1990-1992 Mazda MX-6: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Mazda MX-6 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy (110-horsepower engine)
- Acceleration (GT)
- Optional antilock brakes
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Torque steer (GT)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda MX-6 GT 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Mazda MX-6. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Mazda MX-6.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mazda MX-6:
Four-wheel steering departed from the option list, but otherwise, Mazda's sport coupe was mechanically unaltered.
1992 Mazda MX-6:
For its final season on the market in this form, the sport coupe again showed no significant change.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Mazda MX-6 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Mazda MX-6 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Mazda MX-6 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Value for the Money
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda MX-6 GT 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda MX-6 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda MX-6 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The A/C may gradually stop working because pinhole leaks develop at the receiver drier. (1990)
Engine misfire:
High idle or surging when cold could be due to a bad coolant sensor. (1990-92)
Oil consumption:
A plugged drainback hole in the cylinder head causes high oil consumption. (1991)
Suspension noise:
A knocking noise from the front end when driving over speed bumps caused by defective spring seats. (1990-92)
Water leak:
Water leaks into the trunk through the taillight assembly. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $545 |
| Alternator | $235 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,435 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $600 |
| Exhaust System | $535 |
| Radiator | $420 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $700 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda MX-6 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| MX-6 DX, LX | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| MX-6 GT | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| MX-6 DX, LX | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| MX-6 GT | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| MX-6 DX, LX | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| MX-6 GT, 4WS | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda MX-6 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2560 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged ohc I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 145 | 190 | 5-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 19/25 |
5-speed manual: 20.9 4-speed automatic: 20.2 |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 110 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: 26.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda MX-6 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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