Ford
Probe
Mazda
MX-6
Ford Probe vs Mazda MX-6: 1992 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mazda MX-6 comes out ahead of the Ford Probe on fuel economy. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Probe
Overall
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive among dedicated enthusiasts, but with a clear acknowledgment of the vehicle's age and specific challenges. The car is frequently described as a fun, unique, and engaging driver's car, particularly in manual GT trim with the Mazda-sourced V6 engine. Long-term owners express strong affection for its handling and character.
Best version to buy
The second-generation (1993-1997) Probe GT with the manual transmission. This model is equipped with the 2.5L KL-series V6 engine, which is consistently praised for its smoothness and performance relative to the base four-cylinder.
Known issues
- ⚠Diagnostic difficulty: Electrical and mechanical problems often have esoteric or non-obvious root causes, requiring specific knowledge to troubleshoot. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Manual transmission reliability: Reports of premature failure requiring replacement, cited as a reason for purchasing extended warranties. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Clutch characteristics: The clutch pedal on the second-generation GT is described as "heavy," rated approximately 6.5/10 for difficulty to learn on (where 10 is hardest).
MX-6
Overall
Sentiment is positive among long-term owners and enthusiasts, who praise the car for its engaging driving dynamics, lightweight feel, and classic styling. The vehicle is consistently described as fun, nimble, and possessing a "raw" or "mechanical" driving feel that is appreciated in contrast to modern vehicles. Specific praise is directed at the 2.5L V6 engine for its smoothness and pleasant sound, and the manual transmission for its positive feel.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or model year. However, the 2.5L V6 engine (KL series) is frequently singled out for praise over the 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.2L Turbo 4-cylinder, noted for being smoother, more powerful, and having a nicer engine note.
Known issues
- ⚠Structural and body rust: pervasive issue, specifically in rear wheel arches, sills, and rocker panels; critical to inspect thoroughly. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠General age-related maintenance and parts availability: increasing difficulty sourcing parts (e.g., windshields), high mileage wear on all components (transmission, differential, A/C), high cost to maintain. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Automatic transmission reliability (4-cylinder models): known to have problems. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Ford Probe is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Mazda MX-6, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Ford Probe are a dealbreaker, the Mazda MX-6 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ford Probe or the Mazda MX-6?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Ford Probe than the Mazda MX-6. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Ford Probe or the Mazda MX-6?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ford Probe or the Mazda MX-6?
The Mazda MX-6 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.2 L/100km combined versus 9.6 L/100km for the Ford Probe, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Probe or the Mazda MX-6?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mazda MX-6 than the Ford Probe. See the known issues comparison above.