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Sporty/performance car; Built in USA, Japan
  • 2-door coupe
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,000 – $1,700*


1992 Mazda MX-6


1990 Mazda MX-6 GT


1991 Mazda MX-6 GT


1990 Mazda MX-6 LX


1991 Mazda MX-6 LX

Pros:
  • Acceleration (GT)
  • Optional antilock brakes
  • Fuel economy (110-horsepower engine)
Cons:
  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Torque steer (GT)

All in all, this is a nicely refined rival to the 2-door Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, and also a better daily driver than a rear-drive Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro.

Overview

Introduced for 1988, MX-6 was a 2-door version of the 626. MX-6 was also mechanically similar to the Ford Probe. Standard on the DX and LX was a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that made 110 horsepower. A turbocharged version of the 4-cylinder, rated at 145 horsepower, went into the GT coupe. A 5-speed manual shift was standard and a 4-speed automatic optional. Four-wheel steering was installed in a small number of 1990 models. Antilock, all-disc braking was optional on the LX and GT coupes, but not available on the DX edition.

Yearly Updates

1991 MX-6
Four-wheel steering departed from the option list, but otherwise, Mazda’s sport coupe was mechanically unaltered.
1992 MX-6
For its final season on the market in this form, the sport coupe again showed no significant change.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Powerhouse of the MX-6 line was the Turbocharged GT coupe. That version of the 2.2-liter, overhead-camshaft 4-cylinder engine developed 145 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. DX and LX models got a normally aspirated engine of the same displacement, rated at 110 horsepower and 130 pound-feet. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard equipment in all models, but a 4-speed automatic could be installed as an option.

ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.2/133
Engine HP 110
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 130
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		24/31
22/28 		26.5
Turbocharged ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.2/133
Engine HP 145
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 190
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		21/28
19/25 		20.9
20.2

Road Test

Four-cylinder coupes produce reasonably brisk acceleration and enthusiastic passing power. Reluctant downshifting from the automatic transmission makes a manual-shift model the better choice, however. For a real kick in an MX-6, pick the GT with its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 145 horses. Gas mileage is a pleasant bonus with either transmission, though, as expected, an MX-6 is more frugal with stick shift.

These competent coupes feel roomier inside than before and deliver a soft, supple ride–if stiffer than a typical family car. Only the GT’s ride might be considered harsh through rough surfaces. Handling and roadholding are capable enough, even in the DX version, suffering only moderate body lean in turns. Wind and tire noise can grow annoying. Engine noise also is stronger than in some Japanese-brand rivals.

Because the MX-6 coupe rides a shorter wheelbase than its 626 sedan sibling, rear leg room is a bit tighter. Nevertheless, you can expect more passenger room than in most compact sport coupes. Cargo space also is above average for the car’s class.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1992 Mazda MX-6 GT 5-speed

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 3
30%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 2
20%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 3
30%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 38

Specifications

2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
99.0 177.0 66.5 53.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.4 15.9 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.4 37.8 43.6 31.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1992 MX-6 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 137
Injury 121
Theft 115

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The A/C may gradually stop working because pinhole leaks develop at the receiver drier. (1990)
Engine misfire
Description: High idle or surging when cold could be due to a bad coolant sensor. (1990-92)
Oil consumption
Description: A plugged drainback hole in the cylinder head causes high oil consumption. (1991)
Suspension noise
Description: A knocking noise from the front end when driving over speed bumps caused by defective spring seats. (1990-92)
Water leak
Description: Water leaks into the trunk through the taillight assembly. (1990-92)

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 22, 2014.
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