Mazda MX-6

The Mazda MX-6 was a front-wheel drive sporty coupe produced by Mazda between 1988 and 1997.

The MX-6 was mechanically identical to the Ford Probe. Both cars shared the Mazda GD platform (1988-1992) and GE platform (1993-1997). Along with the Ford Probe, the Mazda MX-6 was designed and built in America in a joint venture with Ford, called Auto Alliance.

1988-1992 MX-6

The first generation MX-6/Probe appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of futuristic concept cars of the early 1980s. It was a large coupe, based on the Mazda GD platform, and was powered by a 2.2L SOHC straight-4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine. The base engine produced just 110hp (82kW), but a 145hp (108kW) turbocharged version was available.

This generation was available in several trim levels, which differ depending on the market the vehicle was sold in. In the United States, the MX-6 was available in DX, LX, LE, and GT trim levels:

• DX was the "bare bones" model, offering the base 110hp/130ft.lbf F2 2.2L engine and few options, but most MX-6s sold in the U.S. were equipped with air conditioning.
• LX added power windows, power locks, and power mirrors, as well as an optional electric moonroof.
• LE was a rare "Leather Edition" model that the same as the LX and included leather seating surfaces and a leather wrapped shift knob on manual transmission-equipped vehicles.
• GT included all options from the LX, but also stepped up to the F2T 2.2L turbocharged, intercooled engine, which put out 145hp and 190ft.lbf of torque delivering a significant performance boost. It also had 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS and 3 way adjustable suspension.

In 1989, Mazda offered a special four wheel steering (commonly abbrieviated 4WS) option on MX-6 GTs destined for the U.S. This system consisted of an electronically controlled rear steering rack that turned the rear wheels opposite to the fronts at low speeds to improve cornering, and turned the rear wheels with the fronts at high speeds to improve highway lane change manuvering.