Year-to-year changes[]
1992[]
The Mazda MX-3 was the 2-door hatchback counterpart of the Mazda Protege 4-door sedan. It was available in two models -- the base, which featured a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine and 88 horsepower, and the GS, which featured a 1.8-liter V6 engine and 130 horsepower.
1993[]
A cassette stereo was added to the Mazda MX-3, and a new color (Laguna Blue Metallic) was added to the lineup.
1994[]
In 1994, the MX-3 started at about $12,000 and finished over $19,000. Twelve grand may have been entry-level, but $19,000 definitely wasn't, and at that price there was a wide range of cars from which to choose. One of the few cars to successfully make the transition from entry-level to upscale was the MX-3's sibling, the Miata.
The MX-3 had lines reminiscent of the gorgeous RX-7, though without that car's proportions. A little blind in the rear quarters, it was nevertheless a pleasant package, roomy enough for all of the impedimenta of modern recreational life and able to carry a couple of passengers more easily than say, a 300ZX 2+2.
The most distinctive feature of the little front-drive coupe, a jewel-like 1.8-liter V6 engine, was now gone. The cost was too high and it never provided the instant torque most drivers prefer. For 1994, the base sohc Four was upgraded to a Miata-like 1.6-liter dohc 4-valve Four that, although 25-hp short of the little V6, had only 15 fewer ft.-lb. of torque, and that 900 revved lower. Since most of the buyers were looking for style rather than unique engineering, the V6 was probably never missed.
1995[]
With only the base model left for its final year, the Mazda MX-3's antilock-braking system now only came with manual transmission.
Retail prices[]
As of April 1, 1994:
- $13,925 (1994 Mazda MX-3)
- $16,425 (1994 Mazda MX-3 GS)
As of September 1, 1994:
- $14,440 (1995 Mazda MX-3)
As of June 30, 1995:
- $14,795 (1995 Mazda MX-3)
Shipping prices[]
- $425 (1994 models)
- $440 (early 1995 models)
- $450 (1995 models)
Gallery[]
