2006 Mazda Mazda3 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by pbattezzato

Handling

You always feel in total control of the car. Very little body roll when turning. Nice steering "feel". Not much understeer for a front wheel drive.

Safety & braking

Great grip at any speed. Nice pedal feel. Very little diving when braking. ABS well tuned. ABS and side airbags included in price (for the Touring model I got).

Materials & workmanship

EVERYTHING! The plastic used in the cockpit looks and feel way more upscale than the price of the car. No squeaks and rattles after 2+ years and 35k miles. Very good gap tolerance on the sheetmetal of the body. All the lever and switches feel sturdy.

Reliability & durability

Zero issues in 2+ years and 35k. Low routine maintenance cost.

Quietness

Tire noise (still have the forgettable stock Goodyear Eagle R/S...). I have the hatchback, which has intrinsically more cabin noise than the sedan.