The Mazda MX-6 was built from 1987 through 1997 across two generations. The first generation was from 1987 through 1992, and in 1993, it was completely redesigned and on sale from the spring of 1992. The first generation was based on the Mazda GD platform and came powered by the inline-four Mazda F engines backed by a Mazda G4A-EL four-speed electronic-shift automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. For the U.S., the engine was the F2 2.2-liter unit developing 110 horsepower or an optional turbocharged version that brought horsepower to 145 hp.

Trim levels on the MX-6 sold in the U.S. included the DX, LX, LE, and GT. The base-level was the DX which came with the 110 hp engine and most received air conditioning. The LX added power locks, power windows, and power mirrors, along with an optional electric moonroof. Next came the LE, known as the 'Leather Edition' which came with the LX items plus leather seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped shift knob on the cars with manual transmission. The GT had the LX engine with the F2T 2.2-liter turbocharged, intercooled engine and optional four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Mazda offered a four-wheel steering option on U.S.-based MX-6 GTs beginning in 1989. This technology was used in the 1983 Mazda MX-02 Concept.

The second generation of the MX-6 began in 1991 and continued through 1997. Trim levels included the base level RS which came with the FS-DE 2.0 dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine offering 118 horsepower. The LS was a luxury model fitted with the KL-DE 2.5 DOHC V6 engine developing 164 horsepower. Additionally, they had a low rear spoiler, alloy wheels, leather or cloth interior, and optional CD player and foglights. The LS M-edition was a special edition that had unique all-red taillights, chrome scuff plates, gold alloy wheels, and an in-dash three-disc CD player. There were M-edition embroidered front seats and mats and gold badges. They were offered in three paint colors black, white, and burgundy.

by Dan Vaughan