1992-1995 Mazda MX-3: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Mazda MX-3
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Optional antilock brakes
- Fuel economy (4-cylinder)
- Instruments/controls
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Cargo area liftover
- Rear-seat room
- Road noise
- Wind noise
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda's front-drive sport coupe was the first in its class with an available V6 engine. The base model used an 88-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. An upmarket GS came with the industry's smallest V6, a 1.8-liter 24-valve twin-cam packing 130 horsepower. Both engines drove a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 4-speed automatic. Antilock braking was optional only on the 5-speed GS, which halted with all-disc brakes. Base coupes used a vented front-disc/rear-drum setup. The GS also had performance tires on bigger alloy wheels.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda MX-3 GS 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Mazda MX-3:
No significant changes were made for 1993.
1994 Mazda MX-3:
For 1994, the MX-3 had dual airbags, abandoning the old motorized shoulder-belt arrangement. Base-model engines switched to a dual-overhead-cam configuration and gained 17 horsepower, now rated at 105 rather than 88. Antilock braking could now be installed on base models, with either transmission.
1995 Mazda MX-3:
For its final outing, Mazda's slow-selling little sport coupe lost its performance version, leaving only the base model with its 1.6-liter engine.
Our road test for the 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Quiet and eager, the tiny V6 engine revs quickly to 3000 rpm but produces little power below that speed. Therefore, it works best with manual shift, which allows the driver more control over engine speed. Gas mileage is less impressive. We got 20 mpg in a GS with automatic. The 4-cylinder engine is another story: short on excitement, especially with automatic--which shifts harshly during hard acceleration. A stronger, smoother twin-cam four went into 1994 models, but it still proved to be no match for the V6. Tire noise is prominent, and road and wind noise are strong at highway speeds. However, the sport coupe rides with surprising ease for a small, light car, while exhibiting agile handling talents and quick steering response. Braking is consistently short, straight, and stable. Space is adequate in front for most people, but seats are tight for larger folks. Adults will likely complain about head and leg room in the shaped-for-two back seat. The driving position is low and snug--compared by some to sitting in a bathtub. Clearly marked gauges are easy to see, and controls easy to reach. Despite nearly horizontal rear-hatch glass, visibility is quite good. The rear hatch opens to reveal a deep cargo area, but liftover is quite high.
Value for the Money
A slow seller in the highly competitive sport-coupe market, the MX-3 measures up against sport-coupe rivals, but does not quite manage to stand above the crowd.
A slow seller in the highly competitive sport-coupe market, the MX-3 measures up against sport-coupe rivals, but does not quite manage to stand above the crowd.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda MX-3 GS 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda MX-3 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda MX-3 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Clutch:
The original-equipment clutch on some models tends to squeal when the pedal is depressed. (1992-94)
Doors:
The door locks tend to ingest water in car washes or when parked outside, which leads to frozen locks in the winter. (1992-94)
Engine noise:
A problem with the camshaft friction gear causes a metallic tapping noise. (1992-94)
Hard starting:
Cars with the K8 engine are hard to start in sub-zero weather. (1992-93)
Seat:
Due to poor quality fabric, the rear seat cushions separate at the seams. (1992-93)
Trunk latch:
The trunk hinges tend to wear and break over time. (1992-95)
Trunk latch:
The rear hatch hinges rattle. (1993)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $475 |
| Alternator | $325 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,460 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $475 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $580 |
| Radiator | $495 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $660 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $220 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda MX-3 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| MX-3 | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1994 | |||
| MX-3 | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| MX-3 GS | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| MX-3 | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| MX-3 GS | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| MX-3 | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| MX-3 GS | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda MX-3 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 165.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2443 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 36.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 33.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 1992-93, the MX-3 came with an 88-horsepower, 1.6-liter overhead-cam engine; or with a twin-cam, 130-horsepower V6 in GS trim. For 1994, the base engine was transformed into a dual-cam design, boosted to 105 horsepower. Only that engine remained for '95, the MX-3's last season. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional, but 5-speed manual shift was standard each year.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 98 | 88 | 98 | 5-speed manual: 28/35 4-speed automatic: 25/32 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 98 | 105 | 100 | 5-speed manual: 29/37 4-speed automatic: 25/34 |
5-speed manual: 25.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 1.8 / 113 | 130 | 115 | 5-speed manual: 23/29 4-speed automatic: 20/27 |
5-speed manual: 21.2 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda MX-3 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 MX-3 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1995 Mazda MX-3 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-93:
Rail of automatic shoulder belt can wear, so cable becomes jammed in the rail.
1992-95 in 19 states and D.C.:
Large quantity of road salt can cause corrosive pits to develop on surface of front coil spring, eventually leading to possible breakage.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Buying a
Used Car?
Used Car?
Start your research
with a CARFAX® Report
with a CARFAX® Report
No VIN Available?
Order a CARFAX®
Report Package
Report Package
