Mazda MX-3 Blog

Only seven years in production, the Mazda MX-3, lasted from 1991 to 1998. Built to hold four people, it was a two-door car with hatchback. The car was offered in both standard and automatic transmissions and had two different engines, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder and the 1.8-litre V6.

Unveiled in 1991 at the New York International Auto Show, it was sold later that year as a 1992 model. In the same year, the car was introduced to the Japanese, German and Czechoslovakian marketplaces. In 1992, it was added to Australian markets and in 1993 to Israeli car inventories with limited color choices. But production was stopped for the Israeli market almost as fast it started due to poor sales.

The vehicle was called the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada and was named “Best New Sporty Car” by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada in 1992. A Special Limited Anniversary Edition model was created and sold in Canada and the US in 1993 to celebrate Mazda’s twenty-five years in North America. In 1996, sales were discontinued in Canada and by the year 1998, production on the Mazda MX-3 was ceased worldwide.

Apparently, the Mazda MX-3 did not catch on with consumers. In fact, it was relatively unknown compared to other models of the Mazda such as the Miata and RX-7. There was also plenty of competition at the time that proved detrimental to sales. Interestingly, it seems to be more popular now as a used vehicle than when it was new. And prices are holding steady for a car that is over ten years old.