The MX-6 was built in Michigan alongside its platform-mate, the Ford Probe at AutoAlliance International, while North American market 626s were still imported from Japan. 626 hatchbacks disappeared after 1991 from the US Mazda model range. The base model now used Mazda's , 2.2-liter 3-valve SOHC "F2" producing just shy of the old turbocharged engine, and the new turbo was up to . The 1988 introduction of four-wheel steering to the 626 Turbo liftback, along with Honda's Prelude 4WS, marked the first 4WS systems for the US market. It was later also made available to the MX-6. In 1990, the 626 gained motorized seat belts. Consumer response was strong, and "Car and Driver" magazine named the 626 and MX-6 in their Ten Best list for 1988.