DecodedCars2006 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2006 compact car (22.2 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 49 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Mazda 3 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.3L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 22% better than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +22% | $2,500 | 329 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +17% | $2,600 | 342 |
| 3 | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +13% | $2,700 | 355 |
| 3 | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +8% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Mazda 3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mazda 3 (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 34 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Nissan Sentra | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2006 Mazda 3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →