Faults:

I had to get a new water pump when my car had less than 30000 miles.

I've had to get new front brakes three times since I have owned the car.

I had to get a new transmission at 61000 miles. One day I got in my car on it wouldn't move when I put it in drive. I would move in second gear and reverse, but that was it. I was livid since I had just got it back after the expensive 60k maintenance package.

I am geting a new radiator today with 85000 miles.

The power antenna has been replaced two times since I have owned my car.

The CD player stopped working after two years.

General Comments:

I am really disappointed with the parts on this car. I have been very good about taking it to my Mazda dealer for every oil change and all maintenance; including the very expensive 15k, 30k, 45k and 60k maintenance that Mazda recommends.

I do have to say, that my dealer (the one I bought it at and have service it) stood behind me when the transmission failed. When I received the call about the $2300 to replace the transmission, I went through the roof and told them it was simply unacceptable and demanded to talk to someone within Mazda. None-the-less, Mazda paid for the transmission and I paid for the labor. I was not going to stop complaining until they listened, and thanks to my dealer I did not have to complain for long!

Today, I took it in for an early 90k maintenance and received a call about an hour ago that I needed a new radiator. No lights were on, no other "warning" signs were present, but now I get to pay approx. 480 dollars for a new radiator.

Now I know why the 626 was discontinued! It is labeled a Mazda product, but it is built with cheap Ford parts.

Faults:

My car stopped going in reverse at approx. 30,000 miles.

The paint peeled off on all door handles at approx. 35,000 miles.

General Comments:

At approximately 30,000 miles, my car began having intermittent problems going in reverse. The problem would last for a day or two and then it would come back. It seemed to be a transmission problem (b/c it wouldn't go into gear) so I brought it back to the dealer. When I brought it back to the dealer, they said they couldn't fix it because they couldn't duplicate the problem. I continued to have this problem, so I brought it back again. Once again, they said there was nothing they could do for me b/c they couldn't duplicate it. And, miraculously, it was working fine when they gave it back to me. The problem showed up again this morning and I'm furious! I called Mazda and they were not interested in helping me at all! My warranty will run out in August and I want this taken care of, but I'm not getting any assistance from my dealer, or from Mazda.

I also had a problem with the paint peeling on all four door handles. Two were replaced with no hassle and I'm bringing it in to get the other two replaced shortly.

Before I bought this 626, I had a 1992 Geo Storm that (believe it or not) was more reliable than this 1999 Mazda 626.

I understand that problems can occur with cars, but dealerships and manufacturers that handle it professionally will always win my loyalty. Next time I'll buy a Honda or a Toyota.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with my car other than I recently replaced the battery.

General Comments:

This car has been flawless for almost 60k miles. There are still no rattles or squeaks in the car. I have noted no consumption of any oil or coolant. The car averages about 26.4 mpg. Most of my driving is highway. The Penske tires I put on at 40k are a little on the noisy side. There is however, very little wind noise in the cabin.