1996 Mazda MX-3 specs & fuel economy
The 1996 Mazda MX-3 is rated 29 MPG combined by the EPA (26 city, 34 highway). That is 26% above the 23 MPG average across the 121 EPA configurations in the 1996 Subcompact Cars class, placing it in the 88th percentile of its class. At 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon it costs about $1,448 a year to run.
EPA data snapshot imported 2026-09-06 · United States · US gallons
The 1996 Mazda MX-3 has 4 EPA-listed configurations in our 2026-09-06 data snapshot. Listed transmissions: Automatic 4-spd; Manual 5-spd. Compare the engine, drive type and fuel ratings below before matching an individual car by VIN.
How the 1996 Mazda MX-3 compares in its class
EPA publishes each configuration on its own. Ranking one against every configuration EPA rated in the same class and model year is our calculation from the 2026-09-06 snapshot, not an EPA figure.
- Combined rating
- 29 MPG
- 1996 Subcompact Cars average
- 23 MPG
- Difference
- 26% above average
- Rank in class
- 88th percentile of 121 configurations
- Reference annual energy cost
- $1,448 · 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon
The class average covers every 1996 configuration EPA rated in the Subcompact Cars class, compared in MPG only, so electric and liquid-fuel ratings are never mixed. The reference cost is a fixed assumption for comparison; the calculator below takes your own mileage and prices.
Engine, transmission and fuel economy
All 4 1996 MX-3 configurations EPA rated, each linked to its source record. Combined primary-fuel ratings: 20 to 29 MPG. Missing values remain “Not reported.”
| Engine / transmission / drive | Primary fuel | City | Highway | Combined | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 23 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | EPA #12621 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 26 MPG | 34 MPG | 29 MPG | EPA #12622 |
| 1.8L 6-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: V-6 (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | EPA #12623 |
| 1.8L 6-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: V-6 (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 20 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG | EPA #12624 |
What would it cost you to run?
Enter your own mileage and prices — these are assumptions, not live pump prices.
| Configuration | Annual cost | Calculation basis |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA #12621 | $1,615 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 1.6L 4-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA #12622 | $1,448 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 1.8L 6-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA #12623 | $2,100 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 1.8L 6-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel DriveEPA #12624 | $1,909 | Regular Gasoline operation |
Miles ÷ combined MPG × price per gallon; electric versions use miles ÷ 100 × kWh/100 miles × price per kWh. Plug-in hybrids show gasoline operation only. Maintenance, insurance and depreciation are excluded.
Enter your VIN. Check the car before you buy.
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No subscription. No charge to check the VIN. Report contents vary by vehicle; applicable tax is shown at checkout.
See what the paid report includes →Use these specs to check a 1996 MX-3 listing
- Confirm the seller’s car is a 1996 Mazda MX-3 and which of the 2 listed transmissions it has.
- Check that it takes Regular Gasoline on the vehicle’s own fuel label.
- Run the VIN for identity, title and reported history — none of which is in this EPA data.
- Check open recalls on the NHTSA lookup and have the car inspected.
Compare nearby model years
These links match the EPA model name. They do not establish that parts or equipment are interchangeable between years.
Sources reviewed
Open the underlying public source and verify that its scope matches the question you are asking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 1996 Mazda MX-3?
The 1996 Mazda MX-3 is rated 29 MPG combined by the EPA (26 city, 34 highway). That is 26% above the 23 MPG average across the 121 EPA configurations in the 1996 Subcompact Cars class, placing it in the 88th percentile of its class. At 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon it costs about $1,448 a year to run.
What transmission does the 1996 Mazda MX-3 have?
EPA records list Automatic 4-spd; Manual 5-spd across the 4 rated configurations of the 1996 Mazda MX-3. These are model-level configurations. Match the individual car’s VIN and factory build information before identifying a replacement transmission.
What fuel does the 1996 Mazda MX-3 use?
The 1996 Mazda MX-3 is listed with Regular Gasoline. Match the particular configuration and follow the vehicle’s fuel label and owner’s manual.
How much does the 1996 Mazda MX-3 cost to run per year?
About $1,448 in fuel or energy at 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon, using the 29 MPG combined EPA rating. That excludes maintenance, insurance, depreciation and charging-session fees. Enter your own mileage and prices in the calculator on this page for a figure that matches your driving.
Are these the exact specifications of my MX-3?
These are the 4 EPA model-year configurations recorded for the 1996 Mazda MX-3, not a decode of an individual VIN or a complete trim catalogue. Confirm identity, installed equipment and service requirements with the car’s VIN and manufacturer records.
Will I achieve the listed fuel economy?
EPA ratings support comparisons under standardized test conditions. Your result depends on driving, weather, tyres, load, charging pattern and vehicle condition. The cost calculator uses the listed combined rating and your entered prices.