Mazda Autozam AZ-3 Overview: Generations and Best Versions
Overview of the Mazda Autozam AZ-3 coupe (1991–1998): its single generation, 115–145 hp engine range, and which versions to pick.
The Mazda Autozam AZ-3 is a compact coupe produced from 1991 to 1998, with engines spanning 115 to 145 hp. Sold under Mazda's Autozam brand, it comes exclusively with front-wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. It suits drivers looking for a small, light 1990s Japanese coupe with straightforward mechanicals and a modest power range.
Mazda Autozam AZ-3 generations
1 generation (1991–1998)
The first and only generation of the Mazda Autozam AZ-3 was built from 1991 to 1998 in a single coupe body style. The lineup counts 4 modifications, all with front-wheel drive, offered with both manual and automatic gearboxes. Power outputs range from 115 hp in the base versions to 145 hp at the top of the range. The strongest versions are the 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT, both using a 1844 cc engine rated at 145 hp — the 1.8 MT (1 generation) pairs that engine with a manual transmission, while the 1.8 AT (1 generation) offers the same output with an automatic.
Because the model ran for seven years without a generational change, all Mazda Autozam AZ-3 cars share the same platform and body, which simplifies the search for a specific version: the main differences come down to engine output and transmission type.
Which Mazda Autozam AZ-3 to buy
- 1.8 MT (1 generation): the most widespread version, with a 1844 cc engine producing 145 hp — the top output in the range — paired with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.
- 1.8 AT (1 generation): the same 145 hp, 1844 cc engine with an automatic transmission, matching the strongest output in the lineup for drivers who prefer two-pedal driving.
When buying used, keep in mind that every Mazda Autozam AZ-3 dates from 1991–1998, so even the newest cars are decades old — condition and history of a specific example matter more than the model year. The single-generation lineup with only 4 modifications makes it easy to compare candidates directly, since they differ mainly by engine and gearbox.
The 1.8 MT (1 generation) and 1.8 AT (1 generation) sit at the top of the range at 145 hp, while the base versions start at 115 hp. With only a 30 hp spread across the lineup and a single body style, the choice comes down to transmission preference: the manual 1.8 MT is the mass-market version, and the automatic 1.8 AT delivers the same peak power without a clutch pedal.