The Mazda 3 carries over to 2006 with unchanged exterior and interior looks. Standard features remain the same, while new optional "Touring" and "Grand-Touring" packages add amenities and security features, such as cruise control, leather-seats, side-impact airbags, and automatic climate control. "Whitewater Pearl" and "Copper Red" replace the previous exterior colors "Carbon Gray" and "Lava Orange".

Prices rise slightly to $13,710 for the Mazda 3i entry-model, and $19,165 for the top-of-the-line Mazda 3s Grand Touring.

The Compact 2006 Mazda 3 compares to the Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Neon, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.

All-new for 2004, the Mazda 3 replaces the Protege with handsome styling, excellent fit-and-finish, and taut handling. The Mazda 3 is available in sedan and hatchback forms, each receiving its own unique looks, and comes equipped with front-wheel-drive powered by 4-cylinder engines that produce between 148hp (2.0l) and 160hp (2.3l).

Standard equipment on the base 2004 Mazda 3i includes body-colored bumpers, Halogen headlights, tilting and telescoping steering-wheel, AM/FM/CD stereo system, two-stage front airbags, and a five-speed manual transmission. ABS and side-impact airbags are optionally available, as are an automatic transmission, air-conditioning, a sunroof, and alloy wheels. Top-of-the-line Mazda 3s models come factory-equipped with some of the aforementioned features and add a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, power-everything, keyfob remote keyless entry, fog lights, and 205/55 HR16 (205/50 VR17 for the hatchback) tires on alloy wheels.

Prices for the Mazda 3i sedan started at $13,680 in 2004, while the Mazda 3s hatchback retailed at $16,895 without options. For an estimation of this car's value today, please refer to our Used Car Valuator.