Mazda designed its new MX-3 sports coupe to be a quick, nimble compact car that was also economical to own and maintain. And according to most drivers, the Japanese automaker easily achieved that goal. For its first year in production, the MX-3 was available in both a Base version and a more powerful GS model. The Base MX-3 came with an 88-horsepower, 1.6-liter four cylinder, while the GS version came with a 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter V6 that was the smallest V6 engine available in the industry. A five-speed manual overdrive transmission was standard for both versions, while a four-speed automatic was available as optional equipment. Standard features for the MX-3 in its initial year were fairly limited, and included bucket seats, power brakes, power steering, power exterior mirrors, 14-inch wheels, a rear window defroster, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo system. The GS added a rear spoiler, a tighter sport suspension, and alloy wheels. Options included air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks. Excellent, awesome, exciting, gorgeous, perfect, and cute were just some of the words drivers used to describe the MX-3. They also noted that it was reliable, comfortable, and great fun to drive. Negatives? Some drivers would have liked the sports coupe to have a little more power, but for the most part negative comments about the MX-3 were hard to come by.