Mazda Persona Overview: Generations and Which One to Buy
A look at the Mazda Persona sedan built from 1988 to 1991, covering its single generation, the 97–140 hp engine range, and which versions stand out.
The Mazda Persona is a front-wheel-drive sedan produced from 1988 to 1991, with engine outputs ranging from 97 to 140 hp. It suits buyers looking for a compact Japanese sedan from the late 1980s with simple mechanicals, a choice of manual or automatic transmission, and modest power that favors relaxed driving over performance.
Mazda Persona generations
1 generation (1988–1991)
The first and only generation of the Mazda Persona was built from 1988 to 1991 exclusively as a sedan. All versions use front-wheel drive, and the lineup spans 97 to 140 hp across 6 modifications, offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The Mazda Persona 1.8 MT (115 hp) with its 1789 cc engine was the mass-market version of the range, while the Mazda Persona 2.0 AT topped the lineup with a 1998 cc engine producing 140 hp.
Because the model lived through a single generation with one body style, the range is easy to navigate: the main differences between versions come down to engine displacement (1.8 or 2.0 liters), power output, and transmission choice.
Which Mazda Persona to buy
- 1.8 MT (115 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market version, pairing a 1789 cc engine with a manual transmission — its 115 hp sits comfortably in the middle of the 97–140 hp range.
- 2.0 AT (1 generation): the most powerful version of the lineup, with a 1998 cc engine delivering 140 hp and an automatic transmission for easier driving.
When buying used, keep in mind that every Mazda Persona is now well over three decades old — production ended in 1991 — so the condition of the specific car matters far more than the version. The single-generation, single-body lineup with only 6 modifications also makes it straightforward to compare candidates: any Mazda Persona you find is a front-wheel-drive sedan from the same 1988–1991 run, differing mainly in engine and gearbox.
For drivers who prefer shifting themselves, the manual versions such as the Mazda Persona 1.8 MT (115 hp) are the natural pick; those who want the least effort behind the wheel should look at automatic versions like the Mazda Persona 2.0 AT, which also happens to be the strongest engine in the range at 140 hp.