Review: Mazda GE.I MX-6 (1991-94)

Overview

Released in November 1991, the GE Series I (GE.I) MX-6 was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive GE MX-6 was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

The 2.5-litre KL-DE V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, a variable induction system (Mazda’s ‘Variable Resonance Induction System’ or VRIS) and a compression ratio of 9.2:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Sharing its platform with the Mazda GE 626, the MX-6 was 4615 mm long, 1750 mm wide, 1310 mm tall and had a 2610 mm long wheelbase, while the drag coefficient was 0.32 Cd. Furthermore, the MX-6 had independent, MacPherson strut suspension front and rear (with coil springs and anti-roll bars) and speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering.

Four-wheel steering (4WS)

For Australia, the GE.I MX-6 was fitted with four-wheel steering (Mazda’s ‘4WS’) whereby the rear wheels would turn by up to five degrees at the same time as the front wheels. At low speeds (up to 35 km/h), the rear wheels would turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning radius. At higher speeds, however, the wheels would turn in the same direction to reduce yaw for greater stability. In the event of a fault with the 4WS system, the rear wheels would lock into the straight-ahead position so that the vehicle could be driven normally.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the GE.I MX-6 consisted of ABS.

Features

Standard features for the MX-6 included 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R15 Bridgestone Potenza tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat and a power sunroof.

Review: Mazda GE.II MX-6 (1994-97)

Overview

Released in September 1994, the GE.II MX-6 introduced an expanded range with the introduction of cheaper 2WS variants. Visually, the GE.II MX-6 could be identified by its new alloy wheels (with thinner spokes), interior trim and steering wheel.

Safety equipment

Compared to its GE.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the GE.II MX-6 was extended to include a driver’s airbag.

Features

Compared to its predecessor, the GE.II MX-6 omitted cruise control and the power sunroof. The 4WS variants, however, retained these features.

From 1996, the 4WS variants were further equipped with a power adjustable driver’s seat and leather trim.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mazda GE MX-6

Recalls: Mazda GE MX-6

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Mazda GE MX-6

• In November 1992, a recall was issued for Mazda MX-6 vehicles that were manufactured between 6 July 1991 to 19 October 1991 and from 20 January 1992 to 30 January 1992. In these vehicles, the bonnet striker may have insufficient welding on one of its ends, causing it to become loose. As a result, the bonnet may unlatch or open whilst driving (PRA 1992/1763). The affected vehicles were in the following VIN ranges:
  • JMO GE10L1 00100001 to JMO GE10L1 00104991; and,
  • JMO GE10S1 00100001 to JMO GE10S1 00104991
• In April 1993, a recall was issued for Mazda MX-6 vehicles that were manufactured from 1991 to 1993. In these vehicles, a wire in the front wiring harness may short circuit to earth, causing a fuse to blow. As a result, the engine may stop and not restart, the engine may run poorly, the headlights may stop working or the windscreen wipers may also stop. To fix, a reinforced rubber sheet was fitted to the front wiring harness where it contacted the longitudinal cross member of the radiator support panel. The affected vehicles were in the VIN range JMO GE10L1 00100001 to JMO GE10L1 00128072 (PRA 1993/1889).
• In July 1996, a recall was issued for Mazda MX-6 vehicles that were manufactured from 2 November 1994 to 30 June 1995. Due to a manufacturing fault, the fuel tank vapour valve retainer in these vehicles may crack, enabling fuel vapour and/or fuel to leak. The affected vehicles were in the VIN range JMO GE20L2 00103467 to JMO GE20L2 00107050 (PRA 1996/2886).

Problems and faults: Mazda GE MX-6

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Mazda GE MX-6

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Mazda GE MX-6.

Released in November 1991, the GE Series I (GE.I) MX-6 was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive GE MX-6 was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission… Read full Mazda GE MX-6 review

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Images: Mazda GE.II MX-6 (1994-97)

Released in September 1994, the Mazda GE Series II (GE.II) MX-6 introduced an expanded range with the introduction of cheaper 2WS variants. The Mazda GE.II MX-6 could be identified by its new alloy wheels (with thinner spokes), interior trim and steering wheel. Standard safety equipment was also extended to include a driver’s airbag.

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Men and Motors: Mazda GE MX-6 – test drive and review

Note

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.