Mazda 3

Name: 2006 Mazda 3
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Mazda3 is among the most well-rounded models in the small car category. It is quieter, rides more comfortably, and is more agile and fuel efficient than its Protegé predeccesor. Moreover, it returned very impressive fuel economy, especially for a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. The Madza3's very good interior quality stands out in a category where many vehicles are cheaply finished. However, rear-seat room and trunk space are relatively tight. The Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test when configured without side- or head-protection airbags.

2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mazda 3

vs. Similar Cars

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Chrysler PT Cruiser

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Poor

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Poor

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

2005

2006

2007

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2009

2010

2011

2012

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2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Poor

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2006 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2006 Mazda 3

$3,500 - $4,050

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,850 - $3,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,050 - $4,000

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet HHR

$3,025 - $3,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $3,100

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,275

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Civic

$2,775 - $5,850

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Insight

$3,875

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Accent

$3,025

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Elantra

$2,950 - $3,225

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Kia Spectra

$3,125 - $3,150

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,775 - $13,325

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Nissan Sentra

$2,800 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Vibe

$4,250 - $4,800

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saab 9-2X

$4,025 - $4,625

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $3,025

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Scion tC

$4,100 - $4,125

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Scion xA

$4,475 - $4,675

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Scion xB

$4,175 - $4,525

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Smart ForTwo

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Impreza

$3,600 - $11,225

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Suzuki Forenza

$2,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Corolla

$4,975 - $5,325

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Matrix

$4,300 - $4,750

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota Prius

$5,000

EPA MPG 56 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volkswagen Golf

$3,375 - $4,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $3,375

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volvo V50

$3,750 - $4,200

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 (150 hp)
2.3-liter 4 (160 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned Mazda3 is offered in sedan or hatchback forms. The sole engine is a carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is now available. The interior is nicely furnished and features a new infotainment system that drivers interact with by using a screen exclusively through a rotary knob. Handling is still nimble but less sporty than in the previous 3. Mazda has improved the ride; it’s firm, but absorbs impacts well. The cabin is relatively quiet and nicely finished. There is an available Driver Monitoring System that watches the driver's face and sounds an alert to warn of fatigue. For 2021 a new 2.0-liter became the base engine, and a much more powerful 2.5-liter turbo is optional. The latter is coupled to all-wheel-drive. The 2.0-liter engine was dropped in 2023. ACC is standard for 2025.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

Available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, the Mazda3 is a joy to drive, thanks to super-sharp handling, sprightly yet efficient engines, and smooth transmissions. Mazda's entry-level car also offers a number of features normally found on luxury cars, including a modern infotainment system; it is controlled by a console-mounted knob and can be somewhat frustrating. Optional active safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are standard on Touring and Grand Touring trims, a nice touch. Ride comfort takes a back seat to sporty handling and interior noise levels are a bit high. A 2017 update brought some improvement, as well as more features. The four-door hatchback has a good sized trunk, while the hatchback offers more flexibility; both have a somewhat cramped rear seat for the class.

2010-2013

2010 Redesign Year

With its 2010 reboot, Mazda3 remained one of our top-scoring small cars. Just as with its predecessors, this version of the Mazda3 is gifted with agile handling and a well laid out passenger compartment hosting quality materials. Still, while the interior is upgraded, the rear seating area remains a bit tight and road noise is somewhat pronounced. Stability control became standard for all trim lines beginning with the 2011 model year. For 2012, Mazda added a new 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine and that boosted fuel economy to an impressive 32 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission. A blind-spot detection system was made available for 2012.

2004-2009

2004 Redesign Year

Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the Mazda3 holds the distinction of being one of the better small car choices. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Protege, it features strong and refined four-cylinder engines, along with precise, responsive handling and a firm, but comfortable ride. Interior quality is very good, though the cabin is noisy and the rear seat somewhat tight. If you're shopping in this model year range look for one with the available curtain airbags, as the Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without them. These were added as a standard feature for the 2009 model year, along with side airbags. Uplevel Touring and Grand Touring models have standard stability control, starting in 2007; these are the versions to get.