Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Wish I had gotten more out of her. - 1999 Mazda 626
  By yakobemil - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was really excited when I got my 626. The oscillating AC was the coolest thing. I got it a year ago with 130,000 miles on it, seeing as I was a high school student, I didnt need anything fancy. Sadly, things started going wrong as soon as I got it. The o2 Sensor had to be replaced twice. The transmission started having major problems after two weeks, and the fuel pump went out. I ended up spending more on repairs than I did on the actual car. I did love it, though. One morning on my way to school the transmission went out going up a hill. 138,000 Miles. That was the last time I drove it. I sold it for 500 for parts. The transmission is known to go out on these models, though.

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  Less than reliable - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Drewp - February 22 - 6:16 am

  This car might have been better as a 5 speed manual. I personally would never build a 4 cylinder car with an automatic transmission. It was underpowered and noisy from the beginning. At about 59,000 miles I needed a major tune up and now it has a broken boot and front drive axle and the car has only little more than 70,000. The handling in any weather conditions is sleepy at best. It may be a front drive car but it should be able to control its back end a bit better.

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  Still running after 164,000 miles strong - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Diane - February 16 - 10:36 pm

  We bought our 626 new 98 we have had no major issues with this car. Routine expected work and we have had more issues with cars with less mileage then our Mazda. The car is still beautiful rides like its 4 yrs old and have just had super performance from this car. We bought a Mazda CX9 as well this year and again very pleased - we only drive Mazda now.

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  Love my Mazda - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Boo - January 12 - 7:23 am

  My mazda drives like a dream. I have a 97 automatic and should have blown up by now and OD out but wont quit . My 98 manual drives like a dream, interior is grey and sharp. It is a comfortable ride and with regular tune up gas mileage is still good. Love to just go for a ride or drive on pretty days.

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  Great Purchase! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Trafficguy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 626 used with 61k already on it.I have had the timing chain replaced, belts, rotors, brakes and maintenance on a regular basis. i keep reading about the transmissions (mine is the automatic) and I consider myself blessed at not having any trouble with it and I am at 101k and still going. I do suggest that anyone owning the automatic get the transmission fluid pumped out and replaced on occasion to increase the life of the automatic as I do, it seems to help.

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  Wanna Be Honda/Toyota - 1999 Mazda 626
  By nv888 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car w/22K miles. Drove it from SF, to LA, San Diego, and back and forth from SF to Seattle 4 times. I never felt safe in this tin can. The fan belt broke on me, the pass.wind stopped working, the CD broke after 60K, and the transmission always made me nervous. I gave it to my sister 2 years ago and bought a LexusGS300 (which ive had problems) The car is reliable,cheap transportation, but Id never concider it again.Turning radius SUCKS. Parking in dwntn Seattle and SF is embarassing. Go for the real thing. Accord or Camery This car leans so badly on turns, no ABS and brakes SUCK.Pwr Ant.broke. Problems after 60+K miles

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  626 experience - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Ken Jordan - October 16 - 10:53 am

  The 626 I bought new has performed well except for the air conditioning which I had problems with from week one. I experienced some belt trouble after 100,000 miles. It was caused by the harmonic balancer. Overall it has been a good car. The engine is a v6 and is a little loud.

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  AWESOME CAR - 1998 Mazda 626
  By theyrmom - October 12 - 3:44 pm

  I bought this car new at the end of 1997 and I have almost 130,000 miles on it. I have the services done and the oil changed - thats it. I have had no major problems with this jewel. I have the automatic transmission, so I dont understand those who have had problems. Are they having their car serviced and oil changed? Anyway, I finally had to get a new battery after 8 years and the guy at my local service center was amazed that it was the original battery. I have had to finally get new tires. This is just a great car, I think I will keep it until it stops and it is not showing any signs of that anytime soon. It still drives like a new car. WOW!

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  206,000 miles - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Aeromech99 - September 26 - 10:10 pm

  Replaced transmission (about $800.00 used) but bought car for $500.00, great exterior condition, black with excellent paint. Will install a tranny cooler since none on car from factory. I drive about 50-60 miles a day and get satisfactory mpg. Best used car I ever bought. Need to fix A/C. Looks like a slow leak. Transmissions are hard to come by used, expect about $900-$1400 rebuilt with warranty. Shifts hard into 2nd gear, also hard on the downshift to 1st. Most gear heads i speak to say this is fine. If motor goes I will replace with 6 cyl.

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  Debs626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Bearair - September 9 - 2:26 pm

  A good car with extras for the price. It has been dependable and gets about 30 mpg. No major repairs in 5 years. The only issue is the alternator does not appear to put out enough juice in the summer with the air on. My 1998 626 was the same way.