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 251 through 260 of 322.00

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  Awesome car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ash Khawaja - March 10 - 3:53 am

  I purchased a Mazda 3 s Grand Touring last week,and it is awesome. I own a 3 series BMW,and this the closest car that comes to it in handling. I love the feel, and fit and finish.

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  Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By cbw wilson - February 23 - 8:30 pm

  I love it. The 2.3 has plenty of power and it handles great. I average around 29 miles per gallon in mixed driving with the air on. The trunk is large for a car this size and has plenty of room. Im 63" and have room and someone still can sit behind me. The only drawback is there is no 12 volt outlet. I have to use the cigarette lighter and it shuts off with the car.

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  Mazda3 GT Sport Hatchback is worth it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NeoSetna - February 9 - 4:33 am

  Great handling, great on fuel and over all this car is worth more than 35 grand, CDN dollars ... and I got it for 27 grand. Import all the way!

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  A Mini Audi A4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HockeyFox - January 28 - 7:03 pm

  After owning a very problematic Audi A4, I vowed never to spend that much money to spend that much time at the service department. After giving way to accepting that Honda made a reliable car, I test drove the new Civic. Nice, reliable, but boring to drive. Quality was apparent, but it didnt feel European tight. On a whim I test drove the Mazda 3. It was like driving my A4 all over again. European flair and quality construction. Reviews are very favorable and reliability history appears to be quite good. I purchased the vehicle and expected some remorse towards not buying the Honda. NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER. Best purchase I have made. Love the ride, great comfort features. Winner!

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  A good value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - January 15 - 6:00 pm

  I have only has the car a short time, but I am overall impressed. Good features for a compact car. I traded in a 2004 Acura TL because of financial reasons, and dont feel like I have given up a lot. I got the NAVI and Bose. I would like to be able to play MP3 CDs, but got the cassette deck to use an adapter for my iPod. Works fine. Much better utility than the TL. My complaints are lack of dead pedal, mats are lousy, and the brake and accelerator are a bit too close. I find the left side of my right foot hitting the brake when I put my foot on the gas or take it off. My TL had great cupholders (seems silly, but used every day, right?), but these are good too.

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  Mazda 3, Oregon Review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kens mazda - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Overall the vehicle is ok, 4 cylinder engine kind of gutless. Too much road noise. Have to turn radio up to drown out. Wouldnt want to drive it across the country.

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  Great Car - Poor Quality - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By wardboom - December 25 - 3:53 am

  The car drives excellent and feels solid. However, I have had problems with the engine light repeatedly coming on (5k-10k miles) for no reason. The repair is under warranty but it is a nuisance to keep taking the car to the dealer for repair. Now at 38,000 miles the driver’s side wheel bearing needs to be replaced and the tires need to be replaced soon. The wheel bearing is also under warranty but I am told that the tire is normal wear and tear. It appears that the tires are an off-brand. I like the car but quality is poor. I would not buy another Mazda of any kind.

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  I love this car. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hannah - December 20 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had this car for only three days now and I am infatuated with it. When Im not driving it, I am wishing I were. I love doing errands now! It handles so well. The steering is incredibly responsive and the brakes are excellent. It feels like a much more expensive car than it actually is. Mazda did a fantastic job. One complaint - the ride over a bumpy road can be pretty rough. Also, if you turn on the lights during the day, you cannot see the numbers on the dials because of the electroluminescent lights. Other than these tiny things, its great! Im cutting this review short so I can go drive.

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  Great CAR! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark of MS - December 5 - 7:40 am

  I traded a 2003 Chevy Silverado in on this Mazda 3 5-door because the Chevy truck was the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. The Mazda 3 has a 2.3l inline 4-cylinder that has quicker zip than even my 6-cylinder truck had, and 30 mpg highway isnt bad. The drivers seat is very comfortable and all the controls are very easy to reach. I strongly recommend the 5-speed manual transmission for the most pep. Visibility is awesome in this vehicle. I drove a Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Civic (my second choice), and a Dodge Caliber before finally deciding the Mazda was the best choice. None of the other vehicles even come close in performance and visibility.

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  Zoom Zoom Is Definitely True - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott B - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  I traded in my SUV (gas prices too high) for my Mazda 3s Touring Wagon. I needed to get better gas mileage since my commute is 70 miles each day. I fell in love with the car the minute I sat in the drivers seat and drove out of the parking lot. The price was great for all the features you get on the S Touring Model. I cannot wait to see what they do to the Mazda 3 over the next few years. They are moving in the right direction with their line of cars. It was difficult to find the Pearl White S Touring Wagon in CT. They had to get the car from NY. This makes it a little difficult to bargain since there is only one car within 4 states. The dealer did not want to take much off price.