1996 Mazda MX-6 Review

The gracefully shaped Mazda MX-6 sports coupe is one of the auto world's best-kept secrets.

For years, Mazda's limited financial resources have prevented the front-wheel-drive MX-6 from getting the kind of strong promotion it deserves. Only about 20,000 are sold annually in America.

In most ways, the MX-6 is exceptional--especially in high-line LS form with its world-class 2.5-liter, 160-horsepower V-6, which has dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder instead of the usual two. With its Pininfarina-like sophisticated curves, the MX-6 looks like it is from an exotic Italian outfit. But it's built near Detroit alongside the Ford Probe, with which it shares components.

The $13,930-$16,450 Probe costs considerably less than the $19,595-$22,850 MX-6, but the Ford has less standard equipment. It's also less refined, looks plainer and has a harsher ride than the MX-6.

Rough pavement elicited some rattles in the 1996 MX-6 LS I recently tested, but the nicely painted car was generally solid.

The $19,595 base MX-6 provides decent performance with its 2-liter, 114-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which has dual camshafts and 16 valves. It also is well-equipped, with dual air bags, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette stereo, tilt steering column and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

The base model gets four to five more miles per gallon in the city and on highways than the LS, but the higher-line MX-6 is well worth the extra money because it has the butter-smooth V-6 and better handling--thanks partly to an upgrade from 14- to 15-inch wheels and wider, high-performance tires.

Economy of the LS isn't bad, at an estimated 21 in the city and 26 on highways with a manual transmission and 20 and 26 with an automatic. And, besides items found in the base MX-6, the LS has air conditioning, power sunroof, four-wheel disc brakes, upgraded AM/FM/cassette system, anti-theft alarm, fog lamps and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Key options for both MX-6 models include anti-lock brakes, which cost $950 for the base model and $800 for the LS and an $800 four-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic saps power from both the four- and six-cylinder engines and shifts a bit harshly during strong acceleration--whereas the manual is fairly slick and works with a smooth clutch.

Many LS buyers likely will opt for that model's $1,095 leather package, which includes leather seats, power driver's seat, keyless entry system and heated outside mirrors.

A rear spoiler costs an extra $375. It makes the MX-6 look zoomier, and will come in handy by making the car more stable at high speeds when taking the LS on fast trips though Western states with their new, higher speed limits.

The MX-6's variable-assist power steering is especially good; it's precise and is one of few steering systems that provides exactly the right amount of effort for motoring at higher speeds.

The car's all-independent suspension provides a firm-but-supple ride, although it gets a little jerky on undulating freeway pavement. The stiffer performance tires of the LS hurt ride quality a bit, but I'd trade the superior handling of the LS for the slightly smoother ride of the base MX-6.

Indeed, the first-rate handling of the LS makes the car a joy to drive. Braking is quick and sure, with an easily modulated pedal.

The low-slung MX-6 isn't easy for even limber people to get in and out of. And taller MX-6 drivers will wish their seat moved back farther. They'll also wish they had a bit more room, although nicely shaped front bucket seats hold one firmly and comfortably in place during spirited driving.

The MX-6, which has easily read sports-car instrumentation and nicely located controls, basically is a two-seater, with the tight rear seat area best left to small children or pets. Rear seatbacks can be flipped forward to increase cargo space, but the trunk's narrow opening and rather high sill don't facilitate loading or unloading.

There was little wind or road noise as the MX-6 LS happily gobbled up expressway and highway pavement. You could be happy with this car for a very long time.