When Four Compact Hatchbacks Battled for the 2006 Crown

In the mid-2000s, the affordable five-door hatchback was the Swiss Army knife of the road—compact enough for city parking, tall-roofed for cargo, and increasingly offered with surprising pep and features. Motortrend gathered four examples that chased the same formula but arrived at very different answers: the 2006 Mazda3 s Touring, the 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS, the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T and the 2006 Chevrolet HHR 2LT. The test was a snapshot of how carmakers interpreted utility with a dash of style.

Despite their superficially similar dimensions, the driving personalities diverged sharply. The Mazda3, with 160 horsepower and a five-speed manual, earned praise for its balanced chassis and perfectly placed controls—steering that adjusted for rake and reach, pedals suited to heel-and-toe driving, and a shifter likened to the RX-8’s. It was the most involving and agile, though its constant feedback and road noise might tire some drivers. The Toyota Matrix XRS leaned the other way: more relaxed on the highway with typical Toyota conservatism, but its high-revving 164-horsepower 1.8-liter engine required working the six-speed manual to extract zip, and the steering lacked the Mazda’s precision.

The Chevrolet HHR turned heads with its retro 1949-Suburban-inspired sheetmetal and offered the easiest hop-in-and-drive experience. Its 172-horsepower 2.4-liter engine and four-speed automatic did the job without drama, though tall body roll and smaller 16-inch tires limited its agility on a track. The Dodge Caliber R/T, a last-minute entry, was the heaviest—all-wheel-drive and 18-inch wheels pushed it past 3,300 pounds. That mass blunted its 172-horsepower engine, leaving it with the slowest acceleration and a noisy, brittle ride over rough pavement. A preproduction pilot car may have amplified the NVH, but the contrast was clear.

What the 2006 Comparison Tells Us About Driving Enjoyment Then and Now

Why the Mazda3 Stood Out—and Still Holds Up

The Mazda3’s dynamic edge wasn’t just about horsepower. Its steering feel, brake tuning, and supportive seats created a sense of connection that the others couldn’t match. Looking back from 2026, that generation of 3 is still remembered as a driver’s gem, and well-maintained examples remain in demand among enthusiasts seeking a usable daily with genuine verve. The lesson is timeless: in a sea of practical boxes, the one that engages your hands and ears often wins the heart.

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The Matrix’s Compromise: Comfort Over Character

Toyota purposely softened the Matrix XRS’s responses, making it the more serene cruiser. The trade-off was a less precise feel that could leave keener drivers cold. The XRS’s peaky power also demanded effort—fun in the moment, but tiring in stop-and-go. For used-car shoppers today, a Matrix (especially the milder 126-horsepower 1.8 variant) delivers legendary Toyota reliability but little of the Mazda’s sparkle.

Retro Charm vs. AWD Heft: The HHR and Caliber

The HHR’s strength was its simplicity and unique looks. Even in Los Angeles traffic, its old-school chrome and upright stance generated more curiosity than exotics, a testament to style over spec-sheet performance. Conversely, the Caliber’s all-wheel-drive and CVT (praised for slick simulated shifts) couldn’t hide the penalty of extra mass. Buyers considering an early Caliber R/T should know that a lighter front-drive SXT may be the more honest choice. Meanwhile, an HHR in good nick remains a conversation starter with minimal fuss.

The Takeaway for Today’s Used-Car Shopper

If you’re scanning the used market for a budget hatchback with character, this 2006 comparison still holds clues:

  • For driving fun: target a well-kept 2004–2009 Mazda3 with the 2.3-liter engine and manual transmission; confirm the rear shock mounts and rust-prone areas have been addressed.
  • For comfort and reliability: a Toyota Matrix (any year) with the 1.8-liter engine avoids the XRS’s busy nature and delivers nearly unrivaled dependability—check for corrosion on early models.
  • For retro flair on a budget: find a Chevrolet HHR with the 2.4-liter and automatic; listen for timing-chain noise on high-mileage examples and inspect the interior plastics.
  • Avoid the heavy Dodge Caliber R/T unless the CVT and all-wheel-drive are must-haves; a front-drive SXT with the 2.0-liter keeps weight and costs lower.