2006 Mazda 3 S GT review from North America

Only issue I've had is a stumble when the engine is cold and I'm accelerating in 2nd and 3rd gear. It happens once or twice, then it runs perfect after that. If it continues, I'll bring it back to the dealer.

I've only put 1000 miles on it so far. I do 25,000 miles a year so I'll be back with updates.

I started looking to replace my '99 Accord 4 cyl. 5-speed and was considering the Honda Fit. I started reading a lot of reviews about it and someone mentioned that the Mazda 3 was superior in almost every respect except price and fuel economy so I decided to test drive one. I loved it right away and a couple of days later purchased a 2006.

I absolutely love this car. I got mine in Winning Blue and this car looks amazing. I love the styling of the sedan. In the Grand Touring trim you get many amenities such as:

Trip computer, heated leather seats, power windows and door locks, automatic headlights and windshield wipers, Xenon headlights, fog lights, 17" wheels, side impact airbags, ABS with brake force distribution, tilt and tele steering wheel and automatic climate control. For options I got, wheel locks, trunk lip spoiler and the moonroof/Bose 6 CD sound system. All for $21,500.

The interior is very nicely appointed and comfortable. Even with the moonroof I have plenty of head room (I'm 6'1"). The leather seats are very comfortable and I have sufficient legroom. My wife loves the seat heater and leaves it on almost all the time!

The engine is smooth and powerful and overall I'm getting 32 mpg. I drive about 100 miles per day, about 90/10% highway/city. The car has a 14.8 gallon tank which is nice, as I get over 400 miles per tankful.

The car rides very well on the highway and soaks up the bumps. It is very quiet inside as well.