Mazda’s MX-6 coupe, a V6 model from the 1990s, is now a rare find. Despite its peak price of $55,665 in 1997, it outsold the iconic MX-5 by more than double during the same period. Today, you can find one for as low as $6,000.
A forgotten coupe with a surprising sales record
The MX-6 was part of Mazda’s exploration into V6 coupes, a venture that didn’t gain much traction. Between 1992 and 1997, only 4,939 units were sold in Australia, with a peak of 1,551 in 1992. In contrast, the Honda Prelude sold 2,363 units in the same year.
Both cars featured similar-sized engines and a four-wheel-steer system, a complex engineering feat for the time. However, the Prelude gained a cult following and maintains a steady price increase, while the MX-6 remains a niche and lesser-known model.
Why the MX-6 struggled to find an audience
Mazda’s extensive range of two-door cars in the 1990s, including the Cosmo, Eunos 30X, MX-5, and RX-7, may have cannibalized the MX-6 sales. The V6 front-wheel-drive configuration didn’t excite buyers as much as the sportier rear-wheel-drive options of the era.
Between 1992 and 1997, nearly 2,000 MX-5s were sold, compared to over 4,000 MX-6s. This disparity is surprising, considering the MX-5’s enduring popularity and the rarity of the MX-6 on today’s roads.
The MX-6 design shares similarities with the Ford Probe, as both cars were part of a joint venture between Mazda and Ford.
Joint venture and economic challenges
The weak yen made it difficult to discount exported cars, hindering sales. Ford’s purchase of a 33.4% stake in Mazda in 1996 helped stabilize the company. The MX-6 and Probe’s sales suffered, with the Probe seeing even worse sales between 1994 and 1997.
Mazda’s focus on the Eunos brand, with plans for 11 standalone dealerships in Australia, ultimately contributed to the MX-6’s high price and limited sales. The economic challenges and joint venture complexities played a significant role in the MX-6’s struggle to find a wider audience.
A potential future classic at a bargain price
A 1996 Mazda MX-6 with a 2.5L V6 engine and front-wheel drive is currently listed for $5,145, showcasing the model’s affordability in today’s market. As the MX-6 story becomes more widely known, it may gain a new appreciation among car enthusiasts, potentially driving up demand and prices for this forgotten coupe.
