Mazda has achieved a remarkable run of consistency over the years despite remaining an independent brand that competes with a much smaller arsenal of products and capital. One of the ways it has done this is by producing cars and trucks that remain distinctive in a marketplace that is overwhelmed with badge engineering and clones of the same vehicle produced in a variety of configurations. The Mazda MX-6 (and its B-Series pickup) is likely the closest it ever got to just moving badges around, as it was built alongside the Ford Probe – but to the company’s credit, it still started off as a Mazda product. Find this second-generation variant here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,950.

The original GD-platform MX-6 was a two-door version of its bread-and-butter 626 sedan. This was the model Mazda intended to have compete with the likes of the Camry and Accord, but given the mismatch in marketing horsepower and overall market saturation, I don’t think many consumers even had a clue the 626 was an option. Regardless, that didn’t stop Mazda from making a fairly slick performance edition called the GT which came with a turbocharged F2T engine, four-wheel disc brakes, and electronically adjustable suspension. Typical Mazda to swing for the fences even with a minor league budget. There was even an optional four-wheel steering system.

The later car shown here was far more subdued, becoming more of a poor man’s GT coupe rather than a turbocharged hot hatch. The MX-6 was clearly more mature, with beautiful lines and a simple yet graceful interior. To Mazda’s credit, its brand identity was outstanding in the early 90s, with the Miata, RX-7, MPV, and MX-6 all working incredibly well together as a lineup. I can still recall pouring over manufacturers’ brochures at the time and marveling at how sharp Mazda’s vehicles looked against a typical 90s backdrop of red rocks and early evening skies. This MX-6’s interior is in impressive condition for a car with close to 200,000 miles.

The MX-6 shown here is equipped with a DOHC four-cylinder engine, good for about 118 horsepower. The one to own is a V6 model, which produced a silky 164 horsepower and was surprisingly quick; a friend of mine owned one in high school that surprised more than a few of us with its out-of-the-box speed. The car shown here is holding together well for an unrestored and lower-spec model, but I’m not sure what the future holds given values aren’t exactly high. Even on sites like Bring A Trailer where buyers tend to overpay, the few MX-6s that have shown up with V6 power, leather, and a 5-speed haven’t done particularly well. Still, for a 90s import coupe, it’s always a find when the car is unmodified and rust-free. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.