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Mazda is a Great Car
Bleslie, 03/31/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Interior was the main disappointment - quality of material for the floor carpet could be better - seems to wear quickly. Seat material (black interior) shows all the dirt, doesn't release dirt or hair easily when vacuumed and does not release spills easily when cleaning. Static shocks constantly when exiting car. Gauges and speedometer are recessed making them hard to read - need to turn on lights in order to see them well. Great big huge glove box! Great leg room in front and rear. Handles beautifully, good mileage (promised 39 MPG, get 31 MPG on average, but that is a lot better than the 21 MPG on our previous car).
Get a 3, forget the new Civic
Sam Brenner, 03/13/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning a 2006 Honda Civic EX coupe for just 4 months, I was very UNDERWHELMED by this vehicle. Fortunately, my local Mazda dealer was eager to sell me a new Mazda3 S Touring sedan. What a difference in vehicles! My 3 has much more pickup; has better visibility (I can actually see both the front and rear of the Mazda); and is great fun to drive! The Honda did get a few more miles-per-gallon, but I am getting even more SMILES-PER-GALLON in my new Mazda3.
2006 Mazda 3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 50 listings
- s Touring 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,295154 mi away
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,244172 mi away
- i SedanMSRP: $1,600210 mi away
See all 50 listings
Terrific Car
Richard Stone Mtn GA, 04/03/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving Alfa Romeo sedans for 30 years, so I know what kind of small high-performance sedans I like. I dreaded giving up my last Alfa, but when I drove the 3s hatchback, I realized that I had found a worthy successor. This car tracks like an Alfa, but I found the engine far smoother, torquier, and more powerful than a comparable 2L Alfa I4. After spending February in Turin, Italy and seeing the latest offerings from Alfa, then coming home and buying a 3s Touring, I realized I had found superior bargain. If Alfa ever comes back to the US, they'll never be able to match this Mazda in build or performance for under $20K. I love this car! (This is my first Japanese automobile).
Excellent car, minor improvements needed
Bill, 03/25/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a joy to drive. Haven't had a chance to rev the engine yet since I'm under the 600 mile break-in period. The acceleration and braking are very good. The gas mileage could be a little better though especially when compared to the Honda Civic.
Don't Buy ANYTHING Else...
Casey Finley, 04/02/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If this is the price range that you want to be in, this is your car. Actually, don't spend any more money. This car is awesome.
The winning choice.
Marc, 04/04/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I compared the Civic and Corolla before this purchase and took each for a test drive. The Corolla and Civic both have better gas mileage but have less pickup/power as well. The Corolla simply wasn't fun to drive and the Civic was too pricey. Dealer offered me more than TMV for my trade in, $500 less than invoice and NO FEES! Honda wanted invoice, they 'waived' the fees but offered my $1500 less than TMV for my trade in. In the end, I decided the extra performance and cash made the Mazda3 a better choice. After a month of driving, the Mazda3 handles so well, I have to pay more attention or I find myself way over the speed limit without feeling it.
Very Happy
Brook, 03/26/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought a 2006 Mazda 3 Grand Touring. Only one day old so all I can say is so far so good. The "bells and whistles" are the best part along with solid driving feel. I love the manual choice on the automatic. Dealer said if you use it consistently you can dramatically improve gas mileage. Need to see if that's true. I bargained hard for this car and you can get it for invoice if you wait and compete for different bids.
More than an economy car, it's a Mazda
RC, 04/14/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There's no other economy car in this price range that will get you Sirius radio, HID headlights, LED taillights, 17" wheels, automatic climate control, Bose audio, DVD-based nav system, LED gauges, heated leather seats, and rain-sensing wipers for $23K. Even base models are well-equipped! Sure, you could get a Hyundai for cheaper, but it's a Hyundai and I'm more social conscious than that. It's not wacky on the inside like a Civic, nor is it as bulbous as a Corolla on the outside - the 3 is just right. Well, it's more than right...it's pretty much perfect for the price!
Snappy
Martin, 01/08/2008
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car because the 17mph I was getting was crazy at $3.50 a gal. I looked at Honda and Nissan, but the performance sold me, as well as the 4 yr., 50k warranty. It still surprises me everytime I put my foot into it. The car rockets to the 6500 redline, and there is a huge torque leap at about 3500. You have to watch your speed though because the car gives alot and can surprise you with its agility and handling. I do a 90-mile round trip about 6 times a month, and I'm used to getting about 29 mpg, lead foot and all. Inside it has the feel of a small BMW and all the bells and whistles too. This is one fun "economy" car! Zoom, zoom.
Wow....
linalunar, 04/17/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 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. Don't buy in a dark color unless you do not tailgate, front end paint chips easily. Otherwise I love my car! Can't wait for summer to cruise around more often. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
Smooth city car
Juan de fuca, 03/27/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car! I did a ton of research before buying this car and drove just about everything I could find (Toyota/Scion,Honda,Chevy,Ford....). Nothing felt as solid and responsive as the 3. So far (4,000 miles) this car is great; it's smooth, well built, the fuel economy isn't spectacular but it is reasonably good (25-28). It is a little too easy to speed.The clutch is good and the shifter is excellent. I can actually lay down in back to sleep! And I'm 6ft tall! I highly recommend this car. Bargain for the price.
Love this car.
John Moses, 04/19/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, I have been extremely happy with my new Mazda 3. The i Touring edition, while not lush, is comfortable and well designed. Driving the car feels natural, with a sporty engine and great suspension. The car holds the road with minimal roll, and I believe that this is partly because of the standard stabilizer bar and multi-link suspension. Gas mileage is also great, around 32 mpg. Overall the cost of ownership is great. And with such a low sticker price, it's a hard deal to beat.
Expectations Met
Pasha, 04/06/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before purchasing MAZDA3 i, I owned "Toyota Corolla S" for 2 years. I was very unhappy with it, because it was a simple basic car with very low power, and was expensive. MAZDA3 i met all my expectations. At this price range, I would definitely recommend this vehicle. It has a quiet and smooth ride, and great corner handling. Compared to others at this price range, Mazda3 has much more power and still very fuel efficient. Unbelievable. In real-world driving, with 12 gallons of gas, I went 430 miles. I loved the exterior design. I really enjoy driving this vehicle. If you are looking for a car for $16,500, I would recommend MAZDA3 i. For this price, this is the total package today.
Looking Good
shippy1973, 04/28/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent handling and acceleration for a 2.3L. May be a tight fit for taller people. Really fun to drive. Way too much brake dust on rear wheels. Factory tires will be expensive to replace. Has 17" rims. A/C could be colder. Comes with almost every option most drivers want as standard. Love the steering wheel controls. Trunk space is adequate unless you shop for groceries once a month. As advertised gas mileage (approximately 27). Gas light comes on at about 2-3 gallons left. Love the interior panel lighting. Auto/Manual mode is cool to play with and you don't have to downshift when in manual mode. Rear leg room is sparse. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase 7 months in.
Nice Little Car
Cate, 08/27/2005
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very snappy, fun to drive, easy on the pocketbook with the great gas mileage. Perfect car for the teen to drive around town.
I love this car
karen, 04/08/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car also, almost bought a Honda civic, so glad I bought this one. I never had a Mazda car before but I love this one and might just stick with Mazda from now on. I got the Strato Blue, looks purple at times.
Awesome Value
zoomzoom, 05/02/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 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 you'd expect to see in a BMW 3 a couple of years ago (it's 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.
BIG CAR FEELING IN A NEAT PACKAGE
Billy Mac, 05/11/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Went to dealership to buy a Mazda Tribute as I wanted sport utility functionality. I drove the Tribute and then saw the Mazda 3; took a test drive and bought the car based on its comfort, looks and the ride is superb compared to the Tribute. Fun to drive and it has great gadgets: radio, driver information center, etc.
Wow!
Boston, 05/12/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car sets the value bar at a new level. Think Honda value with Acura performance. Drove an SUV since 1998, and have not looked back at all. This car excels at everything. Handling, acceleration, slick 5-speed, amazing build quality. You could easily change the Mazda logo to BMW, Acura or Lexus and people would believe. First tank of gas delivered 29.6 mpg in mixed! Strongly recommended.
07 Mazda 3
MAzda3, 06/20/2008
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is great. The paint is terrible. It chips and scratches too easy (my purse chipped my paint). The interior sucks. The floor mats are cheap, the plastic door panels are poorly made, scratch way too easy and the plastic piece around the gear shift, well the silver paint is coming off of that from the heat. So yes I like this car, it runs great but the quality of the interior and the paint is very poor. Although I do like the car I would not buy it brand new again. Go for the used it's not worth as much as it costs. Depreciation on this car is terrible.
A Best Buy By All Means
dbiri, 05/12/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Mazda, 2 previous Proteges; all great cars with no problems which keeps me coming back to Mazda. But this CAR by far takes the cake. It has all the extras you could ask for and then some. The interior of this car look like it belongs in the class of cars that cost as much as $30k. For a small car this car handles like a dream for those who enjoy those twisty roads. Also if you are looking for the best car that money can buy this is it from the leather, xenons, 6 disc Bose, automatic A/C, you name it, it's there. As far as gas mileage goes it's about average for a 4 cylinder.
Best value in America
Jim, 01/14/2009
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and it is a great car. I have never had a problem with it and I must have gotten a freak because it gets 35 mpg highway and almost 30 in everyday driving (which is a combo of highway and city). I am looking forward to trading it in on a new 2010 model Mazda 3.
Good buy for your $
KMJ, 06/23/2009
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my mazda 3GT. (2.3) It's a great car for someone who is single or with a small family. It HANDLES VERY WELL..the manual transmission shifts nicely and the power-performance is surprising for a smaller car. I drove a a civic (exc SI), Corolla and Calliber and for about the same price ...it is by far a better buy!!!!
my car
military, 09/09/2005
2006 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, nice look -- sporty but professional.
Finally, a car that's fun & economical!
Jennifer, 05/26/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I originally tried to lease the Mazda 3 back in Jan., but the payments were too high and I really didn't want to pay $1000's and have nothing to show for it three years from now. By the end of March, I was ready to buy. I had already taken a test drive of the Mazda in Jan., and was really impressed. I tested it against the Civic and Corolla (just like another reviewer) and felt the same way--the Corolla was completely unimpressive and very boring, and I've driven enough Civic's to know that, as reliable a car as they are, I'll be like the other 5 million people who have one in LA. After my second test drive of the Mazda, I was sold, and have been very happy with my choice.
Just got one
rjacrossla, 05/27/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I fell in love at first sight. Committed after one test drive. I was waiting for VW to roll out 4-door GTI (heard rumors/got kids/they sell' em in Europe). Couldn't wait. My 100 mile a day commute across L.A. killed my old car. This is the first full week of commuting in the car and I love it. The ride is solid, the car corners nice and flat, and the gas mileage is pretty good. The car is so fun to drive, I'm leaving for work at 5 am so I can take her up to speeds faster that 10mph. My wife even likes the car (hated the GTI). I would recommend to any one looking for value and fun.
Unbelievable
Unbeilevable, 05/30/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I almost bought the BMW 325. A friend bought this car; I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy the Mazda instead and I am not sorry. Automatic climate control, heated leather seats, xenon headlamps, auto rain sensors the list goes on all for $20,000.00 I love this car! I saved about $12,000. Average mph is 28-30 for me (had an X-Terra that got 15 mph so I am thrilled). Cannot say enough about this car.
Performance and Good MPG
JLS, 09/14/2005
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You don't have to sacrifice performance for good gas mileage. I have gotten 30-33 MPG on my first three tanks of gas. The engine isn't even broken in yet. I commute 120 miles per day and so far that car has been great.
excellent vehicle
steve, 04/09/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive and it the quality of build is high. It is priced to beat the overly popular Civic.
Very Happy with my Mazda3
earlthom, 05/30/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 2 months I have no regrets about my decision to purchase the Mazda3. I have the 3i Touring with automatic. Gas is around 27-30 MPG for mainly city driving. Comfort, sound, fun...all there!
little blue devil!
monk, 05/29/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything in the car is great. : ) i give it an A++++++. i traded my Honda Accord for this bad boy. Its handling is superb and gas mileage is great; interior is like driving a BMW. I recommend this car to everybody.
Mazda3 very Audi-like
Rex, 04/12/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced a 2002 Infiniti Q45 with this little gem, which has almost as many "goodies" at about 1/3rd the price. Was looking for a disposable "commuter car" with decent mileage and some measure of driving fun. I considered Prius (boring), Civic Hybrid (cheesy), Audi A3 & A4 (great cars for people that like to drive), Acura TSX (just a fancy Accord), and BMW 3 (too, well, pretentious) before trying the Mazda, and had just about settled on the Audi A3. I had never driven a Mazda and was very pleasantly surprised. Good (not great, but considering the price, good) performance and handling, gorgeous interior, and enough electronic toys to make the morning commute almost entertaining. Two thumbs up.
After 3 months, it's still fun to drive
Thierry J.B., 05/29/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Mazda3 5-door for 3 months and still I love to drive it. If you're thinking about getting one and you love music, get it with the moonroof audio package.
You Can't Go Wrong
Very Good Purchase, 05/31/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am the type of guy who really does my homework before purchasing a car. I read many of the reviews on here, and on Yahoo. I visited 4 dealerships, and test drove the car at each of them. When I decided to purchase the car I did it online through Edmunds. Be careful, cause many of the dealerships will say a low price, but when you arrive it jumped up $2-3k, cause of options. I love the car. Handles great, got 30mpg on my first tank of gas, plenty of room, very quite, and easy to drive. Great Buy!
Wonderful Car
Steph, 07/22/2009
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased my Mazda3 3 years ago. The lease is up next week and let me tell you I'll miss it. Unfortunately, space wise, it's not up to my standards anymore since I now have a 2 yr. old daughter. It was a true joy having this car. Excellent gas mileage, cute, sporty, peppy (I have a manual) and durable. My right front tire leaks air faster than the others but aside from that I haven't had ONE ISSUE!!! Whoever is lucky enough to get this car after me is buying a dream!
I LOVE my Mazda3
traymee, 09/22/2005
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving trucks for the last 6 years and just bought my Mazda3. Before that I had some very fast sporty cars (Mustang LX 5.0 and Pontiac Tran Am) and as far as just plain fun to drive cars go, this one is great.
My second Mazda3!
lmp180psu, 04/21/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 06 GT 5-door to replace my 04 3 sedan, which I loved aside from the cargo carrying limitations. I have 3 dogs, and occasionally have to transport them 150 miles to visit my mom. I also went for the GT hatch because of the new features (for me anyway) such as leather (heated) seats, auto climate control, information center, auto lights/wipers, and 5 speed auto.
Best Economy Car!
MSP, 05/29/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the base model with the A/T 4-speed transmission, A/C and the safety package: ABS, side curtain airbags. So far I love this car. Drives great and the dealership was really willing to deal. Make sure you at least test drive this thing! Don't just go buy a Corolla because its a Toyota! Great Buy!
Zoom-Zoom
Fish fosh, 06/08/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car 5 days ago. I have had 4 Beemers looking to race me. (I didn't of course). People young and old look at this car. Lots of flash for the money.
I love my Mazda 3!
earlthom, 04/20/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I compared the 3i with the Corolla and the Civic. The 3 had the quietest ride, best handling and was the roomiest of the choices. My only concern was gas mileage, but through the first 2 tanks I'm at about 28 MPG with an auto for hurry-up and stop driving. Very comfortable interior with a pretty decent factory sound system.
Fun, Stylish, Economical
John Sipple, 06/08/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love our new Mazda3. We got the fully loaded touring edition with the sport 5 speed auto transmission. We have not had an automatic for 25 years. This is a pleasure to drive in both auto and manual mode. I just drove the length of Mulholland Highway today, switching between the two shift modes. It really is a pleasure to feel the quality and performance of a well-made small car. Works well for shopping trips also. All the grand touring extras seem to be worth the extra money ... trip computer, high tech adjustable headlights, premium audio, etc. They all work and we are using them. Great car.
loving it
love it, 06/10/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow, I've driven a Blazer for 4 years, decided to get a car. Never had a Mazda, but glad I read the reviews. This car is awesome, has everything you need for such a great price. Don't bother looking anywhere else for a compact car, this is it!
Brand new, and extremely impressed!
HALEX, 09/22/2005
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2.0 VVT is lively with a stick. Air, in spite of past complaints, worked fine today in 88 degree, sunny and muggy day. Gearshift is smooth and direct. Steering is very secure; interior plastics have high quality feel to the touch. Engine feels very refined. Got 31 mpg on first gas tank in 50 50 city/highway driving (remember, still brand new, has 400 miles on car!) - can't wait until break in period is over!
Good Purchase
Hector, 04/21/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After one month of driving this car I have never had a more pleasurable experience with a small car than this one. Economy is great at just over 300 miles per tank on the 2.0L engine. The steering control is instantaneous in bad situations. Overall, I love the look and feel of every aspect of the Mazda3.
Just needs a little more power
FSTASNTZ, 06/09/2006
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles nicely for a car of this price range and class. Not too loud, but does have a little road noise. Power is decent, but would prefer something closer to 200hp, without having to buy the Mazdaspeed version. Nice smooth shifter, almost no torque steer. Brakes are just about perfect for the weight of the car. Mileage is about on par with the sticker 27-31 mpg, and I only have 800 miles on it. Wheels could be a little wider to hold a wider tire, maybe a 225, and not a 205.
best econo car
Kris, 06/10/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I also looked at the Civic and Corolla, but they were bland compared to the 3. The interior is of good quality, not something you would normally find in an economy car. Good pricing for the amount of features.
sporty econo car
fil, 04/22/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded a 99 Mazda Protege with a Mazda 3 and although the review for the last generation Protege were great, the Mazda 3 is far greater car in handling and driveability. I think the switch to the 2 liter is the key. I can now zoom-zoom with the upscale midsize sedans like the Accord, Camry, and yes the Mazda 6. Great car driving experience for the money. Definitely test drive one; it drives like a big car.
Not compact on performance
radarryder, 06/23/2006
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is far surpasses anything in its class by leaps and bounds...and I test drove them all. The fit and finish, performance and driveability remind me of a sports car...with 4 doors. Plenty of room for a compact, and lots of "bang for the buck" goodies made this car very attractive vs. its competition. Smooth ride, ergonomic controls, superior build quality, and lots of safety features from Mazda all add up to a car you will love to drive, be proud to own...and the 35 mpg from a 150 hp VVT 4 cylinder engine isn't too bad either. Mazda coined the phrase "Zoom Zoom" because they said that in all of their cars was the soul of a sports car. They were right on with the 3.
Everything I asked for
Kevin, 01/08/2009
2006 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased this car and it did everything I needed it to do. It is a great commuter but it is not a long distance car. I needed to stuff things like jeans and pillows behind my back and next to the driver door to lean on for 5 - 6 hour trips. The style is great and I totally enjoyed cleaning and polishing the exterior. I have the rally white. The inside is less quality especially compared to my wife's Corolla. It is noisy at higher speeds especially as the oem tires wear. Good car to lease but I won't buy it. Gets 31/35 mph, same as the Corolla we check.
This car has soul!
BadgerPat, 08/15/2009
2006 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mazda is the under appreciated Japanese brand, but they are the most fun to drive. I needed a commuting car and chose this as a nice balance between completely boring fuel economy and something that I would like to drive since I spend about 2 hrs and 20 min in it every workday. It is very reliable and you won't be disappointed if you buy one used. I am giving mine up to my 16 yr-old daughter and feel comfortable with her driving it.