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 271 through 280 of 322.00

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  Another Great Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barney - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had a bushel of mazdas over the years and this is the best hatchback yet. So much fun to drive. Never been to the shop for more than tires. Plenty of power, better than 30 mpg average, a ton of room, wicked reliable.

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  The "un-Honda" - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - September 11 - 5:23 pm

  The car handles well (especially for slow to moderate speeds), feels relatively solid and (with the 2.3 motor and 5 speed automatic) accelerates well. While mid range punch is only fair, the pull off the line and ability to hold speed on the interstate is quite impressive. Fit and finish are first rate as is the overall styling. In other words, the car looks and drives like it should be a lot more expensive than it is.

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  Best Bang for the Buck...AGAIN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NoVa - September 6 - 9:46 am

  I bought this to replace my beloved Civic Si after the great reviews I had read and the exhaustive research available on the net. This is by far Mazdas best offering for the money in any class. The engine is peppy if not outright powerful. The exterior design is broad shouldered & modern. The interior is well though out & purposeful. Material quality could be better as the plastics get dirty quickly but can be easily cleaned. The mileage is the biggest disappointment as only strictly adhering to the 55 speed limit will get you EPA advertised mpg.

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aliona - August 8 - 11:20 pm

  I needed a compact wagon, Mazda3 seemed to be the best in this class in March 2006. I enjoy driving it, although it aannoyingly falls short of expectations while there seems to be no reason not to make it perfect.

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  Loaded for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hong kong fooey - July 25 - 9:43 am

  I cant believe the bells and whistles this car comes with and still is incredibly low priced,add to that the build quality,you cant go wrong.This car is great for a first time buyer or for someone who realizes that BMW has very little on this mazda.

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  Nice, for the money. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwaynepg - July 8 - 3:36 am

  Overall nice car, good safety features, good performance. Back seat is fairly roomy, like the dash and radio setup, huge glove compartment.

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  Mazda3 S - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shawn - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Have over 20,000 miles on it in a year and it has been great. Very well handling car. Can be sporty when you want it to be, but can also perform like an economy car when you want it to. I consistently get 31-35 miles a gallon on the highway (rated at 31).

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  Value and Performance! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zoom, zoom! - June 20 - 5:20 am

  I just traded in my 2005 Explorer for this gem and I am not sorry. The 3 has great get-up and is a blast to drive. It does not feel cheap like its competitors (Honda, Chevy, etc.). I got the metallic paint upgrade and people say it looks more like a Lexus or a BMW. Interior is great, also. Reminds me a bit of an Audi A4! The fuel economy is nice. Really fun on a curvy road as there is very little body roll. Decent stereo and low cabin noise. Nice tranny action. 6 airbags, nicely bolstered seats, nifty looking headlights and taillights, and a large trunk. All this for very little money! Couldnt ask for much more.

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  Good Car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SanMan - June 7 - 11:23 pm

  I sold my 2004 Camry Solara and bought this one. It was a step down as far as luxury is concerned but this car is too much fun to drive. Also it has the utility of a full size car. I was surprised by the trunk space for such a small car. I absolutely enjoy driving it.

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  Would buy again. In fact, about to! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - June 6 - 8:46 pm

  Interior & exterior look stylish & expensive: people often assume it cost $10k more. Fast, with good midrange power (though more at low RPM would be nice). Manual tranny feels good (but improved clutch feel would permit smoother launches, and the too-tall 2nd gear ratio drops you out of the engines sweet spot around town unless you wring it out in 1st.) Precise handling, yet good comfort (although more steering feel and suspension travel would be nice). Road noise seems excessive but thats partly because the engine is so quiet (silent idle, & easy to forget to shift to 5th). Brakes are fantastic (though the rotors eventually warp, as they seem to on all modern cars).