Against 237 other 4-cyl cars rated 1994–1996, the MX-3 beats their 24.3 mpg average by 1.2 mpg, about $74 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1992, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1992–1996), does 28 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 6-cyl (1996), 22: $374 a year apart.
Every Mazda MX-3 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 25 / 33.2 | 1992–1996 | $1,371 | |
| 1.9L 6-cyl | 20 / 26 | 1992–1995 | $1,745 | |
| 1.8L 6-cyl | 20 / 26 | 1996–1996 | $1,745 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1996) | $0.125 |
| Fuel per year | $1,506 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,530 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1994–1996 | −$74 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,530 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1996 Mazda MX-3 gives up 7 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 23 in the city, $390 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1996) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the MX-3 changed over the years
The MX-3 peaked in 1996 at 25.5 mpg (23 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1993 at 24.5 — 1 mpg apart, or $61 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 23 / 30 | 2 | $1,506 | |
| 1995 | 22.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 1994 | 22.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 1993 | 22 / 29 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 1992 | 22.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Mazda MX-3 — 3 engines across 1992–1996. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,530. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1996 Mazda MX-3 get?
25.5 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 22 to 29. Across every year since 1992 the MX-3 has averaged 25 mpg.
Is the 1996 MX-3 more efficient than the 1995?
About the same: 25.5 against 25 mpg combined.
Which MX-3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1996, at 25.5 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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