1993-1997 Mazda MX-6: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Refinement
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Rear-seat room
- Ride (LS)
Vehicle Highlights
The MX-6, Mazda 626 sedan, and Ford Probe were all built in Flat Rock, Michigan, at a plant jointly owned by Mazda and Ford. Powering the MX-6 were both a 4-cylinder and a V6. Base models got a modest 2.0-liter four, while the premium LS version moved out with a 164-horsepower 2.5-liter V6. Both engines were mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A driver-side airbag was standard; antilock brakes optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda MX-6 2.5-liter 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Mazda MX-6:
New passenger-side airbags for both the base model and up-level LS headline the changes to the MX-6 for 1994. Also, more sound-deadening material has been added to the door panels to reduce unwanted resonance.
1995 Mazda MX-6:
The premium LS coupe is discontinued for 1995. The base MX-6 is still powered by a 118-horsepower 4-cylinder, but the V6 and the LS equipment can be selected as separate option packages.
1996 Mazda MX-6:
Mazda decided to go back to "Plan A" and once again offer both a base model and a separate premium LS model. Otherwise, the MX-6 sports coupe is all but unchanged.
1997 Mazda MX-6:
As the MX-6 entered its final year of production, Mazda made only a few minor changes to the upscale LS version. The 2.5-liter V6 powering the LS adopted sequential fuel injection, boosting the horsepower rating from 160 to 164 at 5600 rpm.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
While we prefer the V6, be aware that the 4-cylinder engine does have adequate performance and better fuel economy. Equipped with a V6 and 5-speed, the coupe delivers willing performance and spirited acceleration. The engine has plenty of low-end torque and revs freely to redline. While the V6 runs smoothly and quietly at all speeds, the automatic tends to stifle the car's performance, even becoming balky when asked to perform a full-throttle downshift. The 4-cylinder likewise delivers decent power with the manual, but as expected, turns sluggish when paired with the automatic. Handling is crisp and responsive, with little body roll in tight corners. Ride quality on the LS suffers some from the standard performance tires, which are rated for speeds up to 149 mph. However, the ride is still better than that provided by the Ford Probe GT. You can also expect the stiff tires to offer poor traction in snow. The MX-6 is a snug 2+2. Front head room and leg room are adequate for 6-footers, the rear seats are so tiny that even some small children may complain about the lack of space.
Value for the Money
Ford's Probe has the same mechanical features but at a lower price. Both the MX-6 and Probe are the cream of the crop among sports coupes, in our view.
Ford's Probe has the same mechanical features but at a lower price. Both the MX-6 and Probe are the cream of the crop among sports coupes, in our view.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda MX-6 2.5-liter 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
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.
Engine knock:
Cars with a V6 engine built before March 1993 may have engine knock, especially when cold, due to carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. (1993-94)
Engine mounts:
Broken motor mounts allow the engine to rock back and forth when accelerating, decelerating, or starting from a stop. (1993-94)
Engine noise:
A metallic tapping noise from the rear of the engine could be due to slippage between the exhaust-camshaft driven gear and friction gear. (1993-95)
Hard starting:
Distributor problems cause no-start or engine performance problems. (1993-94)
Power seats:
The insulation on the wires for the power seat can wear through causing a short circuit. (1993-94)
Transmission leak:
A damaged torque-converter hub seal allows fluid to leak from the automatic transmission. (1994-96)
Vehicle shake:
Vibrations in the steering wheel, shift lever, and floor are probably caused by mispositioned radiator dampers. (1993-95)
Wipers:
The welds holding the wiper-arm support bracket break, causing a creak or rattle when the wipers are running. (1993-95)
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 | $360 |
| Alternator | $245 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,075 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $590 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $780 |
| Exhaust System | $485 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $770 |
| 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 |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| MX-6 | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| MX-6 LS | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| 1996 | |||
| MX-6 | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| MX-6 LS | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1995 | |||
| MX-6 | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| MX-6 LS | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1994 | |||
| MX-6 | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| MX-6 LS | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| MX-6 | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| MX-6 LS | $1,500-1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $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. | 102.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 181.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2625 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 27.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
When the restyled MX-6 was unveiled in 1993, it made its debut with two engines, a 118-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 164-horsepower 2.5-liter V6. Both can be mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. For 1996, modest changes to the engine management system result in small drops in the performance figures for both engines. The 4-cylinder now lists a horsepower rating of 114 and the V6 has four fewer horses, for a total of 160. The four horses and four pound-feet of torque lost in '96 return in '97 when the V6 moves from port to sequential fuel injection.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 114-118 | 124-127 | 5-speed manual: 26/34 4-speed automatic: 23/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 2.5 / 153 | 160-164 | 156-160 | 5-speed manual: 21/26 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: 23 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: 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
| Test | 1997 MX-6 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993-99:
Certain SPX Filtran fuel filters may leak.
1994:
Headlight wire that runs through turn-signal lever can fail where it is soldered to switch, causing loss of headlights.
1995-96:
Airbag could deploy as a result of minor undercarriage impact.
1997:
Spring in timing-belt tensioner can break and get caught, resulting in possible engine stalling.
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