Mazda MX6

Too bad about the Mazda MX-6 Mystere. 

When it was last re-invented for the '93 model year it became one of the more elegant coupes of the decade. Yet flagging sales doomed it to the land of discontinued models.

But if you're in the used market looking for a stylish two-door with good performance and above average reliability, the MX-6 is worth a long look.

Note, however, that there is a tremendous difference between the '93 and newer models and earlier models. Aside from the looks, the newer cars had better handling, steering, ride quality and manageable power. 

For '93, the MX-6 Mystere shared its platform, powertrain and suspension with the then-new 626 Cronos, and both were built at the same Flat Rock, Mich., plant too. So, too, was the Ford Probe of the day, which by the way has also been discontinued.

But while both the 626 and MX-6 shared the same front-wheel-drive platform, the perform totally differently. On the one hand there is the 626, a family-mobile. On the other, the MX-6, a stylish 2+2 sports coupe built for the driving enthusiast.

The thumbnail sketch of the MX-6 goes like this: fast, nifty and forgiving handling, impressive ride quality, sleek looks. It needs them all because the MX-6 arrived to compete with the likes of Honda's Prelude, Toyota's Celica, Nissan's 240SX.

As for comparisons with the MX-6's predecessor here is the most vital point of all: the newer car was not turbocharged. Which this case means torque steer was virtually eliminated. And make no mistake torque steer was a huge problem with the older MX-6. (Torque steer, by the way, is a condition whereby under hard acceleration front-wheel-drive cars suffer hard-to-control steering pull to one side.

So where pre-'93 turbocharged MX-6 models were skittish as a colt, the newer cars had a very neutral feel. They also had a longer wheelbase (up 3.8 inches to 102.8 or 2,610 mm) which improved straightline stability and a wider track (up almost two inches to 59.1 or 1,500 mm) for better cornering. The body structure was also made more rigid, and the suspension tuned for more sportiness.
The '93 MX-6 was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, yet it suffered from slightly smaller interior dimensions. The difference was really noticeable in rear seat head room, which was by more than five cm./two inches.

Still, this coupe was and still is an eye grabber inside and out. The cockpit had the flowing curves industry types call "organic." The low cowl improved visibility and created a feeling of openness. And controls and instruments were simple and refined.

As for power, base versions were sold with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (114-188 hp.), while more expensive versions got a 2.5-litre V-6 (160-164 hp.). Top-of-the-line models came loaded with alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, anti-theft alarm and four-wheel disc brakes. Standard down the line were power windows, cruise control, a six-speaker stereo system and a driver's side air bag. Anti-lock braking was optional on both models.

The V6-powered cars delivered spirited acceleration, but the four-cylinder still had plenty of zip. Be warned that if you want serious zoominess, find a five-speed MX-6; the four-speed automatic robs this car of its performance characteristics.

Mazda stopped selling the MX-6 because of a whole host of reasons, poor sales first among them. So be warned there aren't many used ones out there. It's a shame really, that a good car never really found its place in the market.

CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Mazda MX-6 Mystere LS
1999-NA
1998-NA 
1997-$17,800 ($27,790 original MSRP)
1996-$16,275 ($27,220)
1995-$14,300 ($26,275)
1994-$12,175 ($24,495)
1993-$9,675 ($23,575) 

BUYER'S ALERTS: Note that broken motor mounts will allow the engine to rock back and forth when accelerating, decelerating (TSB T-003/93-B, April '93). Also note that door key lock cylinders that do not illuminate when the door handle is lifted may have a faulty bulb, micro switch or wiring harness (052/93, Dec. '93); squeaking up front when turning might be traced to the front strut attaching mechanisms (R001/96, April '96); sunroofs may rattle when closed due to several possible causes (S010-96, March '96); the wipers may not work due to broken welds breaking at the wiper arm support bracket or to circuit breaker activation (003/97G, Jan. '97).

Look for oil leaks at the valve cover (971023007-97, Oct. '97); a metallic tapping noise from the engine that could be traced to slippage between the exhaust camshaft driven gear and the friction gear (00598, Nov. '98); a damaged torque converter hub seat will allow fluid to leak from automatic transmissions (006/95, Dec. '95); engine knock, especially at cold temperatures, could be traced to carbon buildup in the combustion chamber (001/97, March '97).

For recalls:
1997: No. 1998178 refers to vehicles with four-cylinder engines that may suffer from breaking of an external spring in the timing belt.
1996, '95-No. 1998203 refers to minor undercarriage impacts that could result in airbag deployment.
1997, '96, '95-No. 1999057 refers to fuel vapor that could leak from between the fuel cap and the fuel filler pipe.

THE VERDICT: Great styling in a fun-to-drive coupe that somehow never caught on.
CHECK THE SPECS
1993 MAZDA MX-6 MYSTERE LS
Market segment: sporty coupe
Typical market competition: Ford Probe GT, Honda Accord Coupe, Volkswagen Corrado VR-6, Acura Integra GS-R, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica GT, Nissan 240SX. 
Engine: (front-engine/front drive) 2.5-litre DOHC V-6 with 24 valves; 164-horsepower @ 5,600 rpm; torque rated at 160 lbs-ft at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: standard five-speed manual, with optional four-speed automatic.
Steering: rack-and-pinion, variable power-assisted.
Brakes: front discs/rear discs, power-assisted with three-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Tires: P205/55R15 all-season radials. 
Fuel economy: Litres/100 kilometres, city/hwy--11.7 city/8.6 hwy for the manual, 12.6 city/8.9 hwy for the automatic.
Pros
* Silky smooth V-6 engine
* Elegant styling
* Sporty ride and handling
Cons
* Rear-seat head room is minimal

OVERALL SCORE: 7.5 (out of 10)

ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for Mazda MX-6
Access: B-
Driving position: B-
Instruments/Controls: B 
Visibility: B-
Climate Control: B
Steering: B+
Brakes: B
Handling: B 
Acceleration: B+
Engine: B+
Transmission: B 
Interior space: C+
Trunk/Cargo: C
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B-

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD 
Overall: B
Mechanical: B 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B

SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: Yes 
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes 
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): five stars/four stars

INSURANCE HISTORY
Collision cost rating: NA
Comprehensive cost rating: NA
Theft claim cost rating: NA