1997 Mazda MX-6 Review
Price Estimate: $1 - $2
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Timeless sheetmetal, comfortable interior, great road feel, spunky engine
Cons
- Teensy rear seat, high price
What’s new
All LS models get a rear spoiler.
For sale near Orem, UT
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 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 a whopping $4,600 more than the base model, but 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, loaded with every option (including power sunroof, leather, ABS, and automatic) runs about two grand less expensive than a base MX-6, 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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Utah
$157/mo for MX-6 Base
MX-6 Base
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Mazda MX-6 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
I Miss My MX-6
5 out of 5 starsStephRocks, 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.
MX-6
4.25 out of 5 starsFlave81, 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
Beautiful Inside & Out
4.75 out of 5 starsGenny, 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).
Awesome luxo/sport coupe
4.75 out of 5 starsMJEEZY, 04/09/2002
1996 Mazda MX-6 M-Edition 2dr Coupe
Actually my girlfriends car, but I want
it. It is the M edition, with the tan
leather and burgandy paint, gold
badging and rims... Looks classy, much
more like a European luxury coupe than
a Ford Probe (which, along with the 626
were all built on the same assembly
line in the US.) The car looks great
and runs great... The 2.5l v6 has a
good deal of torque, I think 185 … ft-lb.
to go with the 165 hp, and you can feel
it... The car loves to be above 4k
rpms. Backseat is a joke, but then
again, who cares, I dont sit back
there. I have seen headers, ecu's and
exhausts for this engine but that is
about it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Mazda MX-6, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-6 since its last redesign.
1997 MX-6 Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $157/month |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
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.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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