from a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE with 205 HP, sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. And let me say that beside straight line acceleration, Mazda3 beats the Saab in EVERY category, while priced less than half of the Saab. I also test drove the Audi A4 and and owned a Honda Accord Coupe V6 but those two dont perform better and dont come close to the value offered by a Mazda3 at this price level. The choice was pretty simple for me. And this car far exceeded my expectations after owning it for a month. I can say that I did not have the same feelings about the Saab after owning it for a month!
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Most Fun for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Rogracin - February 18 - 9:06 pmThis 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 pmIve 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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Better than the Audi A4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Mazda Lover - February 11 - 4:20 pmIts hard to describe the quality of the suspension without driving one yourself. The fit and finish is world class. The price point is beyond anything else currently on the market. My husbands last 2 cars have been brand new Mercedes and he is accustomed to a quality ride and he feels that the Mazda 3 rides just as well. The xenon lights and Sirius radio are just two examples of the thoughtful features that were added to this car. If you are looking for a vehicle in this price range this car should be seriously considered.
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Fun To Drive ... Zoom Zoom* - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By JoJo - January 4 - 10:53 amI 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!
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Awesome Economy Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Shea - December 26 - 10:26 pmI have owned my Mazda3 for 5 months now and I couldnt be happier. This car really is a great value for the price. I have owned a few Honda Civics and a VW Passat. While the Passat is a much nicer ride, the 3 comes pretty close and costs way less. This isnt a fast car but it never feels underpowered and has a great suspension for a Japanese economy car. Plus, it gets excellent gas mileage. I am averaging about 34MPG with the manual transmission. I would recommend this car for anyone that wants a great car for well under $20k.
