Segment:
Front-wheel drive sports coupe, competing with models like the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, and Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a sporty and technologically advanced coupe for spirited driving and customization.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Celica ST185/GT-Four, Honda Prelude BB1/BB2, Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, Nissan 300ZX (Z32) (though in a slightly higher segment).
Unique Selling Points:
Available All-Wheel Steering (AWS/4WS) system, optional turbocharged engine, sleek aerodynamic styling, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Handling Focus:
Emphasized sporty handling and performance, particularly with the 4WS and turbo variants.
Regions Covered:
Global (specifications may vary slightly by market)
Trim Levels Covered:
GT, GT-R Turbo, 4WS (Four-Wheel Steering)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for full factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, turbocharger system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering, 4WS system (if equipped), wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, interior controls, exterior controls, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM)
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, roof, seats, body repair, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, circuit diagrams, component testing
Repair And Overhaul:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, reassembly, rebuilding procedures for major components (engine, transmission, differentials)
Technical Adjustments:
Engine timing, idle speed adjustment, valve lash adjustment (if applicable), brake adjustments, steering angle adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair.
Configuration:
2.5L (2490cc) V6, DOHC, 24 valves
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 74.2 mm
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 170-180 PS (168-178 hp) at 6000 rpm
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 220-225 Nm (162-166 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm
Horsepower Turbocharged:
Approx. 205-210 PS (202-207 hp) at 6000 rpm (GT-R Turbo)
Torque Turbocharged:
Approx. 290-300 Nm (214-221 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (GT-R Turbo)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Turbocharger:
Water-cooled turbocharger with intercooler (GT-R Turbo variant)
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission with electronic control
All Wheel Drive:
Available (often paired with turbo and/or GT-R models)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify with specific manual chapter)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (verify with specific manual chapter)
Length:
Approx. 4660 mm (183.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1330 mm (52.4 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2610 mm (102.8 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not explicitly stated in product info, refer to vehicle identification plate.
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A for this model year, as official ratings were less standardized.
Antilock Braking System ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on some GT/GT-R variants.
Four Wheel Steering 4Ws:
Optional, enhances maneuverability and high-speed stability.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners (front), two-point lap belts (rear)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag optional on some models, not standard across all trims.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones (front and rear)
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4-6 speakers.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (optional) with air conditioning and heater.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most GT models, optional on others.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this generation, if at all. Not a common feature.
Phone Integration:
N/A (No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). More frequent in severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (platinum tipped recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (crucial for V6 engines to prevent catastrophic damage).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change (verify for specific engine variant).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 liters (7.4 US quarts) (with heater and radiator).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent.
Engine:
Timing belt tensioner failure (leading to belt jump/break), oil leaks from valve covers and oil cooler seals, distributor o-ring leaks, occasional ECU failures.
Transmission:
Manual transmission synchro wear (especially 2nd and 3rd gear), automatic transmission solenoid failures, potential for leaks.
Suspension Steering:
Worn suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. 4WS system actuators and hydraulic lines can leak or fail.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, dashboard illumination failures, power window/lock gremlins, ABS sensor failures.
Body:
Rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, and chassis. Headlight motor failure (pop-up headlights).
Mazda Performance Focus:
Mazda has a strong heritage in sporty, driver-oriented vehicles, exemplified by the RX-7 and its commitment to rotary engines, though the MX-6 represents their more mainstream sporty coupe offering.
Previous Generation:
The first generation MX-6 (1987-1991) was a rebadged Ford Probe in North America, but the second generation (GE) was a distinct Mazda design.
Design Philosophy:
The GE chassis was designed to be a more potent and sophisticated competitor in the sporty coupe market, with advanced features like 4WS and a potent V6 engine.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda Auto Haustown Plant, Hiroshima, Japan
Production End:
1992 (followed by the KL-based Mazda MX-6 1992-1997)
Automotive Journalism:
While specific major awards are not prominently cited, the MX-6 was generally well-received for its styling, handling, and technology in automotive press of its era.
Performance Reviews:
Praised for its V6 engine smoothness and the innovative 4WS system's contribution to dynamic driving.
Emissions Compliance:
Compliant with relevant emissions standards for its production years (e.g., EPA standards in the US).
