2006 Mazda 3 s 2.3 from North America

Summary:

Very pleased with my purchase, I feel the Mazda3 is the best sub $20000 car

Faults:

NONE.

General Comments:

I purchased the Mazda3s 5 door manual transmission after considering the Matrix, Vibe, Golf, Accord, Tuscon, Rav4, Corolla, and Aero.

The Mazda 3 is without compare behind the wheel, it is very sporty and feels very connected to the road.

The car feels very well built and the interior noise is very quiet.

I absolutely love the interior design as well, it feels much more expensive then it is, and when compared to the interior of cars like the Corolla or the Tuscon it feels like a Lexus.

I am only on my 2nd tank of gas in 3+ weeks, and I don't drive like a grandpa either.

Time will tell about reliability, but I have owned 4 new cars in my life that cost well more that the 17,500 I paid, and the car just feels well made.

The only drawback is a problem 95% of all cars share, which is the pathetic absence of an aux mini jack for MP3 players, but I guess I will look into FM transmitters now for my ipod which is a vital component to any car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2006

24th May 2006, 14:17

There are plenty of aftermarket Ipod/MP3 player add-ons for the Mazda 3. Basically, you just have to plug them into the back of the head unit. They range from a simple 3.5mm stereo jack (the Auxmod, about $60) to fully integrated solutions. You can even use your steering wheel controls to change tracks.

http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

2006 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring a mighty fast 4 banger!! from North America

Summary:

Could only be happier if it had a better stereo system since BOSE is terrible

Faults:

Too new to complain yet, but I am so happy with this car so far I had to say it out loud. The left turn signal light was burnt out in the back, but it's strange how lately I see all models of new cars with burnt out tail lights on the freeway. Weird. Big woo, the dealership changed it and washed my car afterwards.

General Comments:

With the S Grand Touring it's ridiculous how much you get for the money. Leather heated seats, auto wipers, auto interior temp gauge, mine came with a computer thing that tells me how many miles left I have with the gas that's left in the car as well as what my average gas consumption is, auto headlights, xenon lamps (those "cool blue lights" everybody wants, but only BMW's and such used to have!), sunroof (moonroof?). You can also drive the car as a shift without a clutch if you need a little extra zip to pass somebody. The roomiest glovebox you will ever own... my Thomas Guide fits in it and I could still easily fit a large, long loaf of bread in there! The sunroof is quieter open than my VW Jetta was.

Could do without the Bose sound system. I have standards for my automobile music and this system sounds okay at low levels, but it's nothing at all compared to an aftermarket system. You can't really install an aftermarket unless you want to A) rewire the whole thing B) lose your steering wheel controls (there might be a kit at crutchfield for this, but at a price) and c) ruin the flush look to your dash.

Also very lame the cd player dos not play MP3's. If you opt for the dealer MP3 player they will charge you for both the player that came with the car, and the new player, AND charge you to take out the player that came with the car. No thanks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2006

17th Sep 2006, 05:42

He's right. the radio is just OK. I have the stock stereo, but it does play MP3's just fine. Never had a problem. Maybe that is just something on the Bose model or the way he formats the disc? But since you are more interested in driving then this is no problem because that is what this car is for.

In reply to 17th Sep 2006, 05:42

24th Sep 2006, 22:09

Yeah, I'm a "she", but that's OK ;)

The Bose model is NOT an mp3 player; that's what I said and that's what's the truth. Nothing to do with formatting the cd's, geez. And in this day and age and technology, paying that much for a Bose stereo it should, at the very least, play mp3's. That is such a basic standard today in cars. BASIC STANDARD.

9th Jun 2009, 09:50

Real tears for 2006 Mazda 3. Stereo messing up. I was all set to brag about my recently purchased Mazda 3. The feeling of sport in a car does not go without tunes. Before warranty, I had some skips in the CD player, it seemed to fix itself, figured it was dust, had some personal business to deal with and *poof* at 51,300 miles (past warranty - asked for extension info and never got it). The radio and the CD player start fading in-and-out for a few minutes and *bam,* NOTHING! The player still shows as playing, but nothing is coming through. To send in is a risky $95 just to find out, if work is done to the stereo a minimum that is equals to a car payment. This is rough, I held on to a Toyota for 10 years to finally have something a little sporty... like I said, tears. Any suggestions?

2006 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring 2.3 Liters from North America

Summary:

It is affordable, reliable, and a good looking car.

Faults:

Nothing (only had the baby for a month)

General Comments:

I LOVE THIS CAR! It's so much fun to drive and to look at. It has very attractive looks that no other economy cars have.

It handles very well, and brakes very well. It is very reliable and comfortable. The interior is also nothing like any other economy class car. It has many luxury toys such as automatic light/wipers/temperature control. Also heated seats, which are leather of course, xenon lights, Bose sound system with 6 cd changer. This model also has standard airbags, which is a plus for an economy car. Anyways in a short sentence it is a very good looking/comfortable/reliable car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2006

23rd Jan 2006, 06:20

Since you have owned you Mazda3 only for a month, you cannot claim that it's a reliable car. Mazdas are reliable and probably yours will be also, but I think you should have lived with it for a little time or driven it a few thousand miles/kilometeres at least before you write your review. I also have a 4 month old Mazda3, so I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

Cheers!

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