2006 Mazda 3 5 door 2.3 from North America

Summary:

Fantastic - even better than I thought it would be!

Faults:

Nothing yet and hopefully nothing ever.

General Comments:

This car is a dream come true! I've been wanting one since this new body style came out and I've been researching and reading reviews. I finally got my black mazda3 5 door about a month ago and am in love, if that can be possible! The acceleration, the handling, the comfort of the seats, manumatic transmission~oh yeah the best of both worlds!!! This is by far the best $20k car around!!! I've seriously racked my brain to come up with a complaint and so far its that there's only 1 power point :( If your considering this car you will not be disappointed!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2006

19th Jul 2006, 23:40

Even better than a heavenly $20,000 Honda Civic?

24th Jul 2006, 04:10

I cannot tell about the car's setup in North America, but here in Europe you cannot compare the feeling you get from the Mazda3 when driving it with the one from the Civic. I haven't driven yet the all new 2006 Civic (amazing looks by the way-like starship Enterprise) but the old one isn't as good as the 3.

27th Jul 2006, 13:19

I agree. I test-drove both the Civic LX & EX, and was bored to tears. Not to mention the fact that they both stalled out at a stop sign. I tried a Mazda 3s later that same day, and was shaking after I returned it to the dealer. I couldn't think straight enough to cut a deal right then, I was so awestruck. I wrote a check for a 4-door 3s with 5-speed transmission two days later, after I'd calmed down. I still can't believe I get to drive something this incredible whenever I want.

I've had it for 15 months now, and it still has me grinning like an idiot whenever I get in it.

2006 Mazda 3 S GT 2.3L from North America

Summary:

Great car! Drive one!

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th May, 2006

4th Jun 2006, 21:45

I have the same exact model as you do. I've owned for six months and everything is great. my color is titanium gray. Winning blue is one of the colors that I wanted, but they didn't have it anywhere so I took the grey Mazda which is also an awesome color. Hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

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