🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-6

Generation:

1st Generation (GA Series)

Chassis Codes:

GA70 (FWD), GCDP (GT)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Sporty personal luxury coupe aimed at competing with vehicles like the Ford Probe, Toyota Camry Coupe, and Mitsubishi Starion. Emphasized sleek styling, front-wheel-drive dynamics, and available turbocharged performance.

Competitive Analysis:

The MX-6 offered a compelling blend of style, comfort, and performance for its era. Its front-wheel-drive platform was a key differentiator in a segment often dominated by rear-wheel drive, offering enhanced stability and ease of use.

Key Features:

Pop-up headlights, available turbocharged engine, independent suspension on all wheels, luxurious interior appointments, available leather seating, and advanced (for the time) sound systems.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All Models and All Repairs A-Z

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (Original Factory Publication)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged), Drivetrain (FWD), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), Climate Control, Body & Interior, Body Electronics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Lubrication, Emission Controls

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Service, Troubleshooting Procedures, Component Removal and Installation, Repair Procedures, Component Overhaul, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Harness Repair, Spec Sheet Reference

Technical Depth:

Complete Repair Manual for Technicians. Includes detailed explanations, step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.

Diagnostic Codes Covered:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for engine management and other electronic systems, with specific troubleshooting procedures and code definitions.

Torque Specifications Coverage:

Comprehensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners across engine, chassis, and drivetrain components.

Wiring Diagrams Coverage:

Detailed electrical system wiring diagrams, including component locations and harness routing, essential for troubleshooting electrical faults.

Special Tools Required:

Identification of any specialized tools required for specific repairs or diagnostics, facilitating proper procedure execution.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality factory print

Binding Type:

Professional bound (typically hardcover or sturdy paperback)

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L Inline-4 (FE-DE)

Engine Variants:

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (FE3-T)

Horsepower Na:

Approximately 114 hp @ 5500 rpm (FE-DE)

Torque Na:

Approximately 125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (FE-DE)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approximately 145 hp @ 5500 rpm (FE3-T)

Torque Turbo:

Approximately 170 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (FE3-T)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Induction System:

Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged (Intercooled for GT models)

Engine Code Detail:

FE-DE (2.0L NA), FE3-T (2.0L Turbo)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm (FE-DE/FE3-T)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 (FE-DE), 8.3:1 (FE3-T)

Engine Management System:

Mazda Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities.

Ignition System Type:

Electronic Spark Control (ESC) or distributor-based ignition depending on specific model variant and market. Detailed ignition timing specifications provided.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive, Automatic transmission with selectable sport mode on some models.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically Actuated Dry Single Plate Clutch

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios vary by transmission and model, detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

100.2 inches (2545 mm)

Length:

176.8 inches (4491 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

50.8 inches (1290 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

2900-3200 lbs (1315-1450 kg) depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specific GVWR detailed in manual.

Wheelbase Specs:

Provided in manual for specific trims.

Tire Sizes:

Commonly 195/60R15, 205/55R15, 205/50VR15 on GT models. Detailed tire specifications in manual.

Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA crash test data for this era is limited and not always directly comparable to modern standards. Manual focuses on repair of safety systems.

Active Safety Features:

Front-wheel drive, Power-assisted front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (optional rear discs on some trims).

Passive Safety Features:

Three-point seatbelts (front and rear), Crumple zones, Side impact door beams (on some later production models/markets), Padded interior surfaces.

Braking System Details:

Front: Ventilated Disc; Rear: Drum. GT models and some later production could be optioned with rear disc brakes. ABS was not commonly available or standard.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems with graphic equalizers and more speakers. Limited digital integration by modern standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern definition. Focus on basic vehicle control and ergonomics. Some models may have had cruise control.

Connectivity Features:

No external connectivity features. Analog systems only.

Lighting Technology:

Pop-up headlights, Halogen headlamps.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals General:

Refer to specific sections in the manual for detailed maintenance schedules (e.g., oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles, timing belt replacement at 60,000-90,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended. Consult manual for exact viscosity based on temperature.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water). Refer to manual for Mazda specific recommendations (e.g., Mazda specific coolant).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Consult manual for specific type.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF-III or equivalent DEXRON-III compatible fluid. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent. Consult manual for specific type.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter. Refer to manual for exact capacity.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters). Refer to manual for exact capacity.

Known Issues:

Common issues include aging rubber components (hoses, bushings, engine mounts), potential for head gasket failure on higher mileage turbocharged models, window regulator issues, and electrical gremlins related to aging wiring. Turbo models may experience turbocharger wear. Clutch wear is typical for manual transmissions.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Fram PH3600, Bosch 3323, or equivalent. Consult manual or parts catalog for specific fitment.

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Fram CA3061, Bosch 4201, or equivalent. Consult manual or parts catalog for specific fitment.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Crucial due to interference engine design on some variants.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker known for its innovative rotary engines and sporty vehicles like the RX-7, aimed to offer a stylish and front-wheel-drive alternative in the personal luxury coupe market with the MX-6.

Model Evolution:

The 1st generation MX-6 (GA series) was produced from 1987 to 1991. It was closely related to the Mazda Capella/Cronos and the Ford Probe. It was designed as a successor to the Mazda RX-7 (FB generation) in some markets, offering a more practical and comfortable coupe experience.

Production Years:

1987-1991

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Sales Figures:

Specific sales figures vary by region, but it was a moderately successful model for Mazda in the late 1980s.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific major awards for the 1988 MX-6 are not widely documented, it was generally well-received for its styling and performance within its segment. Often praised in contemporary automotive reviews.

Contemporary Ratings:

Likely received positive ratings for its sport-coupe aesthetics and handling characteristics from automotive journalists of the period.