1996 Mazda MX3 GS from North America - Comments

Nothing major/costly.

First thing is first, this car does not use that much fuel despite what others seem to say? Maybe that's because I never really cruise under 60km/hr and use 5 gear almost always. I routinely get 450-510 km on a tank of Fuel (city driving). I shift at about 3000 rpm and don't really drive it much harder than this commuting daily, Although occasionally I rev it to 7000 just to hear the noise. I also will add that the car can go 100 km once the fuel warning light comes on, for some reason the needle goes down much faster than it should or the reserve is very big? I any case the car should net even the worst drivers 400-420 km per tank even when driven hard. If you can't achieve this than your car needs a tune up, or perhaps this is due to poor driving habit?. I have read many rants from United Kingdom drivers who complain about the poor fuel economy, perhaps there is differences in United Kingdom MX-3's cars compared to Canadian Mx-3's? In any case the car sips fuel if you treat it right so I am not sure why United Kingdom cars use more fuel?

The rest of the car is absolutely a dream, I am impressed with the reliability, refinement, feel, and sound of the car. Nothing else can compare for such a small car, at least not in Canada.

The Mx-3 still looks fresh since it's 1992 debut in North America and it is even a bit rare. The wheels, front and rear spoilers, steeply raked windshield and rear glass section add to the car's aerodynamic sexy form.

The engine is a complete jewel with it's smooth power delivery, quick throttle response, and intoxicating sound that makes one forget all about 4 cylinder engines. As stated fuel economy is actually very good if you don't rev the motor too high and use 5th gear over 60 km/hr.

The Clutch and 5 speed are a joy to use and are very light and accurate. The only flaw is that 1st gear to 2nd seems a bit too tall (if revved to 7000 rpm) the revs drop for a second before the engine really comes on boil. Besides this the engine/transmission work in complete harmony with the driver.

The rest of the car is so unique that you will always get noticed, especially when the rev happy V6 sings it's raspy yet smooth tune. The car is an obvious extrovert and makes you just want to drive with the sunroof open on a sunny day.

I have also owned the "RS" base Mx-3 with a 1.6 Litre DOHC detuned Miata engine (1995) and have many similar things to say about it. However the GS model is the choice for a more serious and refined sports coupe.

The greatest and most unknown trait of the Mx-3 is how much potential there is for engine swapping. There are several engines that can be transplanted into the Mx-3 with little difficulty. In North America the 1993-1997 Mazda Mx-6 and Ford Probe 2.5 Litre V6 can be dropped in with little fuss and offers 162-170 hp. Even better the 2.5 Litre V6 from the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Mazda Mx-6 and Millennia can also fit in with ease. This engine makes 200 hp for the power hungry. Super chargers and turbo chargers designed for the Ford probe and Mx-6 have also been put in mx-3 engine bays (although this is no easy job). In any case the Mx-3 has potential for various engine swaps that undercut the cost of the Honda swaps by thousands of dollars. All the while offering just as much or more horsepower, more torque and all fitting in lighter car than even a Honda Civic. How can you lose?

I want to buy one of these cars and am searching on fuel economy- as I too have heard they are not that good. based on this review, getting 450-510 km per tank (280-320 miles say) and a tank size of approx 50 litres: you could get and economy of 25-28mpg. let's assume there is still some fuel left in the tank when you get to the station to re-fuel! so it will only be better than this: if 5l left in tank, so 45 used for that distance, we are talking about 28-32mpg.

This does actually seem low to me when I have friends who have several other cars that do a lot better with a larger engine...

E.g.my boss' audi A8, I think it is a 2.2 or maybe 2.4l engine- avg 30mpg on motorway travel.

My friend has a BMW 5 series, and he gets 40mpg out of that with a 2l engine also...

Just seems mazda could have managed a bit better to be honest.

06/04/2004 - Living in England I have to say fuel costs are high. It didn't stop me from buying a MX3 1.8 (if I wanted just good fuel I would have brought an escort). The difference with Canada, America and England is that every two meters you hit a traffic light except for on motor ways which have a top speed of 70mph 100 you let six points or lose your license. There is nothing wrong with the MX3's in England, but as my old boss who has now moved back to Canada explained. In Canada you have more open roads and less traffic lights also in England what should be a ten minute drive can take anything from 10 - 30 minutes depending on the traffic. All town roads are 30mph so driving in 5th over here is not feasible that's why the cost is higher, but as I said anyone who wants a sexy car buy a MX3 if they want good fuel costs I hear the bus has a saver card deal! I really enjoy my Mazda it drives sweetly and corners perfectly and due to a previous review I have realized that I can super charge the engine too.

I drive a 96 MX-3 GS and would say the mileage is good... for a sports car.

Yes, when it hits the "E" line it has about 10-15L left in the tank... which is kinda funny.

I have gotten 10km/L on average with lots of city driving... and have had 12km/L on highway (note that my car is at 85000kms)

One thing I do is only put in 89 or 92 octane gas... (it says 90 in the owners manual) It really runs a lot better.

Also, I tend only to use Chevron gas here in canada as it works better for some reason.

Regarding fuel economy... this engine was put in to use in 92 so you can't compare to a newer car like an expensive BMW. How mush is it going to cost the to fix the BMW? Heh the MX3 has a very high reliability rating so once again you can't lose. Also I have never been able to squeeze in more than 44.5 liters even when driving on fumes and over flowing the tank. More importantly it's so much fun who cares if a car with a 4 cylinder gets better mileage... a 4 banger isn't going sound/feel as good as this little V6 (brand new cars excluded), no matter how good the mileage. Also I just took a rich girl on a first date today, and she loved the feel and sound of my car "so much nicer than a Honda" were her exact words. She thought my car was a 2000 or up model... still proves the looks are fresh and attractive. The MX3 will always be remembered as the little Gem Mazda should have kept on building, just ask anyone who has owned one.

Yup! I have a UK MX3 SE 1.8litre 24valve DOHC fuel injected v6 that puts out 126bhp standard and hits 0-60mph in around 8 seconds!!! SE gives me leather and suede upholstery thrown in. I got a really nice pair of good fitting seat covers so I could drink coke without ruining the suede.

I just purchased a 'piggy back' chip mod for the air flow sensor and a 'fuel saver' magnetic clip for the fuel line for under $10US. And an induction kit is on it's way - as if it didn't sound sweet enough :) Apparently the air intake on the MX3 is restricted by it's situation with the bonnet.

This alone will give me a 20-30bhp boost. That is without a steel exhaust or a power fuel pump which could increase the horses to around 170bhp. That is the theory anyway!

Have to see how it performs on the mean streets of Sandown, Isle of Wight...

Still not bad for under $50!

Am I correct in thinking the 1.8 is the smallest production v6 and also has a quad cam (DOHC front and rear bank of cylinders)?

Matt :) ) ) )

"Am I correct in thinking the 1.8 is the smallest production V6 and also has quad cams."

Yes and yes.