1993 Mazda MX3 GS review from North America

It needed two new belts and pulleys, but I knew that when I bought it. They were functional but would have eventually worn out.

These cars are stylish and affordable.

The handling is quite responsive without giving the driver a bumpy ride. This is due to the uniquely tuned suspension, which allows the rear wheels to turn slightly in tight corners. You can even drift an MX-3, which is unusual for a FWD.

The 1.8L V6, with 135bhp and 115ft-lbs of torque, packs enough power to seriously move the 2400lb chassis while still providing good economy. It is a lot of fun to drive, although I think the experience and the acceleration would be lessened in a model with an automatic transmission. The best MX-3s out there are the V6 with the 5-speed manual.

Unless you are used to driving very small cars, the interior room takes a little getting used to. To give you an idea, my previous two cars were a Saturn Coupe and a Honda Civic, and even by those standards I felt a little frightened by the small size of the MX-3 at first. This can be compensated for by adopting a low sitting position, moving the seat back, and tilting the back of the seat back slightly. It makes a huge difference. I am 6 feet tall and 250 pounds and I am quite comfortable in my MX-3 now, even on an eight hour drive. Get used to it and it really is plenty of room, but if you prefer the feel of an SUV or large sedan, it takes some getting used to.

Overall it has been very reliable, with no electrical or mechanical malfunctions, and no fluid leaks. I love driving this car. It looks cool, zooms around, and doesn't guzzle gas.