2006 Mazda 3 Reviews

New engine ECU at 180000km.

Fantastic car, good economy, comfort, the works.

Tyre noise was really our only gripe with the car, and the only real trouble we had was the ECU crapped out on us, leaving us stranded and with a good size repair bill.

Apart from that, we enjoyed our 200+ kms with it. I do wish we could've brought the SP23 version, as they are a very good looking car.

Had to replace rear disc brakes at 100,000km... $300 total cost.

Had to replace radiator at 140,000km... $500 total cost.

Had to replace rear rotors, disc brakes and pads at 155,000km... $1,000 total cost.

Rear hatch doesn't open at 100,000km.

Sun roof doesn't open at 90,000km.

Tailgate rust in by tail lights at 130,000km.

The car has fairly good performance, and handles very good as well.

I've had several problems with a few things. I've had to replace the rear brakes twice, but I drive this car rough, especially when I first got it.. Pulling the E-brake in the snow is what I figured ruined the brakes, so no more of that.

My subs rattled something loose in my sunroof and in the rear hatch, so neither works, but apparently an easy repair. The Bose speakers and tweeters sound fairly nice as well.

Water builds up in the tailgate corners and sits there, slowly rusting out the metal. Extremely annoying. Considering drilling pin holes in the very bottom to drain out. Poor design.

Overall a very good car, especially considering it's my first, and it handles all the abuse it gets.

Nothing worth mentioning.

Getting the right tire is important because of noise.

Compared to what was out there at the time, the S was to me the best new car value.

Though the three is among my best decisions on cars up to this point at 80K, I'm open to looking at other non-union, "pro life" car companies (I need a list) because the NEW 3 is VERY VERY UGLY!!! (to me and everyone that agrees with me) and GOOD dealers are few and far.

Finally, after reading some Mazda forums, I feel that the 2005, 06, 07,08 are the best, the 04 has teething problems, and I don't know much about 09.

The car performed flawlessly until 49,200 miles (800 miles before the warranty expired). A noise from the engine turned out to be a bad connecting rod, so the dealer said the engine needed replacing. I provided my oil change receipts and they ordered the engine. That was 18 months and 20k miles ago and all is well!

The interior is great (except for the cheap carpet). The seats are very comfortable, but firm, and they still look new after several years.

The handling of this car is amazing, better than any of the Hondas I've owned. It's very fun to drive and I am already planning to purchase another new one later this year!

Once in a while the CD Changer stops working and the only thing I can listen to is the radio. But after I turn off the car for a while and come back in and start it everything works just fine.

I've driven a lot of cars and this is one of the best I ever have. The best value you could ever get for a car with the options. I get many complements for having a "really nice car" Mines a Maroon with rear spoiler and stock 17' rims. After you wash it the paint really shines and looks great. All the options make me feel like im driving a luxury german sedan instead of a $20,000 Mazda. I have a 6 disk CD changer with Bose System which have really good sound and gets very loud. The leather seats are very comfortable and easy to take care of. The seat warmers work great and start heating as soon as you turn them on. The Semi-Automatic transmition is very fun to drive. It gives me something to do when im driving alone or feel like going fast. The engine is small but quick and has good power behind it. I've maxed the car out at 117mph before I ran out of road and the braking was great. highly recommend this car for anyone that's looking for the ideal sports sedan.