2006 Mazda3 Review: A More Luxurious Take on the Moderately-Priced Compact Concept

Gilbert Smith
Mar 30, 2023

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.

Front angle medium view.
likeFilled The Good
More luxurious than most compacts, the Mazda3 offers a first class driving experience at an economy class price.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The entry-level i model is pretty bare-bones, and the high-end Touring doesn’t offer that much more than you’re getting from the mid-range s.

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

accountCircle Joanne D
I love my car! My Mazda 3 is very dependable.
I love my car, I have had it since 2005. I haven't had many problems with my car, just normal wear and tear. I have been lucky with this car and when I am ready to purchase a new car, it will be a Mazda again. I am not sure if it will be a Mazda 3, but it will be a Mazda. Very reliable car.
accountCircle Connie G
I am still in love with my Mazda 3.
My Mazda 3 is a reliable car. It is 12 years old and still handles beautifully. I have not had any major issues with the vehicle. The biggest problem I have encountered is due to the aluminum rims. They tend to bend easily when you hit an unexpected pothole. Once bent, the tire then tends to leak air and you are either constantly filling the affected tire or having to buy a new rim to replace it, which can be quite costly. Otherwise, nothing more then regular maintenance has been required from my beautiful red baby.
accountCircle Haleigh W
Super sick car man yes from me
Super reliable. Also wicked fast. 5 speed transmission that's geared well, good in all weather. Also lots of cargo room (hatch)
accountCircle Madison B
This vehicle is a small four door white sedan with tan and black interior.
This vehicle is reliable and good on gas. The interior tan and black. The seats are cloth and comfortable for long drives. The A/C unit works for the most part, sometimes it cuts itself off. Also since the original radio did not have Bluetooth or an aux input we replaced it.
accountCircle Josh M
It is very reliable. I can relay on it to get me to where I am going.
I love how reliable my car is. I love the features. I love the moonroof.
accountCircle Bobbie K
Fun to drive and reliable
This car has been extremely reliable a trouble free. It is fun to drive, very responsive and handles beautifully. For a small compact the interior seems comfortable and roomy. The trunk hold a lot and the back seats fold down to provide extra cargo space. The exterior styling is quite classy and sporty. For a 2006 model it gets excellent mileage even in town driving, 26-29 mpg. There is a drive chain, not belt, one less maintenance worry.
accountCircle Catherine J
My Mazda is a rare and hard car to find.
Just battery issues and lights as fog and bright lights had issues. Everything else works wonderful. I love Mazdas as they work in all kind of weather. Not only that it never gives me other issues from turning it on or any oil problems everything has been in check.
accountCircle April D
Great Daily Family Vehicle
It's never had any serious problems in the 7 years I've owned it. I've just needed to do normal maintenance, tires, shocks, and brakes. It fits my kids' two car seats comfortably and is easy to clean. We don't take it on family road trips, but that is only because there are four of us now and my husband's SUV has more room. Performance-wise, it can go on road trips just fine.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Amy bruce
Horrible Engine problems
Bought car used in good condition and low miles. After 6 months my daughter broke down on highway. Her oil dipstick blew out and oil sprayed throughout engine. Replaced pcv valve and spark plugs. Car continued to burn massive amounts of oil. Continued to replace sensor after sensor and still haven’t fixed the issue. This car has a VVT (variable valve timing) and is horrendous to repair or fix. Most of the engine parts are made of plastic too. AlsoMany people have had similar issues with the VVT and Mazda refuses to acknowledge these issues and will not offer a recall. Worst car ever!! Will NEVER purchase another Mazda again!!! Waste of money!!
accountCircle Renee A
When it runs, it runs great. I love it being a manual transmission.
I am constantly having issues. I tried changing the timing belt but now I have to replace the whole engine. I am going I am going to end up putting more into it than I paid for it.
accountCircle Allison E
Manual car that has gone out of style and needs upgrading.
The car accelerates great. However, it has crank down windows, does not lock on its own or have security features, has rust on it due to age, is very compact, old fashioned, and needs to be upgraded. Luckily, I put in a new stereo to make the drive a little better.
accountCircle Judith L
Boring little car with not enough stowage.
Sits too low, is noisy, CD player quit soon after I bought it, guzzles gas. Does not stand out from the crowd like my Subaru did. Has little stowage space. Trunk lid is heavy and does not always stay open. I cannot say I am proud to drive and own it. It is just transportation.
accountCircle Anthony B
Mazda 3 Horrible-AC Brakes and Body Work
My car attends to have a lot of problems wrong with it. They radio is not the best and always has signal problems. The body of the car itself is good but there is always something breaking. The AC works at times but never comes on when you need it to
accountCircle Breanna F
It is a good car and gets me to where I need to go.
It is an okay car. Gets me to where I need to go. The blower went out so I do not have any heat or air right now. Has a sunroof. The back seat is not very roomy if there are tall people in the front seat. And some kind of sensor is broken so the engine light is always on. Overall it runs pretty well and is comfortable.
accountCircle Amy P
Would love this car more if the previous owner took better care of it.
I have a blue 2006 Mazda 3. I originally bought it from a used car dealership. In hindsight, I should not have bought the car from that dealership, or should have done more thorough research on the dealership. I really like the car, but I have had many issues since I bought it three years ago. It is an older model, and was not taken care of by the previous owner. I think that if the car was in better shape, I would not have as many concerns with the car, as others who have the same car only have good things to say about it.
accountCircle Audrey G
The gas mileage is great, it has wonderful get up and go
I enjoy the style of my vehicle, but am not a fan on the interior. I also think it lacks storage space such as cup holders.

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.

accountCircle Miranda D

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!

accountCircle Melanie K

Only now it is getting some wear and tear. One problem I have had since the beginning is tire pressure.

accountCircle Diego P

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.

accountCircle Carly G

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.

accountCircle John N

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

accountCircle Casey K

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.

accountCircle Elisa H

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.

accountCircle Ginger W

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
car
i Touring
150 HP 30-30 MPG
car
s Touring
160 HP 28-28 MPG
car
s Grand Touring
160 HP 28-28 MPG

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.

Centered wide dash shot

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.

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
5
2
car
4.52
8
car
4.23

Do Owners Recommend the 2006 Mazda3?

accountCircle Miranda D

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!

accountCircle Melanie K

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.

accountCircle Diego P

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.

accountCircle Carly G

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.

accountCircle Teddy D

Yes as it is reliable and easy to maneuver in traffic. I like how easily it handles and have had no issues with it

accountCircle jessica F

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.

accountCircle Pete S

Yes, it is a very good vehicle. It's extremely reliable and fun to drive. Any repairs are fairly simple and not too expensive.

accountCircle Tobey N

It is an excellent and reliable vehicle. I have only had to maintain the fluids, brakes, and tires .

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Nancy Y on March 6, 2021
Bought in 2006, and still serving me well 12 years later!
Very reliable, great gas mileage, really good turning radius to get in and out of tight parking spots, large glove compartment and trunk space. Unfortunately wouldn't recommend for families with young children - getting a car seat in/out of the backseat is a little tight. Also car is experiencing a lot of rust, especially on and within the car door paneling.
accountCircle Bobbie M on March 4, 2021
Great car to drive and less expensive too.
I do not have any complaints. It is a great car. Handles very well. Small and good on gas. Driving it is fun. It has surround sound. In the wind the car may move a bit but still it is good. Love it! Cheap to get repairs don. Exceptional small vehicle.
accountCircle Tricia S on March 3, 2021
Great compact car. Perfect for first time driver.
This is a great small car! Very comfortable to ride in and very reliable. Would be perfect for a first time driver as all the features are very user friendly and not overly complicated. The car has great get up and go even with it being a small engine. Never had any problems with the car.
accountCircle Brigette R on March 2, 2021
Family friendly and very safe. Good gas mileage as well
Power windows and locks, cruise control, good ac, good gas mileage
accountCircle Kelli M on February 12, 2021
It's absolutely perfect for me and I can't imagine a better vehicle.
We've been together for such a long time. My car has been wonderfully reliable. I have zero complaints.
accountCircle Joanne D on February 11, 2021
I love my car! My Mazda 3 is very dependable.
I love my car, I have had it since 2005. I haven't had many problems with my car, just normal wear and tear. I have been lucky with this car and when I am ready to purchase a new car, it will be a Mazda again. I am not sure if it will be a Mazda 3, but it will be a Mazda. Very reliable car.
accountCircle Aimee T on January 29, 2021
Repairs can be a little pricey and difficult to do by yourself as the car is a little more complicated, but repairs are rarely needed so I don't mind.
Highly reliable, top safety rating, only maintenance needed has been normal wear and tear. It's very fuel efficient, comfortable, and fun to drive.
accountCircle naomi b on January 28, 2021
When it works it is fun to drive. It sucks for stop and go traffic
It's a manual, love it, oxygen sensor is on, coolant reservoir is leaking and car is currently non op
accountCircle Rodrigo s on January 19, 2021
My greatest old car that I care
Love my vehicle. No problems at all. What else can I say about this. Make sure you buy a readable car
accountCircle Patricia N on January 15, 2021
My favorite car so far, the Mazda 3.
My Mazda3 is by far the nicest car I have owned. Although it is a 2006 year make, it still looks up to par as any of the newer models. I love the smoothness feel to it and best of all I am able to fill my gas tank with just $50. It reminds me of my very own little boatmobile.
accountCircle Catherine J on January 11, 2021
My Mazda is a rare and hard car to find.
Just battery issues and lights as fog and bright lights had issues. Everything else works wonderful. I love Mazdas as they work in all kind of weather. Not only that it never gives me other issues from turning it on or any oil problems everything has been in check.
accountCircle Billy B on January 8, 2021
It is very reliable, it survived driving 3 hours everyday this last summer.
I like how reliable it has been for me, I wish it had better gas mileage though. It has not needed much maintenance.
accountCircle Crystal B on January 8, 2021
Fast and furious sting like a bee float like a butterfly.
Leather seats with seat warmers, smooth ride, love the radio and the speakers fast pick up and go car, ac and heat are good working, no problems with vehicle and easy for me to work on great on gas in town and open road, family vehicle, everything is electric.
accountCircle Keith N on December 25, 2020
Mazda makes very reliable cars that are easy to maintain.
This is the 4th Mazda I've owned in the last 24 yrs. They are great cars. They are reasonably priced cars. With limited maintenance you can easily drive them for years, as I have. I also like the fact that this company still makes & sells cars with manual transmissions. I do not like the automatics. I am still dreaming of buying a Miata before i die but it may not work out in my retirement budget even though Mazda has several versions of the Miata that are very reasonably priced.
accountCircle Ariana H on December 21, 2020
The Mazda 3. The Mazda is a very reliable car with very few problems.
The Mazda is a reliable car with very few problems. It has great mileage and runs very smoothly. The interior is very comfortable and very spacious. It is a four seater car with a lot of room in the trunk. Great for traveling far and driving very fast and slow. Has a powerful air conditioner.
accountCircle kathy m on December 18, 2020
It has lasted 12 years with very few issues. This car was a great value!
This car has well over 200,000 miles on it. It has been reliable, dependable, and given me great gas mileage. The only issue is with some surface rust.
accountCircle Eryn C on November 29, 2020
Great car! Only a few fixes
My Mazda 3 has had its ups and downs to say the least, however I really do love it! A few small upkeep fixes to keep the car going. It's a 2006 so it has nearly 200,000 miles on it. I've had it for 4 years now and so far I have replaced tires, done on time, regular oil changes, changed my valve gasket cover, rebuilt my ABS control module and replaced spark plugs and light bulbs. Overall considering the year and mileage of my car it has been very good to be. Comfort is excellent and radio and AC both work very well! It's also a super pleasing exterior of the car! Would recommend to someone looking for a cheaper buy reliable car willing to fix a few minor things if it's older
accountCircle Rachel G on November 27, 2020
Overall, very dependable!
Engine power worsened after 200,000 miles, but that is to be expected. I do not have automatic anything, the locks, windows, and seats are all manual. I do not have a sunroof and visibility is not great. It is comfortable, and the buttons/features are very easy to use!
accountCircle Kyle c on November 15, 2020
That it's sleek, cool, custom, and fashionable. It's also really comfortable and has neat features like a moonroof, post-installed LED interior lighting and an aftermarket radio and subwoofer.
I love a lot of the custom features that were installed and how well it's seemed to hold up over the years. I really don't know too much about cars, but my previous car was a Ford and it had A TON of issues.
accountCircle Amber B on November 8, 2020
It is a good dependable car never lets me down.
I love the way the car handles. It is also very roomy in the back seat lots of legroom. I have had no problems with the car.
accountCircle heather k on October 20, 2020
The car has good pickup; it's very zippy and handles well.
It's lasted 12 years. It's pleasantly zippy. It's reliable, and stylish.
accountCircle Audrey G on September 25, 2020
The gas mileage is great, it has wonderful get up and go
I enjoy the style of my vehicle, but am not a fan on the interior. I also think it lacks storage space such as cup holders.
accountCircle Franchesca A on September 18, 2020
It's a great brand love how it been good to me for all this time. It's gonna a be a long time before I changed it
I had have my car for a long time and it had some problems but miner there been fast fix. It has been very reliable and very comfortable for my family
accountCircle Ashley H on September 12, 2020
Mom taxi service of three little one.
My Mazda is very reliable. Great gas mileage. Lots of trunk space. Overhead space is a little limited so being a tall person may not be comfortable. Love that I can cover my cup holder if needed.
accountCircle Jenny L on September 5, 2020
It does take lot of effort to take care of car but it is a safe car
Easy to drive and smooth good performance and safe
accountCircle Suni B on September 4, 2020
The Mazda3 is a fun to drive car.
It's peppy and fun to drive. It has get up and go and can round corners very well. It's good on gas. It is also an attractive vehicle. I feel comfortable like it's the right fit for me.
accountCircle Abraham L on September 2, 2020
Good car. Good car. Good car.
A very reliable vehicle that also has very good gasoline mileage in both urban and suburban environs. A very reliable vehicle that also has very good gasoline mileage in both urban and suburban environs. A very reliable vehicle that also has very good gasoline mileage in both urban and suburban environs.
accountCircle Michelle H on August 17, 2020
Mazda 3 is great for road trips!
Brake rotors are shaking the steering wheel. It runs great on gas and you get a lot of bang for your buck. It drives close to the ground and very smoothly. The Mazda 3 has great mileage as well. I love the size and the seats are comfortable for long lengths of travel.
accountCircle Tricia S on August 17, 2020
Excellent small car, great for first time drivers.
My vehicle is the base model so it had no added features such as electric locks, electric windows, cruise control. That being said. I have had this car for almost 10 years and it has been a very reliable car. It is a small car, but very comfortable to ride in and fits car seats comfortably as well. This car runs great, has a great radio and cold a/c.
accountCircle Bobbie K on August 14, 2020
Fun to drive and reliable
This car has been extremely reliable a trouble free. It is fun to drive, very responsive and handles beautifully. For a small compact the interior seems comfortable and roomy. The trunk hold a lot and the back seats fold down to provide extra cargo space. The exterior styling is quite classy and sporty. For a 2006 model it gets excellent mileage even in town driving, 26-29 mpg. There is a drive chain, not belt, one less maintenance worry.
accountCircle Marlon M on August 12, 2020
Comfortable and reliable car and easy to maintain.
The car is luxurious and it runs well. It does not have any problems so far with anything. It is a four door car and I gave an automatic. The only issue so far I am dealing with is the gas mileage it runs per gallon. Wish it become more efficient. Comfortable wise it is so comfortable with leather seats and sunroof etc. Sound system is pretty cool too. Power shutters. Full option car. Drives fast and easy handling and smooth. 5 gear speed.
accountCircle Melanie K on August 8, 2020
I think it is important to know that it is great on gas mileage.
I love that it has a big trunk. The sunroof is a nice added feature. I do not like that the sensor lights are always on, which can be costly. I would purchase another Mazda.
accountCircle Dion W on July 23, 2020
Good control, it is a very safe car.
It is just a absolute beauty of a car does the job in every way gets me from A to B more than comfortably.
accountCircle Darian B on July 19, 2020
That despite being 12 years old it still runs pretty well despite the past issues.
I dislike that I've had to do so many repairs. Now that it's older I dislike how much the gas mileage has decreased. I liked how the steering was and the mileage when I first got it.
accountCircle Brandy C on July 15, 2020
Black, power windows, AUX input, sunroof, sports shifting ability.
Not a bad car overall. I haven't had any major issues until recently when the ac started going out. I suppose with any car that is 12 years old that kind of stuff is going to happen.
accountCircle Gigi T on July 2, 2020
Fun to drive! Handles well and is cute.
I really love my car, but it is getting older. Great gas mileage and great performance. It's been loved and worn throughout the years.
accountCircle Michael t on June 30, 2020
AC sucks for living in Arizona
I hate the air conditioning. No power windows
accountCircle Jennifer B on June 20, 2020
Might want to make sure to clean your car regularly to keep the rust down.
I like the horsepower it has. It is quite sporty. It gets pretty good with gas mileage. Hate that it rusts easily.
accountCircle Juan B on June 20, 2020
The one most important thing others should know about my car is that it is safe.
Really the only complaint that I have about my car is that is an older model and I feel like it will cause problems in the near future.
accountCircle John H on June 19, 2020
Its sleek, good features, and pretty great as a car.
My car is very nice. Though sometimes its acceleration is less than great, generally it is fantastic. Could get better mileage though.
accountCircle Kenneth L on June 15, 2020
My car is very dependable, for being an older vehicle.
My vehicle is paid off, it runs good and is dependable. It's easy on gas and maintenance has been pretty cheap. My car is a little older than I normally would like.
accountCircle Weston N on June 13, 2020
Very reliable, surprisingly peppy. Not great gas mileage for Its size.
Everything has been great about my Mazda from a performance standpoint. It is a reliable car but not a great family vehicle (lack of space).
accountCircle Jocelyn R on June 11, 2020
That it really doesn't last very long after 150k miles. Up to that point it was great but now its problem after problem.
I like how fast it accelerates. I dislike the fact that the suspension is going after only 150k miles. I dislike that the seat belts lock up easily in the back seat. I like that it is a manual transmission.
accountCircle Angela M on June 10, 2020
It is a fun car to drive.
It is a nice looking car. It drives nicely. It is reliable. I don't like how the tires wear. They make lots of noise over time.
accountCircle Jacob F on May 26, 2020
My Mazda is so quick to be a 4 cylinder feels like driving a v6!
Love the way my Mazda feels behind the wheel, I was very surprised at how quick my 2006 Mazda 3 is for just a 4 cylinder! It handles curves amazingly and is a very reliable car for anyone! I highly recommend a Mazda I have really enjoyed mine this far and have had no issues with the car thus far.
accountCircle Lauren C on May 25, 2020
Mazda: The pros and cons of owning a Mazda 3
Mazda looks really nice; I like the appearance of the outside and interior. The outside is red and looks sporty. Seats are comfortable and all black. Car is old and so currently having some issues. The car is starting to shake when switching gears (automatic). It does not have any newer updates such Bluetooth or GPS which would be nice. It does have a multi-CD player and a charging station. The trunk also has a lot of space for storage.
accountCircle Dinorah R on May 25, 2020
It's comfortable and smooth driving, has good gas mileage.
We just got it used, the only thing I've noticed are minor electrical issues like with then windows or within the AC turning off after a while.
accountCircle Matt g on May 18, 2020
That it is safe and reliable. It had great consumer reports when I purchased it and it has lived up to those reviews.
My mazda3 was not very expensive, so it didn't hit my wallet too hard when I bought it. It has been very reliable over the years without too much trouble. One issue has been the cd player no longer works properly, but overall I love the car.
accountCircle Amanda C on May 9, 2020
Love the power! It is roomy enough for 2 parents and 3 little kids. Enjoy the gas saver.
It is a really amazing car with a lot of get up power. One negative thing is it blows headlights really easy.
accountCircle Anthony B on May 4, 2020
Mazda 3 Horrible-AC Brakes and Body Work
My car attends to have a lot of problems wrong with it. They radio is not the best and always has signal problems. The body of the car itself is good but there is always something breaking. The AC works at times but never comes on when you need it to
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.