One of the best eras in automotive manufacturing was the early and middle 90s. Manufacturers were bold and careless, often selling vehicles that made absolutely no sense on paper. The Mazda MX-3, with its optional 1.8L V6, was one of them. The concept of a jewel-like engine that could rev to the heavens all while thrumming out middling horsepower and average acceleration numbers made little sense, other than the honor of saying we did that. Still, the MX-3 GS with its 130 horsepower existed, and very few found owners. This 1994 MX-3 listed here on craigslist is the perfect spec in a great color, and still not cheap.
When Mazda sold this car, its entire lineup was damn impressive. The Millennia with its Miller-cycle engine, the RX-7 and its wild rotary, the undeniably awesome MX-5 – heck, even the Ranger wearing Mazda duds – for such a small manufacturer, it was amazing when the company was selling. And much of it was offered with an eye towards the enthusiasts markets, so plenty of combinations of the more powerful engine option with a 5-speed manual were available. Even the hum-drum 626 sedan could be had with a stick and a V6. The MX-3 was a curiosity for sure, especially for a company with a fun roadster and gorgeous sports car.
The MX-3 in it s high-zoot trim like this car was also incredibly well finished. Mazda seemed to understand sooner than most that you could offer affordable cars with attractive, durable materials inside the cabin. The MX-3 was darn well equipped across the trim range but models like this one looked spectacular with its leather interior and nicely bolstered bucket seats. The stick shift would help drivers cane the living daylights out of that puny V6, ripping to 60 in under 8 seconds. Not spectacular, but still pretty good for the era. The MX-3 shown here looks absolutely pristine inside and out.
The same goes for the backseat, which presumably has never been used. The seller reports that it has had just one senior owner, and because it’s in Vancouver, it shows a little over 71,000 KMs, which works out to just over 44,000 miles. The car has clearly never been modified and according to the listing, it has been dutifully serviced. The market for such an unusual vehicle isn’t large, but I guarantee you someone out there is looking for the nicest MX-3 they can find in a great color with the compact V6 and a 5-speed. The asking price reflects the likelihood we won’t see another one soon, with an ask of $14,900. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find.
Thx Lavery never knew this 6pot was such a small displacement motor. Only 2600lbs to move around. Nice interior too. Neat car, have to ring out that wee 6 as you said, but probably a blast to drive.
Wow. I forgot about these. I like this one a lot. I’m with Stan, I had not idea how small that V6 is. But I’d be willing to wager its a blast with that sweet Mazda 5 speed. I hope this gets a good new home and stays stock too.
There was a time when I was looking for one of these. Never found a good’un-people held on to them, I guess. 8 second 0-60 times were considered excellent performance when these and the Miata (with similar acceleration time) were new. I wonder if that little V6 is tweakable….
I remember when these came out, and the diminutive V6 caught my attention. I normally have disdain for V6s in general, but it seemed to me this little rotator had the potential to make some serious revs. I’ve often wondered what they would be like in a Super 7 kit.
I always thought this Mazda V6 would be great in a SAAB 96….
A rare find right here, in excellent condition.
Hopefully this C&D link will be allowed to be posted, the great John Phillips has a few things to say about these cars.
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a63305695/john-phillips-the-best-odds-mazda-mx-3-gs/
I had a friend who was a Mazda salesman during this period. I was able to ‘test drive’ RX-7s whenever I wished. He had a MX-3 with the V6 as a loaner one night. He let me take it out to pick up some carry-out and it was a blast to drive, for the early ’90s. Revving the daylights out of that little V6 with a five speed was as much fun as it sounds. And it revved quickly.
I’ve wanted one of these for years just for that high revving experience again. Sure, you’ll get dusted by even a Corolla in the stoplight races. But it’s the driving experience that counts for me. And this little car ticks my enthusiast boxes.
Of all of the bean cars, this is the exact one I would own. The last time I saw one was in 2000 .
I wanted one of these desperately back then, but a new baby this car made no sense. I think I took it out for a drive. I also drove a Sentra SE-R when looking for something new.
Ended up with a Mazda Tribute (2 door Explorer) obviously the most practical for a new family. It was. 5 speed and well, the wife never really learned to drive a stick.
BTW, I think the B2200 (Mazda’s Ford Ranger) was gone by then. But I could be wrong.
These are fabulous little cars. I had a Nissan NX2000 back in the day, and I was always able to show my tail lights to these (the two) that I encountered, but man they sure sounded great! Cool looking too.
The engine can be swapped for the 2.5 liter (think SVT contour) Same block and heads, just different rotating assemblies. That would be some serious speed right there. Not sure if it had an LSD? My NX did…
The price seems optimistic, but where else are you going to find one?
There was a 2.5L variant of this Mazda K-series engine, but that’s unrelated to the 2.5L Ford Duratec V6 equipped in the Contour (including the SVT version).
I was working as a salesman in Mazda dealership 93-94. they were not good sellers compare to Protege & I sold the most of all models. but can’t recall leather interior option. sorry but interior pictures don’t look right/correct. I still have the brochures but can’t have fast access.
Poking around Google Image Search, looks like the MX-3 was available with two significantly different dashboard/interior designs. This one has the higher-spec version, not clear if that dash eventually became standard in later years.
My apology, they did have it in leather interior only available in Canada! as to why I never saw it.
Almost bought one new back in the day, but it was very uncomfortable to sit in. Just couldn’t do it. Bought the newly redesigned MX6 instead. That was fun to drive, but didn’t get a manual.
I always thought the MX3 was cute but I had the hots for it’s big brother, the MX6!
High reving, no horsepower or torque. Sounds like the V6 in my Pathfinder! That weighs 4,000 pounds!