1996 Mazda MX3 GS 1.8 V6

Summary:

Nice car

Faults:

The gasket was screwed when I bought it, so I had to replace it, but it was under warranty, so it's OK.

I had to change the battery too.

This summer, I plan to check on the brakes because they are noisy. The suspension and the shocks absorbers are hard, so the car is very bumpy.

General Comments:

It's a nice little car. I can't say if it's reliable since I only had it for a month.

Cornering is OK.

But I love it very much.

I hope Mazda going to rebuild this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th January, 2002

1996 Mazda MX3 1.6 supercharged

Summary:

A Porsche ripoff... heh

Faults:

Well my head gasket blew at 93,000 km. $2000 for repairs.

General Comments:

This car is a very fast car on the base 110hp 1.6 engine. The specs indicates that the 0-60 mph is in 9.8 seconds.. well that is not true. My car did it in 8.2 (5 speed), I timed it myself and this was before I supercharged it.

I looked for upgrades for a long time and there?s not much out there in the 1.6 MX3 market that could dish out serious horse-power, but I finally found a supercharger that fit on the 4 cylinder engine and because the RS is so light, the 0-60 was a dynamite 5.1 seconds at approx. 210-215 hp.

The first week with the supercharger I was afraid of opening the engine, but one night I came to a red traffic light and there he was in a "sooped" Honda Prelude, both our engines reved. When that light turned green I put the pedal to the metal and the engine went to 6500 rpm and slowly advanced, heh I burnt out my clutch.

I replaced it with a racing one, had to get new and bigger performance tires. Now the car is fast and because of the new tires, it never cornered like it does now, I mean the car had super handling, but if you get 215/50/R16 (must get new rims) the car sticks like it's on a rail.

Now my car is close to 170,000 km and it still runs great, but the one thing I hate about this low priced car is the little things that are coming loose or the knobs that are falling off etc...

You MX3 owners should really try the car on dirt roads, the car is so light that you glide your corners, it's a really good FF rally car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th August, 2001

20th May 2002, 08:56

Thanks for the info on your "suping" of your car.. I was thinking about getting a Mazda myself, and thanks to your review, I will get one.. Thank you.

16th Nov 2002, 19:12

I couldn't agree more. I will also get a Mazda.

9th Dec 2002, 15:47

What car was the supercharger originally intended for?

Where did you purchase the kit from?

What kind of modifications did the kit require to work on the mx3?

1996 Mazda MX3 GS 1.8

Summary:

Absolutely beautiful, inexpensive sports car

Faults:

Seal on the back hatch between the glass where it says "Precidia" and the paneling started falling off.

Leak in the left rear light seal.

General Comments:

The dealer had 3 on the lot, but two were the 1.6L with higher mileage and the other was the 1.8L. Bought the 1.8 even though it was more expensive and have absolutely no regrets. Really quiet car, corners beautifully, nice sporty car with a lot of power. Decent on fuel consumption and delivers speed when you need it. I really love this car.

Only things that might be a bit uncomfortable are the back seats, probably wouldn't want to go on long hauls with people back there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2001

1996 Mazda MX3 Precidia GS 2.8L V6

Summary:

The greatest little sports car ever created

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This is one of the greatest sports cars I have ever encountered. I can't believe the performance of this machine. For the price I got it at, I thought it would be junk. I was so wrong. I don't know why this car doesn't get more recognition. Wow. It's the fastest car I have ever driven. I wouldn't give mine up for anything. Offer me a million, I won't give you the car. I've always wanted one and now I have one. It's "Deep Sea Blue". Wicked car. If you want to supercharge it, the job is easy. It only took me a weekend and now I have 240HP.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th June, 2000

1st Jun 2001, 02:17

Did I read that right? A 2.8 litre V-6 in a little Mx-3?? I never heard of that? The only transplants I've heard of are the 2.5 from the 626?

17th Jul 2001, 11:44

Being from Canada it is hard to find any aftermarket parts for my 94 GS. Thanks for the 2.5 conversion idea.