Used 2004-2009 Mazda 3 review
2006 Mazda 3. Click for larger photo |
Mazda 3 is a fun-to-drive peppy compact car available as a sedan or hatchback. Not many cars in this class handle as well as Mazda 3. Inside, the 3 is sporty and comfortable. Front seats are supportive. Fit and finish is good. The steering tilts and telescopes. The glove box is big enough to hold a laptop computer. The available Bose audio system sounds great. Mazda 3 is easy to maintain and reliable, however there are some minor issues to watch out for. Mazda 3 comes with the 2.0-liter LF-model or 2.3-liter L3-model 4-cylinder engine. Both are solid reliable motors. Both have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and four- or five-speed automatic.
Mazda 3 interior. Click for larger view |
Mazda 3. Click for larger view |
Mazda 3 storage area. Click for larger view |
Mazda 3 engine. Click for larger view |
Fuel economy The EPA rates the 2006 Mazda 3 with a 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission at 23/31 mpg (10.2/7.6 L/100 km) city/highway. With this fuel consumption, the 2.0L Mazda 3 is expected to drive 405 miles or 651 kilometers on one 14.5-gallon (55 liters) tank with 10% city 90% highway driving. The 2.3-liter Mazda 3 automatic gets 22/28 mpg (10.7/8.4 L/100 km).
Handling and ride: On the road, Mazda 3 is fun to drive. The ride is firm but comfortable. The steering is precise and responsive; the turning radius is small. The car feels secure on twisty roads and solid on the highway. Even the base 2.0L engine has plenty of power. On the downside, some road and tire noise is noticeable.
Mechanical: Mazda 3 has an independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. Anti-lock brakes are available.
Dynamic stability control (DSC), traction control, side and side curtain airbags are available on late models.
Safety: In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2004 Mazda 3 received four stars for the driver (no passenger score available).
The 2005-2008 Mazda 3 scored four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the side-impact crash tests, the 2004-2008 models without side airbags received three stars for both the front and the rear seat.
The models with side airbags were not tested.
Pros: Fun to drive, reliable, sporty styling, rich practical interior, peppy engine, tight turning radius, available Bose audio system, huge glove box.
Cons: Road noise, models without side airbags scored poorly in side impact crash tests, no trunk release on the remote, some interior materials are not of top quality (e.g. carpet).
What to look for when buying a used Mazda 3: It's probably a good idea to avoid any Mazda 3 with more than 120,000 miles (210,000 km), unless it is in a perfect mechanical shape and was religiously maintained. Also avoid the car if there is blue smoke coming from the exhaust or if the engine is too noisy. Rust around the rear wheel wells is common. A small rust spot can be repaired, but major rust is something to be avoided. See if the struts and shock absorbers look dry. A leaking strut or shock absorber will need to be replaced soon. Check the air conditioner. During the test drive, see if the car drives straight and doesn't pull to one side or another. See if the transmission shifts smoothly. Watch out for tire noise; if not rotated regularly, tires tend to wear unevenly, which may result in a noisy ride. If the engine vibration is felt with the shifter in Drive, the top engine mount is probably bad, although it's not very expensive.
You might also be interested:
 How to buy a used carstep-by-step guide » |
 How to spot signs oftransmission problems » |
Overall: If you need a fun-to-drive yet practical compact car, Mazda 3 is the best choice on the market. It offers spirited performance and sporty handling and is reliable. Unless it was poorly maintained, it should not give you too many problems. Fuel economy is average for the class; if you want something more efficient, look for Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Common problems are mostly minor. Read this page for details on common problems and maintenance tips.
Similar cars:
 Used Mitsubishi Lancer2008-2013 » |
 Used Honda Civic2006-2011 » |
2007 Mazda 3 specifications (US model)
| Dimensions: | |
| Overall length: 4-door i: 4-door s: 5-door s: Overall height: Overall width: Wheelbase: |
177.4 in (4505 mm) 177.6 in (4510 mm) 176.8 in (4490 mm) 57.7 in (1465 mm) 69.1 in (1755 mm) 103.9 in (2640 mm) |
| Engines: | |
| 2.0L engine 2.3L engine |
DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT 148 hp @ 6500 rpm, 135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT and balance shafts 156 hp @ 6500 rpm, 150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Estimated EPA Fuel Economy: | |
2.0L 4-cylinder, manual: 2.0L 4-cylinder, automatic: 2.3L 4-cylinder, manual: 2.3L 4-cylinder, automatic: |
city: 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) hwy: 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) city: 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) hwy: 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) city: 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) hwy: 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) city: 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) hwy: 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
Regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
14.5 US gallons (55 liters) |
| Engine oil capacity: | |
| With oil filter replacement: |
4.5 US qt. (4.3L) |
