Against 237 other 4-cyl cars rated 1995–1997, the MX-6 trails their 24.6 mpg average by 1.6 mpg, about $109 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1988, the 2L 4-cyl (1993–1997), does 26 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1993–1997), 20: $443 a year apart.
Every Mazda MX-6 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 23 / 31 | 1993–1997 | $1,477 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21 / 28.6 | 1988–1992 | $1,600 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18 / 24 | 1993–1997 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1997) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1995–1997 | +$109 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,017 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1997 Mazda MX-6 gives up 7 mpg in town: 27.5 on the highway against 20.5 in the city, $477 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1997) | 20.5 mpg | $1,873 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27.5 mpg | $1,396 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (34%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the MX-6 changed over the years
The MX-6 peaked in 1992 at 24 mpg (21 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 23 — 1 mpg apart, or $70 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1997 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1996 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1995 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1994 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1993 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1992 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1991 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1990 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1989 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1988 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 15 EPA ratings of the Mazda MX-6 — 3 engines across 1988–1997. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,017. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1997 Mazda MX-6 get?
23 mpg combined, 20.5 city and 27.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 26. Across every year since 1988 the MX-6 has averaged 23.3 mpg.
Is the 1997 MX-6 more efficient than the 1996?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which MX-6 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1992, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 29 highway).
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