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 241 through 250 of 322.00-
I love my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By J - October 26 - 4:43 pmI love this car so much...has so much pep for an economy sedan. Its extremely fun to drive...has great pickup on the highway and responds to steering input beautifully...manumatic is also fun to drive. I wasnt so happy with fuel economy, but then I realized that its about 2/3 the size of my old Camry tank and that was why I wasnt getting as many miles to a tank. After doing the math, I now get in the mid to high 20s mpg, which I think is decent.
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vroom vroom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By pefnam - October 12 - 10:26 pmBought a Mazda3 Sedan a month after buying a Toyota Matrix wagon and the Mazda is so much cooler than the Toyota that we wish we had bought the Mazda3 Wagon as well. Fun to drive, stylish, sporty, better mpg.
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If you love to drive - buy this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Winning Blue!! - September 22 - 12:30 amThis is an awesome compact car. Call it a hatch or a wagon, it does not matter- its a great ride with utility. It has plenty of room for my small family, and is an excellent commuter or canyon carving car. Vehicles like this prove that a gas slurping SUV is not necessary in most cases. I am able to nimbly avoid traffic situations rather than drive over them. The mechanicals and refinement are excellent, and beats the new Civic hands down (drove the new 06 EX before I bought this) - no contest if you love to drive. If you are happy driving a boring car, buy the Civic or a Corolla and be happy. I drive "spirited" with the 5M (superb!) and average 30.4 mpg after 10,500 miles. Excellent buy!
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Quick, cool, and great mileage. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Mazda Lover - July 27 - 5:46 amI have 34k miles on the car and have not had one problem yet. The car continues to have the same acceleration as the day I bought it (2.3L). The comfort is amazing for a large adult who is 64 tall. I have family members who are taller and enjoy driving it. The suspension is sporty and responsive. I drive on the highway most of the time and get 32-34 mpg. The look of the car is amazing!!
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Wow.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By linalunar - July 14 - 1:10 pmI traded in my 2004 Honda civic EX for this car. Although the payments were a little higher because of the APR, it was worth the increase. My insurance went down about $50/month and that balanced out the costs. This car is the best! I love it so much. Much better power/acceleration, air conditioning, braking, stereo ... EVERYTHING! Gas is a little more expensive, but so what? Car is worth every penny and more. Dont buy in a dark color unless you do not tailgate, front end paint chips easily. Otherwise I love my car! Cant wait for summer to cruise around more often. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
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Best of the Compact cars - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By monster289 - July 8 - 12:36 pmIve had my car for a week now. Maybe I should have sprung a little more money for the leather and sunroof and Bose stereo, but thats OK. Im trying to save some money anyway! Car has great power for a 4 cylinder. It pulls a hill on the freeway in my area in 5th gear at 60-65 no problem. Flat cornering, great steering, awesome shifter/clutch.
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2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By markanash - June 7 - 4:19 pmGreat little car now with 138K on it. Nice features including the Bose sound, LED lights, adjustable headlights, great styling, etc.
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Awesome Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By zoomzoom - May 31 - 9:33 amI had an 02 Protege ES and loved it. But the Mazda3 S I recently bought just blows that great car out of the water. The quality of the interior is something youd expect to see in a BMW 3 a couple of years ago (its that good). While it feels a bit heavier and less agile than the old Protege, the Mazda3 is better in every other way, and still handles very nicely.
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Fun! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Tyler - April 18 - 10:36 amI bought this car to replace my 96 Pontiac Bonneville. This car was a huge improvement! Given, the interior wasnt quite as nice, but it was sporty, which was what I was looking for. The car is much more responsive than I would have expected and has an all around sporty feel. If you want a nice smooth, quiet ride, this car isnt for you. You can definitely feel the road (which I like), and its a little loud inside, but it could very well be my tires. The suspension is superb, you can take 90 degree turns going 30 mph on a dime. If you get this car, make sure to get the manual! This is what makes it so much fun!
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Great car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By ffb - March 26 - 11:33 pmI must admit, I own a Miata so I expected a great car from Mazda. I am not disappointed! From the time I walked in to now I have had a blast! The car rides much better then expected. Turning is great, the noise level from outside is very low compared to others in the price range. The bottle holder in the door panel is great as it keeps it out of the way, very nice little touch. The interior is much better then any car in the price range and may rival cars in higher prices ranges. Gas mileage is good, not what I expected but I drive hard and still get in the 28 range in city. Would have like a higher front seat. Clearly recommend this car. Zoom-Zoom
