2006 Mazda 3

Pros: Performance, Interior, Styling, Value

Cons: A few nitpicky things here and there...

The Bottom Line: The Mazda3 is a great value and not to be overlooked.

Review: Two years ago I said I was going to buy a Mazda3 in a year, and that didn’t happen. Although the plan never entirely disappeared, it did fizzle away. I still liked the car, but there were other venues that were in greater need of my funds than a new ...

Pros: Unrivaled interior quality, bold exterior design, hatchback utility, and precise handling.

Cons: Side and curtain airbags are not standard, average fuel economy.

The Bottom Line: Mazda3 Sport is the undisputed king of the economy car segment.

Review: In its third year of production, the Mazda3 has already accumulated a sizeable number of awards from automotive journalists. In 2004, it won "Best Sports Coupe Under $35,000" and Canadian Car of the Year. In 2005, it was Canada’s fourth best selling ...

Pros: Fun, affordable luxury, handles well, looks great.

Cons: Incompetent salesman, no MP3 capability.

The Bottom Line: Youthful luxury that's affordable and a lot of fun to drive. Zoom Zoom!

Review: I recently purchased a 2006 Mazda 3s Grand Touring edition 5-door. Although the entire process was laborious, and my salesman could not have been much worse, after a 4-week wait to get the car, the wait was actually worth it. Before I continue, I ...

Pros: Fantastic handling, fun 2.3L engine, auto and Tiptronic shifting, a great car for the money.

Cons: A/C is a bit weak. Gear ratio takes some getting used to. That's it.

The Bottom Line: I love this car! Tight, quiet ride, sporty performance, nice interior. Blows any competing model out of the water, except the 2007 VW Rabbit.

Review: NOTE - Epinions' model listings only go up to 2005, but this review is of the 2006 model. Introduction I've owned a brand-new 2006 Mazda3 Sport GS for two weeks now, so this is definitely a first-impressions review. In ...

Pros: Sportiness, Standard Equipment, Price, Versatility (with the hatchback)

Cons: Gas mileage could be better.

The Bottom Line: A quality car with lots of features for thousands less than similarly equipped "sport wagons."

Review: I have driven a manual Mazda 3s Touring Hatchback for 2000 miles since April and I continue to be very impressed with the vehicle and value. [Note: The "Touring" model adds front and side airbags to the base model. This was important to me because ...

Pros: Price and just about everything else!!!

Cons: Small opening to a good size trunk, AC complaints but not from me.

The Bottom Line: I highly recommend this car. For it's price, you're getting so much!! Plus the money you save in gas!!

Review: Let's start from the beginning. Actually, lets start before that. Maybe my reviews aren't welcome here b/c I don't include every bit of information there is to know about this car. I just want to type up my review and get back to work and hope that it ...

Pros: Price, look, equipment, standard shiftronic transmission

Cons: safety, gas milleage, road noise, durability (?)

The Bottom Line: Mazda has succeeded in combining Japanses quality with European flair.

Review: I have been a very satisfied owner of a 2006 Mazda 3 GS for one month now and I have much to share on this purchase I made. Prior to this car, I was driving a 2002 Honda Civic LX, two door coupe with automatic transmission. I liked my Honda very much. It ...

Pros: Xlnt quality. FUN TO DRIVE.

Cons: Flimsy sheetmetal; order side air bags!

The Bottom Line: This is THE affordable sportswagon for the driving enthusiast.

Review: The Mazda3 is winning every car mag's award for best small car. Is the adoration deserved? Yes. This is the best small, affordable car for driving enthusiasts: the people who would drive a Miata if only they didn't have a kid / dog / carpool / ...

Pros: Excellent potential, Euro styling, spacious and comfortable, well thought-out

Cons: Weak driver feedback, expensive accessories, tires are perhaps the weakest link

The Bottom Line: Top of the heap at this price point, unless you are interested in nothing but doing slaloms (then get the Mini)

Review: I have had a Mazda3 GT sedan (that's Mazda3 "S" in the USA, I think) for a few weeks now, and think I can comment on pretty much everything except snow handling and reliability. The car handles better than I would expect a front-wheel drive car to, ...

Pros: Peppy engine, roomy, great handling, fun to drive

Cons: Road noise, high side profile in wind

The Bottom Line: I would buy the same car again given the chance. Lots of fun and economical to boot.

Review: I've had my 2006 Mazda3 5-door (hatchback) for 3 months and about 3,500mi. Not a problem yet (knock on wood). It is a blast to drive. It's peppy at 160 hp and corners with very little body roll for a car with it's height. After a turn the wheel will snap ...