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 1 through 10 of 322.00-
Fun Daily Driver. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Luv2drive - December 8 - 7:26 amI have an 06 with a 2.3L engine and manual transmission, and it is one solid, sporty little car. Its interior and exterior styling are, without a doubt, the best in its class. Everyone who rides in it comments about the cool interior. Its way more fun to drive than its price tag might suggest, especially with the manual transmission. The engine is responsive and rev-happy, the steering is precise, and the suspension tears up corners like a sports car. The only reliability issues Ive had were minor annoyances related to my own modifications. This is probably the most exciting car you can buy for under $20,000... and it still gets 26/31 mpg!
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I would buy another one! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By clapp6 - November 29 - 10:49 amAfter owning this car for 1 year here are my thoughts: 1)Fun to drive everyday 2)Not as much cargo room as you think 3)Breaks a lot! (been in the shop multiple times for bad shocks, replace belts, power steering pump, and many more parts) 4)Good gas mileage but could be better 5)That zoom zoom factor is addicting Simply put, every time I drive this car I fall in love with it a little bit more even though it has it flaws.
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ZOOM ZOOM! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By BigRed - November 9 - 12:00 amI love this car! I traded in my 02 Focus for it, and would never go back to a Ford. This car is so much fun to drive, great gas mileage, and some people even thought it was a BMW!
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My first Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By superddawg - September 26 - 12:23 pmWow, this car is fun to drive! I can definitely tell a power difference between it and some other cars at which I was looking. I cant believe the acceleration from a 4-cylinder engine! I also enjoy being able to change to manual shifting for winding roads. It is also a plus for cruising on the Interstate when approaching a big hill ... just drop it down into 4th gear and theres no loss of speed. I am impressed with how quiet the engine and road noise are at 80 MPH. In addition, the extra storage space will come in handy after the after market stereo and speakers are installed. This was a big problem with my previous car ... I lost all of my trunk space. The headlights are awesome!
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Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Mazda 3 S - August 26 - 2:00 amI used to flip cars very often, had many faster cars. But i always looked up for economy also. This car comes with nice compromise for both. Its sporty, good on gas, has practical hatch and looks good. The main thing is that is very reliable. Im getting close to 150k miles on this car and has been trouble free. Just tires, brakes, plugs and runs still strong. Have improved radio with navigation system and headlights with HID.
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Second Mazda 3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By moonman - August 23 - 5:50 amWent to dealer for an oil change on my 04s, and looked in on the 06 Grand Touring. Mazda has done right by this car -- several of the larger problems (the slow shift out of first when cold) have been fixed by the new 5 speed transmission, and the other refinements on the car are well done. Its the same shell but it feels substantially different ... also appreciate the (admittedly slight) gain in MPG w/ the 5 speed.
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Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Grant - August 18 - 10:03 pmI purchased my Mazda 3 Grand Touring in June and have already put 12k miles on it. It has been extremely reliable and a pleasure to drive. It is surprisingly quick for a little 4cylinder. I have the 5 speed manual and couldnt imagine it with an auto, even with the manual mode on the auto. Brakes are amazing as has been said. Interior quality also top notch.The Rockford Fosgate stereo that came in my girlfriends Sentra is considerably better then the Bose stereo in my car. Gas mileage is better then most have said on here and I drive it pretty hard. I get about 26-28 in the city and about 29-31 highway. Drove the competition and nothing really came close in comparison in this price range.
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Cant Get Enough! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Brian - August 3 - 1:30 amI went from a 1990 V8 Ford Mustang to this car. All I can say is WOW! Although there is a drop in horsepower from the Ford to the Mazda3, I hardly notice it. The car handles much better and the features cant be beat. The automatic transmission is fun to drive as well. Im always looking for an excuse to drive my car. The fuel economy is so-so, but an improvement over my last vehicle. All-in-all, this is a must drive. The only gripes I have are that my right knee rests a little uncomfortably on the center console and the sun visors are too small.
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Wonderful, best in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Will - July 27 - 5:46 pmI am writing this review of my new Mazda 3 mainly because I am one that reads A LOT of these reviews before buying anything, especially a new car -- so for good karma, I will add to the collective. I LOVE my new Mazda3 on so many levels that I will not be able to got into them. But for anyone considering this car, I can honestly say I regret nothing form buying this car. I also seriously considered the Toyota Matrix/RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Subaru Forrester, Honda Accord. I test drove them all multiple times as well as did in depth research online. They all came out pretty close on paper, but the Mazda was incomparable when behind the wheel. It is fun, sporty, great mileage, and reliable.
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Good car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By zoomzoomfan - July 18 - 11:40 pmThis is a great car to own, but if you are considering a new Mazda3 then you should be warned about the tires. The Toyo tires that come on the Mazda are worthless. I have 25K miles and Ive needed new tires for the last 2K miles. Ive heard similar stories from other Mazda 3 owners. My suggestion: make them put on different tires for you before you take it home!
