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 201 through 210 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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - November 16 - 10:20 pm

  This is one sweet car. Well priced. Grand touring package comes with heated seats, xenon lights, sunroof, leather, etc.; basically everything. The transmission in the 06 was bumped up to 5 speed. Fit and finish are almost perfect. Styling in and out matches the great performance of the car. The 168hp engine is just fast enough to be fun but not unsafe. It is quick off the line and the smooth shifting make it both a pleasure and fun to drive.

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  Love it with reservations - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin Guyer - November 15 - 8:30 am

  I traded down from a Volvo V40, now the V50 to the Mazda-3S hatchback. While the quality of the interior materials in the Mazda are of a much lower quality. the comfort and ride is far superior. This is a great car for the money. I just drove it from New York to Miami and it was a pleasure. The only problem, and this drives me nuts, is when Im in 5th gear, every time I put my foot on the gas pedal an audible whistling/vacuum cleaner sound from the engine starts and intensifies as I speed up. The moment I take my foot off the gas it stops. It is awful and I need to play music all the time in order to mask it.

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  Mazda 3 for me - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By keith - October 20 - 6:30 pm

  Great feel, fun to drive, handles well, solid braking, and plenty of pickup, especially with the 5 speed. Nice features, great sound, easy to operate.

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  2006 Mazda3 Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carl999 - October 16 - 12:02 pm

  A great small car. Fun to drive, always reliable.

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  2006 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michele - October 12 - 12:26 am

  The driving of this car is great, handles curves very well and is all around a very fun car to drive. Gets great gas mileage. First Mazda we have owned but it wont be the last. I purchased this car from Gerald Jones Mazda in Augusta, Ga. and used Charlie Royal. He was impressed me with all the ins and outs of the car and made the process very easy. I highly recommend him and this dealership to any one looking for a new or used Mazda. I can definitely say it wont be our last Mazda.

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  I cant stop driving it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By passa34 - October 1 - 10:10 am

  Hey everyone, just purchased my Mazda3 about one month ago. I have no regrets. The car is really fun to drive, handles great and the manual shifts beautifully. The only thing I dont like are the stock tires; they are bad in the snow. We had a light snow fall here in Chicago and the car was sliding all over the place. New tires should fix that.

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  So much fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sue - September 1 - 8:40 am

  Love Love Love this car! It is so much fun to drive. It corners great and has great pickup. Love all of the features in the car as well. The bright headlights, the heated seats, the nice stereo make driving this car awesome!

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  Amazing - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chelsea - August 25 - 6:20 pm

  I have been in love the mazda 3 for years. So when I had my son, I decided to get rid of my trusty toyota pickup and buy an 06 mazda 3. I must say I am simple amazed still to this day 3 months later, It drives perfect, looks perfect, I just love this car, oh and the fuel economy is wonderful! I live in phoenix and go to LA quite often and I dont even have to fill up once - thats over 400 miles on one tank of gas... AWESOME!

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  Great mix of performance and economy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By monster289 - August 14 - 7:03 pm

  Had my car for three weeks now, 1300 miles logged. I have the hatchback with 5 speed manual. Got the s Touring model, but decided to save some money and not get options. Car is plenty quick, especially for a 4 cylinder. Im getting about 30mpg mixed city/freeway driving. It has enough power to go up steep hills on the freeway while still in 5th gear. I think they could have made 5th gear a bit taller to reduce rpms, but thats ok. Maybe having more power readily available is better than marginally better mileage. Steering wheel controls are awesome, and they are backlit at night. Ride is sporty and firm, very little body roll. May be a bit rough for some.