1996 Mazda MX-6 Review
1996 Mazda MX-6 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
No changes for 1996.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mazda MX-6 M-Edition 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$195/mo
MX-6 M-Edition
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Built in Flat Rock, Mich., on the same assembly line as the Mazda 626 and Ford Probe, the Mazda MX-6 is one of the sexiest shapes to grace the showrooms. Seemingly styled after Europe's Opel Calibra, the MX-6 exudes class. With the LS trim-level, which includes Mazda's creamy-smooth 2.5-liter V6, bigger tires mounted on attractive alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, fog lights, power sunroof, air conditioning and an alarm system, the MX-6 is quite a performer, offering outstanding braking, handling, and acceleration. Load on the Leather Package, and the MX-6 LS becomes a budget Lexus SC coupe.
Fortunately, Mazda has chosen to offer two price levels for the MX-6. The base MX-6 can be had for a reasonable price that will put a smile on the face of the thrifty shopper who is looking for something a little more frisky than an Accord Coupe. Those who want the extra "oomph" of a V6 engine, and the increased driving satisfaction that accompanies it, can opt for the MX-6 LS. The LS costs about three thousand dollars more than the base model and is loaded with a host of standard equipment that makes the car a pleasure to behold, not to mention drive. Unfortunately, this puts the LS in the "getting-expensive" category, which may force those without deep pockets to look elsewhere for their thrills.
For example, the mechanically identical Ford Probe GT, with antilock brakes, leather, automatic and all the amenities the Mazda offers is about three thousand dollars less expensive, and offers the utility of a hatchback with an expansive cargo area.
Depending on your needs, the Mazda MX-6 is either a good or a bad deal. One thing is constant, however. It looks exceptionally tasty.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mazda MX-6.
5 star(81%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I Miss My MX-6
StephRocks, 10/19/2010
1996 Mazda MX-6 LS 2dr Coupe
This was my all time favorite vehicle! Got 330,000 miles out of her before I sold her to a young man rebuilding another MX-6. All she needed was a clutch.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Inside & Out
Genny, 06/21/2002
1996 Mazda MX-6 M-Edition 2dr Coupe
I bought this car as a 70-mile per day commuter. Looks, performance and
comfort all seemlessly coexist in this car. This car, even at six years old,
still looks fresh and it's not like every other coupe on the road (read Integra,
Mustang or Camaro).
4.25 out of 5 stars
MX-6
Flave81, 03/16/2002
1996 Mazda MX-6 M-Edition 2dr Coupe
Great car. Affordable. Minor problems electrically and mechanically. Lack of horsepower for racing ethusiasts, but decent V6
5 out of 5 stars
Would Buy Again in a Heartbeat
Lainey, 11/13/2016
1996 Mazda MX-6 2dr Coupe
This was my everyday ride for 15 years. Purchased it in 2001 with 55K miles on it. Final odometer reading: 247,809. Coming out of an '85 Celica hatchback, I felt right at home in it from the get-go. My motorhead brother was skeptical when I bought it because it shared design features of the Probe...and how long since anyone's seen one of those on the road? But the engine was all … Mazda. Bro has frequently expressed amazement that my MX-6 has had such a great run. An unfortunate encounter on the interstate with an 18-wheeler has left the car in ruins, but amazingly, I walked away without a scratch! (Thankfully, no one else was hurt either.) This car has been one tough little cookie. The original clutch lasted until 2011. The aftermarket ones stank and had been replaced 3 times. Distributer was replaced twice. Timing belt and major hoses replaced in 2012. Axles replaced this spring. Tires were getting hard to find, as few manufacturers make 14" ones anymore. The engine light came on after foolishly driving through some floodwater, and stayed mostly on for the last 3 years (probably oxygen sensors). Only time it would ever go off was when I took it to the mechanic. Go figure. I finally put a piece of duct tape over the light to spare myself the annoyance of looking at it. The cylinder compression was getting weak toward the end of its life. Other than those things, I can't think of any major mechanical issues. It never leaked a drop of oil. This car is such fun to drive. With decent tires, I never got stranded in snow. And to be so small, you could pack an amazing amount of camping gear into it! My biggest complaints are cabin noise and constant danger of cracking one's skull on the trunk latch when loading or unloading the trunk. If I had $$ to put into a "toy," I'd go in search of another one today! Sure gonna miss my little friend.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Mazda MX-6, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-6 since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- N/A
- MPG & Fuel
- 18 City / 24 Hwy / 20 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.5 gal. capacity
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 164 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 160 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 181.5 in. / Height: 51.6 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 68.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 2,625 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 12.4 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
More about the 1996 Mazda MX-6
Used 1996 Mazda MX-6 Overview
The Used 1996 Mazda MX-6 is offered in the following submodels: MX-6 Coupe. Available styles include M-Edition 2dr Coupe, 2dr Coupe, and LS 2dr Coupe. Pre-owned Mazda MX-6 models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine or a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 164 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Mazda MX-6 comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1996 Mazda MX-6?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1996 Mazda MX-6S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Mazda MX-6 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Mazda MX-6.
Can't find a used 1996 Mazda MX-6s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Mazda MX-6?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mazda lease specials
Check out Mazda MX-6 lease specials
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