In addition, fuel economy is improved by one mile per gallon on both manual and automatic vehicles. Mazda 3s models with the 2. Spoilers, cargo mats, fog lights, stereo upgrades, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink are available as dealer-installed accessories. Mazda engineers specified a six-speed manual transmission as it was deemed to be the best mix of proper gear-spacing, ease of use and outright performance. Paid in full at time of purchase. I had to get a brand new one and it took about 2 weeks to get it back. Though the engine and transmission aren't quite as refined as the new Honda Civic Si -- which, incidentally, only comes as a two-door coupe -- the Mazda3 s sedan is at least as much fun to drive, and it has four doors.
The plastic pieces from the dash to the doors would creak non-stop. . By design the engine was still secure, but there was pronounced vibration at idle. A second sensor was replaced after indicating failure. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available from 2014.
Both cars offer genuinely good value and, when outfitted in their sportier trim, serve up a fun-to-drive factor that rivals German cars. The biggest benefit of both variable valve timing and a variable intake is usually a flatter torque curve while maintaining good peak horsepower. C-pillars and wheel wells rust faster than expected. The MacPherson strut front suspension has improved damper performance and has been tuned to improve steering response and reduce understeer. For occupant protection, front dual airbags are standard, and seat-mounted side and roof-mounted curtain airbags are available as well.
Each and every moving part is stronger, more rigid and more durable. Other enhanced components in the engine include steel connecting rods and crankshaft, increased diameters of connecting rod pins, optimized rod shape and the introduction of full floating pistons. The car has been a pleasure to own. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc. A trunk lid recess on top of the bumper has been added to make it easier to open the trunk lid. The idea comes from racing where you want to have the higher rpm on the tach in your line of sight.
The vehicle was totally in its elements and let me quickly run through the reasons why. Moreover, it returned very impressive fuel economy, especially for a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. People have told me countless times that it looks likes a Lexus inside and out! The 3 Grand Touring has leather seats that look new. By introducing direct injection to a gasoline turbo application, Mazda circumvented the usual drawback of turbocharging - poor low- and mid-range torque - while meeting strict exhaust emission regulations. My only problem with this car is that at 20k the transmission went out. Handling is quick and nimble, making the Mazda 3 fun to drive.
Tried every trick in the book to get the creaks to stop — but nothing would work. Sure, at first glance they resemble cars from the bottom of the Hertz and Avis price sheets--and since none of them wears Evo-esque wings, flares, airdams, or other overt signs of swagger, you can be forgiven for thinking these cars are automotive white bread. The group in England designed the Mazda 3 suspension, but the final tuning was done by Mazda at its long, rolling test track in Hiroshima. For 2006, two new exterior colors, Copper Red Mica, and Whitewater Pearl Mica, are offered on the base models. No other manufacturer offers a more complete lineup of luxury and performance sedans, sport wagons and five-door models in the midsize class.
This car and I have been through so much together. The revised model takes these attributes to a new level, offering improved torque characteristics for both engines, exterior styling enhancements and fit-and-finish and interior trim revisions. It went off by itself but it comes on and stays on. All in all, I truly enjoyed my week in the Speed6. Units Affected 4029 Our last update complained about how the instrument-panel dimmer doesn't allow adjustment to the orange numbers on the gauge faces. After driving about a block or two, it was time to join the highway, so I pushed the accelerator pedal and aimed for a suitable gap in the northbound traffic. L eather seating surfaces are available as an option for all s models, and new for 2007 on select exterior colors is a gray cloth interior.
Approaching the vehicle I was suitably impressed, Mazda has a unique way of giving all its products a certain sporty look; even this sensible four door model carried 18 inch alloy wheels and a cute little trunk lid spoiler. I bought the 2006 mazda 3 Touring. The exterior design is now sharper and even sportier, while the cabin is more comfortable with even higher levels of craftsmanship. I have not had any problems with my 2006 Mazda3 S since replacing this item. I've owned my Mazda3 for five years now and I've never regretted the decision. Moreover, it returned very impressive fuel economy, especially for a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission.
Audio systems have been upgraded with an auxiliary audio input and 12-volt power outlets are now standard for all models, providing the driver or passenger the option of bringing their own portable audio player to enjoy their favorite music in the car. The headlamps on the Sport and Grand Sport packages use dark gray bezels. The 3 is certainly great fun to drive. Bug the over all this being my first Mazda car I am enjoying everything about my car. Turn the car off, but leave the key in the… It's Odd that the instrument-panel light dimmer adjusts only the gauge and center stack intensity and not the orange numbers on the gauge face.
Head protection air bags available from 2004, standard from 2010. Highly recommend if you want a sporty, reliable used car that feels just like it did in 2006 when it was first purchased. At the top of the instrument cluster are two buttons; the one on the left is the blackout button. It seems that Mazda didn't rust-proof this model year appropriately as I read a lot of people complaining about excessive rust on 2006 Mazda 3. Smooth ride, gears shifted seamlessly mine was manual , quick pickup, and the storage in the back with the hatch folded down was a lot more spacious than one would think in a hatchback. The spec sheet shows a why-bother gain of only 2 horsepower from 148 to 150, both at 6500 rpm , and no change in rated torque still 135 pound-feet at 4500 rpm , but those are only the peak number.