1989 Mazda MX6 GT 2.2 turbo

Summary:

Budget Pocket Rocket

Faults:

Replaced the radiator, starter, 2 tie-rods, brakes 3 times, under hood fuse panel, shift linkages and 4 sets of tires.

General Comments:

Considering the years and mileage this has, it's been an awesome car. With the suspension set on soft it's surprisingly comfortable on the long hauls. But change the setting to Sport, rev the engine to 4000 rpm then drop the clutch and hold on tight to that steering wheel (huge torque steer in first with turbo) then start rowing through the gears. What a pocket rocket! And for a front wheel drive, she handles surprisingly well when driven hard into and out of corners. With regular maintenance and oiling of the body I've had no major problems, very little rust and she's still running strong today with 270m + miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2003

1989 Mazda MX6 GT Turbo 2.2L 12 valve

Summary:

Six cylinder power on a four cylinder budget

Faults:

Plugs, rotor, distributor cap, and wires needed replacement right when I bought it.

It burns a little bit of oil, not much for an 89 with almost 150k on the original motor.

Passenger side seat bracket had broken, but was easily fixed with a wire welder and 10 minuets time.

I have been told that the differential is the weak link in the power train, so rebuilt mine at 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is a fantastic car to drive. The handling at speed is smooth and very direct. Shocking acceleration the first few times I really got into the gas.

There is some torque steer at wide open throttle in the lower gears.

I have added on many aftermarket parts, ignition coil, 9mm plug wires, iridium spark plugs (a must for any turbo), electronic boost control, turbo timer, cross drilled rotors, performance brake pads, lowering springs, lightweight aluminum flywheel, and Phantom Grip limited slip differential to name a few.

The car can handle up to 16 psi on stock pistons, however, the computer will intervene at 11 psi unless it is also modified with a chip.

It's a very smooth riding car that begs to be driven hard, personally I have had mine up to nearly 150 mph only to lift off for fear of my well being, but the car still had more.

The GT model for the years it was produced (1988-1992) is now becoming scarce. Every day another one of these gems disappears off the road forever. If you do happen across one jump on it as quick as you can, it will not wait for long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2003

20th Aug 2003, 10:49

"The car can handle up to 16 psi on stock pistons, however, the computer will intervene at 11 psi unless it is also modified with a chip.

It's a very smooth riding car that begs to be driven hard, personally I have had mine up to nearly 150 mph only to lift off for fear of my well being, but the car still had more. "

The car can actually handle up to 18psi on stock internals and boost cut is 15psi, not 11. I know this, because, I too own an 89 GT, and have a boost controller, and gauges. I am running 13psi right now, because of fuel system limitations... without a bigger fuel pump, it starts to run a little lean after 12psi. Anyway.. 135mph is the fastest that I have heard of a GT getting up too... 150 seems a little... high?

1989 Mazda MX6 GT 2.2 turbo

Summary:

If you can find a reliable one, go for it

Faults:

I hope I can fit all the problems in this review... CV joints, half-shafts, repaired cracked radiator, tranny won't shift into drive sometimes, turbo went out, struts wore out, ball joints, some very strange LOUD vibration noise in the front end when it's cold outside (dealer can't even find it), exhaust fell off, exhaust manifold gasket, valve cover leaks, moonroof lowered too far when closed, gas tank leaked when over 1/2 tank, distributor cracked, wipers stopped working, stereo stopped, power antenna doesn't move, engine block broke where the top passenger's side mount bolts on (not fixable), and trunk lock won't turn.

General Comments:

This car screams down the highway like a banshee! When all those things broke, I replaced them with aftermarket performance parts because it was cheaper than the stock parts: suspension, intake, turbo (stock pressure), ignition system, tires, and exhaust. The car handles great for an older front drive. It has some understeer though. I put her to the test on a 5 mile straight stretch of highway... topped out at about 145mph! Too bad I've spent $6000 fixing a $2500 car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2003

20th Feb 2003, 10:04

I completely agree with this review! My MX6 has been nothing but trouble since day one, and I don't think I could list all the problems I've had with it if I tried to, there are just way too many!

22nd May 2003, 14:16

It sounds like to me that you need a new car. You could have used that $6000 dollars to get a totally different car. One that was reliable and wouldn't break down every month.