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New
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2006 Mazda Cars
2006
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2006
Mazda B-Series 4WD Truck
2006
Mazda MAZDA3
2006
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2006
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2006
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2006
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2006
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2006
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New
2005 Mazda Cars
2005
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2005
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2005
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2005
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2005
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2005
Mazda MX-5 Miata
2005
Mazda RX-8
2005
Mazda Tribute
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2006 Mazda MX-5
Consumer Guide Rating:
Best Buy
Pros: Steering/handling; Fuel economy
Cons: Cargo room; Passenger room; Noise
2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications
Also Consider the following best buys:
Ford Mustang
Also consider the following vehicle recommendations:
Acura RSX
Honda S2000
Mini Cooper
Nissan 350Z
Pontiac GTO
Scion tC
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New 2006 Mazda MX-5
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| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Highlights |
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"Mazda redesigns its 2-door sports car for 2006, but retains 4-cylinder power and the general design that helped make Miata the best-selling 2-passenger convertible in the world. The U.S. version of this 3rd-generation Miata will eventually adopt the MX-5 model name used on the car in other markets since its 1990 introduction. Compared to the 1999-2005 Miata, the '06 is longer by 2.5 inches in wheelbase, 1.6 inches overall, and is 1.7 inches wider. Base curb weight increases about 50 lb. The sole engine remains a 4-cyl, but it's a 170-hp 2.0-liter in place of a 142-hp 1.8. MX-5 comes in six models: Club Spec, base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring, and 3rd-Generation Limited. Manual transmission is standard--a 5-speed on Club Spec, base, and Touring; a 6-speed on the others. Optional on Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring is a 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel shift paddles; Miata's previous automatic was a 4-speed. Side airbags designed to protect both head and torso are standard. Also standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction control, antiskid system, and sport suspension are available. A manual-folding soft top with heated glass rear window is standard, a removable hardtop optional. Sport, Grand Touring, and 3rd-Generation Limited come with 17-inch wheels, the other models have 16s. The 3rd-Generation Limited comes with sport suspension, satellite radio, xenon headlights, plus special trim. "
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| 2006 Mazda MX-5 News |
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| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Competition |
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"Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle
into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The
Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks,
and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on
affordable performance.
Our
Best Buys include Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended
picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac
GTO.
New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and
Pontiac Solstice."
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| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Write Ups |
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Acceleration
Brisk from all speeds with slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission. Power only slightly blunted by responsive automatic. No opportunity to test with 5-speed manual.
Value
"Mazda's sports car gains power, safety features, and sharper handling, at prices
that start some $1500 below the outgoing version. And like its predecessors,
it delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as 2-seat sports
cars costing thousands more. Hands down, a Best Buy. "
Ride
Firm but not uncomfortable with base suspension. Slightly less compliant with combination of Suspension Package and 17-inch wheels.
Economy
Test MX-5s with 6-speed manual transmission averaged 21.3-23.8 mpg. No opportunity to test with 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Mazda recommends premium-grade fuel for MX-5.
Noise
"Road noise prominent, especially with top up. Engine and exhaust surprisingly
muted for a sports car. Normal conversation possible at 60 mph with top down."
Comfort - Front
Comfortable driver seat. Adequate leg room for all but the very tall. Passenger-side footwell has significantly less leg room. Top-up blind spots hinder lane changes.
Comfort - Rear
(No rear seating)
Controls
"Well-placed controls. Gauges clearly marked, easy to read. Hard plastic surfaces
dominate interior, but don't look cheap. Available leather trim dresses up cockpit."
Cargo Room
Small trunk will require careful packing. Only adequate in-cabin storage space.
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| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Warranty Information |
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Bumper-to-Bumper
"yr 3; mi 50,000; N/A"
Corrosion
yr 5; mi unlimited; N/A
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Road-side Assistance
"yr 3; mi 50,000; N/A"
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| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Rebate |
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No rebate information available at this time
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