2006 Mazda Mazda3 consumer reviews

I traded a Volvo on the Mazda that was significantly more than twice the price of the Mazda and haven't missed the Volvo for the blink of an eye. The Mazda has everything the Volvo lacked; style, quality, content, value, and most of all - fun. The Mazda is simply a blast to drive - even going to work. I've never owned a car that I've enjoyed driving more completely. I could nitpick the quality of the carpeting or the sunvisors, but it would be just that because the car is overall an outstanding effort. I was fortunate to get a 2006 model with the 4-year warranty that Ford trimmed back to 3 years to save money for 2007. The only real negative that I can offer is that the Ford Motor Company owns controlling interest in Mazda which means that aftersales support will be limited to strict interpretation of the letter of the warranty, and any means possible to contain costs to help support Ford's other faltering brands.

I've had my 2006, 5 speed hatchback for over a year now, and the only complaint I can find is that the 17" low profile tires let me feel uneven and bumpy roads more than I'd like. Zippy handling and pick-up is a definite advantage in morning traffic, and my 20 mile commute plus extra travel has me gassing up only once a week. 20,000 miles later nothing besides oil changes and tire rotations have been needed. Well one more thing - my pearl white paint is steadily showing off more nicks from rocks and road debris. Overall I love my car! It won't win races, but it looks like it should.

I bought my 2006 M3 back in May. i love how it looks. It handles excellent. Very good at taking off fast. My roommate has a mazda 6 and he is jealous because my car takes off a lot faster than his :) I can turn corners fast, drive on bumpy roads, and unless it's really bumpy, I can't feel them. Smooth ride. Good gas mileage. Despite how the site rated it, i actually think the seats are very comfortable. It's a smaller car so the seats are gonna be smaller. I used to own an 02 protege. now that was uncomfortable! this drives MUCH better than the protege did. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a nice looking new car that is affordable and good on gas mileage.

I love the Mazda 3. I have a 2005 and it is a great car. I love the look of it. The only down side tothe car is tires. They don't last very long because the are low profile tires. They are very expensive to replace. I just spent almost $800 to replace all four. I had one blow out and while I was on the way to get it fixed another started to do the same thing! I got a more expensive tire this time because it was supposed to last longer! Then the engine light came on right after that!! I took it right into the dealer and there was some pump that was out and an electrical problem. They also replaced the break pads because people have been complaining about the brakes. It wasn't a recall item, just lots of complaints. They took care of everthing - so I can't complain! Other than that - I love the car. I always get compliments about it. I do wish that something could be done about the tire though. You don't want to have to spend that much money on tires for that price of a car.

Hands down, the value-for-the-money champ in its class. I've had my '06 Mazda3 GT 5-speed (Copper Red Mica, which is much darker than the example shown on this site; think paprika metallic and you'll be close) since September '05 and am still ecstatic over my purchase. The 5 speed is smooth and precise, and the power and handling inspire confidence...and provide miles of driving enjoyment. I typically drive 12-15,000 miles a year, but hit 20,000 in 10 months with the Mazda; instead of flying from Minnesota to both Arkansas and Pennsylvania earlier in the year, I convinced my partner that we should drive rather than fly. And I never let him behind the wheel except for a few hours in Wisconsin! Heated seats, Sirius/Bose system, a decidedly non-generic-compact look...and for a lot less than I expected to pay. And nothing has gone wrong with it. Can you tell I like this car? ;-) One gripe: no input for an mp3 player. I think they've addressed this for '07, however.

We have had a 2006 5 speed Mazda 3S Touring with 2.3L engine for 4 months and 11K miles. The handling is the major high point of this car with the strong, quick 2.3L engine another major plus. Just love to drive hard through the twisties in this thing. Only fault might be lack of sound deadening insulation seen on more refined vehicles, but this is a low priced compact. I'd definately recommend getting the 5 speed manual over the automatic. You can put considerably more power to the wheels and the clutch is smooth, light and easy to learn on (my 16 year old daughter picked it up in less than a week!) Drove the Corolla and Civic and this is much more fun. Go get one...

I really like my hatchback M3 for it's clever styling and handling and flexible interior space. My only dissapointment is the small gas tank, I feel like I am always going to the gas station. I am not sure I am getting the mileage advertised but it is a great all weather vehicle for city and country, work or play, and packing up the family for a trip.

First of all its a beautiful car. Seeing it parked anywhere, and knowing its yours gives you a great feeling. You'll get an even better feeling when you get into the drivers seat and start driving. Acceleration is great with the manual. There aren't many cars out there that handle as well as this one. The only one downside is that bumps are a bit harsh, because of the tight suspension, but I think the great handling is worth it. Fuel economy is not 26 city as stated. Its actually 24 for me, but I think results will vary. I drive 100% city. Sound quality is so much better than I expected. Interior is roomy, dash is beautiful, and gauges light up all the time making them easy to read. It's been a while now, but this car hasn't faded into the background of my life. It's just so exciting. You'll always be happy you bought the car, just make sure you at least get the 4 door S model. You won't regret it.

2006 MAZDA3 S Grand Touring, Titanium Gray 4-door Sedan, Navigation System 5-Speed Auto, moonroof, 6 Airbags and Bose Audio not to mention the myriad of standard features in this car. This is an awesome ride. I always find ways to get out and drive. I also own a german automobile and I have to say that this ZOOM ZOOM car is closing in on them. The handling is awesome for an "econobox", Interior instruments are excellent, even the plastics feel a little upscale than most...infact it feels as if they were copied from PORSCHE and that is not a bad thing. 17-inch alloys, leather seats, tire pressure monitoring system, auto climate control... I can go on and on. If you are looking for the best value for your money and an awesome looking car to boot, this is your car...It is a headturner and it feels more expensive than the category suggests. This may just be one of those cars that actually can compete with the GERMAN LUXURY ENTRY-LEVELS. Fit and finish is first rate. Fuel economy is so-so due to the fact that this is PZEV-rated (here in California). Navigation System is easy to operate, instrument panel lighting is sporty yet classy especially at night, when the soft blue light accents the speedo's, tachs and even the shift knob area. Take this for a test drive if you are looking for a smaller car to drive around town and you just might not want to let go... ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!

I used to drive an older model Volvo which had good pick up but it was time for a trade in because the cost to maintain a Volvo with almost 200,000 miles on it is very costly. Orignally i wanted and still would like to have an suv. The Toyota 4 Runner was my choice hands down but the gas prices would have killed me as a college student. I decided on a car and i test drove a various amount of cars. Scion Tc, used BMW's A4's and C240's Ford Fusion, Volvo S40 and the Mazda 3, Subaru WRX and the Legacy Turbo, eventually i chose the Mazda 3 because of the fact that i could get Xenon headlamps, leather, spoiler, Bose sound system, and great horsepower and handeling. Excelleration is smooth and efficient for the car. People say the air conditionins is weak but it blows cold air and it works. The one thing i dont like is the lack of a trunk button and the fact that the gas tank is on the opposite side of the driver side. Everything tlse is top notch for a vechile in this class. As an avid BMW fan i knew a used 3 series would be expensive alternative to the loaded Mazda 3, i feel the Mazda 3 is build efficiently and handles and performs very well. Not to mention the fuel economy was good, plus i got all the upcale options i wanted for under 22 thousand. The only other vechile i considered was the Volvo S40 and that was because i knew how reliable my old volvo was, i steered clear of that vechile because of the high maintainence costs. After driving the vechile for 2 months i enjoy it and i know that its not going to cost me 4,000 dollars a year or more for gas that a 4 Runner would have cost me. I think if you are looking for an efficient car you should choose the Mazda three if you have an eye for details and want to drive a nice looking car with all the toys and features. Its well worth it !