Faults:

The transmission went out at 107,000 miles. We then had the transmission replaced with a used one that had only 20,000 miles on it.

A seal in the new transmission had to be replaced 1,000 miles later.

The new transmission had to be completely replaced again after another 1,000 miles put on it. Fortunately it was under warranty.

The mass air flow sensor had to be replaced, which is not cheap.

The tensioner on the timing belt went out, but was not too expensive to repair.

General Comments:

This car drives great as long as no mechanical problems are going on.

For those of us who live paycheck to paycheck, you will go into extensive credit card debt for car repairs.

Mazda refuses to recall the transmission although it's a well known fact that they fail you in every Mazda 626 that they make. Unfortunately I wasn't aware of that when I bought mine.

If you purchase this car, plan on trading it in a year later with negative equity and $3,000 in credit card debt.

Faults:

Car failed emissions test. Needed a part for the carburetor that wasn't available after market. I had to go to a wrecking yard to get a used carburetor to get the part off of.

Cruise control and electrical suspension did not work when I got the car and still do not work.

General Comments:

Fun car to drive, handles very well and has very good acceleration for a 4 cylinder auto.

Very good fuel economy.

A lot of passenger room and comfort for a small car.

Nice control layout, easy to understand and use. Pleasant appearance.

Poor mechanical design that you would expect from a Japanese car.

Thin sheet metal. Light duty parts used in manufacture.

Overuse of electrical components.