The 2006 Mazda3 isn’t quite as efficient as a Honda Civic or as affordable as an Elantra. What it offers that the other guys don’t is a more luxurious, high-end interior than you’re used to seeing in a mid-00’s compact outside of the luxury market.
Is the 2006 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – A very good compact car that stands out from the competition by offering a more luxurious interior than you’re used to seeing at this price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – A smooth-riding compact with firm seats and high-end interior trim. But, some passengers may find the back row a bit tight.
- Reliability 8/10 – NHTSA complaints are remarkably few, and drivers are reporting hitting 300,000 miles and up on the original transmission.
- Safety 6/10 – Anti-lock brakes are exclusive to higher trim levels, and crash test ratings are pretty mediocre.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – It’s not the most fuel-efficient compact on the market, but it’s still a compact, so the fuel economy is decent.
- Value 8/10 – The Mazda3 feels a couple thousand dollars more expensive than it is, and if that’s not value, what is?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2006 Mazda3?
Consumer Reports gave the 2006 Mazda3 one of their rare rave reviews, praising the agile handling, impressive fuel economy, comfortable, quiet interior, and high-end trim quality, noting that the car competes in a class where cheap plastic and vinyl finish are the norm.
Kelley Blue Book users rave about the Mazda3, as well, with an overwhelming 93% recommendation. Drivers praise the Mazda3 for being reliable, quick to accelerate, sporty, comfortable, and generous in both standard features and upgrade packages.
Edmunds had strong praise for the Mazda3, too. They liked pretty much everything about the car, from the refined suspension, the sharp steering, the strong brakes, and the smooth-running engines, to the high-quality interior build, and the stylish body design. They note that larger passengers may feel a bit cramped, though.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Mazda3 Have?
The 2006 Mazda3 has just 164 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Steering issues take the lead among them, with 28 complaints. Drivers report power steering going out while in motion, likely pointing to steering pump issues.
There are 27 airbag complaints on file, with drivers reporting the airbag going off for no reason, or failing to deploy in the event of an accident. There was an airbag recall in 2021 for shattered airbag covers, but none thus far for the issues reported.
In third place, there are 21 electrical complaints on file with drivers reporting that the car won’t always register when the key has been removed from the ignition, leading to the warning chime going off. This, and a handful of related complaints, would seem to point to corroded wiring harnesses, given the car’s age.
The 2006 Mazda3 has just 2 recalls on file with the NHTSA. All in all, the car’s NHTSA numbers are remarkably low for a vehicle of this age.
How Long Will the 2006 Mazda3 Last?
Drivers typically report used Mazda3s lasting anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Expect a maximum mileage of 250,000 with good care, and don’t skip the test drive. The Mazda3 can withstand some neglect, but you don’t want to buy a money pit.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $433, with the most expensive common repairs being new heater hoses starting at $393, and new brake master cylinders at $324.
Very reliable car! I have yet to experience any major issues only a part that I replaced due to wear and tear. Otherwise a safe car!
Only now it is getting some wear and tear. One problem I have had since the beginning is tire pressure.
Yes it's very reliable. I have had this vehicle for three years and I have had no major complaints. Just basic issues like a blown fuse or headlight and light leaking but nothing major.
For the most part, my Mazda has been reliable. There was one faulty part for the year my Mazda 3 was manufactured, but it is no longer in current models. They made the a fan belt part computerized rather than mechanical and it would fail anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 miles of use.
Have not encountered problems for as long as I've owned this vehicle. The Mazda dealership was always very helpful with any phone calls directed to them
It is reliable. I haven't had any problems with the Mazda that you wouldn't experience with any other car. And if any, they've all been pretty minor.
Absolutely! The only problems I've ever had with it are simply due to normal wear and tear of driving it around on a daily basis.
It is a very reliable car, I have not had any major issues with the vehicle since purchasing it. The car is close to 200,000 miles but still drives like new.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2006 Mazda3 is good for the model year. You’ve got a CD player with 6 speakers, which may not be anything to write home about, but it’s more than adequate for 2006.
Safety technology in the 2006 Mazda3 is adequate, if unimpressive. Anti-lock brakes are reserved for the higher trim levels, or available as part of a package.
Is the 2006 Mazda3 a Good Value?
The 2006 Mazda3 isn’t a bad value. An entry-level sedan i model typically lists for around $4,432, and a high-end s Touring hatchback can go for around $5,478. There are cheaper cars in this size class, but you might not be getting the same level of value.
A 2006 Mazda3 offers a more luxurious interior than most cars in this price range, and it’s more reliable than most cars that offer this level of luxury. Add that to decent fuel economy and you’ve got a solid bargain on your hands.
What are the Different Models of the 2006 Mazda3?
The 2006 Mazda3 is available in three trim levels, from the base i to the high-end Touring, and two body styles, being hatchback and sedan.
With the entry-level i you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
The mid-range s model adds:
- Premium cloth seating
- Fog lights
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
- Power windows and door locks
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Anti-lock brakes
Finally, the top-of-the-line Touring features:
- Leather seating
- Heated front seats
- Front seat belt pretensioners
What Engines Come In the 2006 Mazda3?
- The base engine found in the 2006 Mazda3 i model is a 2.0L inline-four delivering 150 horsepower and 135 lb.-ft. of torque at around 28/35 miles to the gallon, city/highway. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive.
- In the s and Touring editions you’ll find a 2.3L i4 delivering 160 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in front wheel drive and it averages 26/32 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2006 Mazda3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2006 Mazda3?
The 2006 Mazda3 is very comfortable, with reviewers naming it one of the most comfortable in its category for this model year.
You’ve got 54 inches of hip room in the back, firm seating, and suspension that rides nice and smooth, with very few complaints on file with the NHTSA for issues with the shocks and struts.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2006 Mazda3 Have?
The Mazda3 offers enough storage space for just about anything you’d reasonably want to carry in a compact. You start out with 11.4 cubic feet of trunk space, and that can expand to 17 in the sedan, or 31 in the hatchback.
With the trunk alone you can carry five medium suitcases. In the hatchback, you could haul some smaller furniture items like nightstands and folding chairs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2006 Mazda3 was the third model year for the car’s 1st Generation, launching in 2004 and retiring in 2009 for the 2nd Gen relaunch.
2004: The Mazda3 made its debut as a four-door sedan/saloon based on the C1 platform, shared with the Ford Focus and Volvo S40.
2005: The s trim was changed from a 4-speed automatic to a 5-speed for 2005.
2006: 2006 saw a power increase in the 2.0L models, thanks to variable-valve timing and variable-length intake runners. In layman’s terms: Some under-the-hood tweaks brought the base engine up to 150 horsepower.
2007: The 2007 was given a slight cosmetic refresh, and, more importantly, a more rigid outer shell to improve the car’s safety ratings.
2008: No major changes for 2008, but the bumper was given a slight redesign.
2009: There were no major changes to the Mazda3 for the final 1st Generation model year, aside from some more airbags in the entry-level model.
2010: The 2010 Mazda3 was not exactly a total overhaul, but the overall body design was made more durable, and higher trim levels now came with Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control.
How Does the 2006 Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Civic is the leading compact car year after year, and this was just as true in 2006 as it is now. So how does the Mazda3 stack up? Both list for around the same price in the mid-range, but the Mazda offers a little more horsepower with slightly weaker fuel economy.
If you’re looking for the best value in the used compact market, it’s hard to beat the 2006 Elantra, which can be found for under four grand, with more standard features than you’ll find in an entry-level Mazda3.
Where the Mazda3 excels is in offering a more luxurious interior than you’ll find in most compact cars from this model year. But, you really need to get an s or Touring edition to get the best value out of the deal, as the i model is kinda bare bones.
Do Owners Recommend the 2006 Mazda3?
Yes, mileage has exceeded 150,000 and remains to turn smoothly! For a small car there is good spacious room in the front and back seats!
Yes it is a good vehicle. It has been reliable and has a big trunk space. I could fit my kids double stroller in it.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and is very reliable. I have no complaints and would purchase again if needed.
I have always said that while the mazda3 does not have a lot of complex user features, it is a great car to drive, it is safe, and it is easy to use.
Yes as it is reliable and easy to maneuver in traffic. I like how easily it handles and have had no issues with it
Yes it is! It isn't bad on gas and gets the job done. A nice looking and roomy car that has all your necessities.
Yes, it is a very good vehicle. It's extremely reliable and fun to drive. Any repairs are fairly simple and not too expensive.
It is an excellent and reliable vehicle. I have only had to maintain the fluids, brakes, and tires .