Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  MAZDA 626 - 2001 Mazda 626
  By fmn3926 - July 7 - 10:00 am

  HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINEERING RELATED PROBLEMS. SEATING COULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE. DIFFICULTY WITH RADIO AND CLOCK VISABILITY.

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  Great car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By MrNutty37 - April 5 - 10:53 am

  I purchased the car new in 1998, have driven it 115,000 miles, and had very few problems. Left front axle has cracked twice, and the coolant reservoir has been replaced twice. Other than that, almost nothing other than regular wear and tear. The 5 speed is very smooth, and the engine has great power, especially above 3000 rpm. Fuel economy has gone a little downhill recently, but it is a high mileage car. Overall very pleased, and cant wait for the MazdaSpeed 6 to come out next year. Would definitely buy another Mazda.

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  626 - Everything but the transmission - 2000 Mazda 626
  By JohannDS - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The 626 has decent handling and good road feel for a midsize. Steering is crisp and braking excellent. The six cylinder is not exactly powerful, but adequate for passing trucks at highway speeds without shifting out of overdrive. You can get onto the highway and up to traffic speed safely. The transmission, however, is truly diappointing. It shifts rough through every gear, and the shift from first to second in stop-and-go traffic is jarring. Its been back to the shop 8 times for this, but I was told it was operating within specs! Worst shifting car I have ever driven. Because of this, I wont buy another one.

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  Great family Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Dan - March 5 - 5:46 pm

  Weve owned this car for 6 years. We put over 110000 miles on it. In the whole time that weve owned we only had to replace CV boots and a timing belt. It is comfortable and has great trunk.

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  Pretty good little car for the money - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Jason - February 12 - 6:46 am

  I like it; could use a little more power, but it is fun to drive and has decent acceleration. I only get about 22-25 miles/gallon with the 2.0 litre inline four so fuel economy is suffering a bit with age. All in all it is a good car for the money if you can get around the non-sporty looks of the outside. I added a K&N air filter, a tornado air management system and superflo exhaust system to my car so it is slightly peppier than some of the stock 626s around.

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  1998 Mazda 626 LX 5 Speed - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Derek - January 28 - 6:46 am

  What can I say. My wifes dad purchased this car with 100,000 miles. She has been driving it for the past 4 years. It now has 208,000 miles and still running strong. I def. wasnt sure about Mazda at first. This car has actually been just as reliable than my Accord though. The clutch is strong and it is the original! I have heard plenty on bad things about the auto trans, but the 5 speed is money.

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  Reliable 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Kevin Bartosz - December 12 - 11:20 am

  Purchased new when the dealership offered invoice price and Mazda had a $2,250 rebate, a no brainer to purchase a V6 sedan for $17,000. Now 120,000 mies and looking to double that. Terrific MPGs 28 to 30 with an automatic trans. commuting 50 miles one way through the southern NY roads (25 MPG with 4 snow tires). No major mechanical problems to mention. Minor problems- automatic antenna finally broke after 6 years and CD player needed to be replaced once. Very good handling and response. If still going strong at 200k with preventative maintainence and no more hit deer, I will replace the timing belt again (about $350) and shoot for 300K.

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  good car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By peter6 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  very reliabile. never let me down. I just love this car. I am thinking to buy another one several years later.

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  not a bad car at all - 2001 Mazda 626
  By capt. midnight - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable and no problems at all in first 15 months of ownership. My only complaints are a very whimpy V6 (165 hp) that uses premium gas, and stereo has bad reception and sound for a Bose system. Main problem is antenna built in rear window. Aside from those issues it is a very nice car and well built.

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  A good car overall - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Al - October 8 - 8:56 am

  From an appearance standpoint, this generation has the best lines compared to previous 626s, and the interior has an inviting look to it, plus its roomy and comfortable with a great stereo. If you want a car full of high- tech toys, youll be disappointed. The luxury/power features this model has (ES-V6) have been in luxury cars since the 80s. Reliability is good, except the radiator needed replacement @ 110K. Ive heard complaints about the transmission but so far Ive had no issues with it @ 156K. The V-6 runs horribly on 87 octane, it needs at least 89. Im getting clunking from the rear suspension, most likely bushings/struts needs replacing.