Faults:

I bought the car used, and it has made it to 150,000 miles, but I suggest if you have one not at that yet, then get rid of it before it's too late!!

In the past year I have replaced water pump, CV joints, radiator, fan, head gasket, belts, and had issues with the shifting cable. I am sure there is more that I can't think of.

Do NOT purchase this car for you or your child, because you think it is a good buy. At this point, it's 10 years old, find something else. Others friends have had issues with Mazdas too.

Faults:

I just got a 2001 Mazda 626 just a couple of days ago, and the O/D off light started flashing on it.

It has a new engine, and a new transmission in it. So the miles on it aren't correct.

I was taking it to the dealership that I got it from, and the car broke down on me on the way there, it made a noise, cut off, and started smoking.

When I looked under it, it was leaking what I'm guessing is transmission fluid.

General Comments:

The cars interior is great.

But when the car shifts gears, it jerks.

Faults:

The over drive light kept blinking. Before I could go to a repair shop the transmission failed. I could go in reverse but could not put the vehicle in drive. Now it is costing me $1500 for rebuilding the transmission. I would never buy a Mazda again.

Faults:

Check engine light keeps coming on, showing O2 sensors or cat. Have replaced both O2's and the cat, and it still comes on after about a week pointing to the same things.

Transmission went out (CD4E Ford made) 144000 miles.

General Comments:

My 3rd Mazda and I put a lot of miles on my cars and keep all the fluids changed ahead of times. Really disappointed in this car because of the O2 errors and the transmission going. I had 310000 on my 323 and quit driving it because of rust only.

Faults:

Not much, needed new brakes due to shaking, and had a little problem with rough idle, but this was sensor and new software. Good car, but see other comments.

General Comments:

Overall I was satisfied with this car when new. Very few problems, but during my 4 years of ownership this car degraded rapidly. And this is not my fault since it was used for steady high-way driving and all checkups done. It does not seem very solid and when I traded it in for a new Mazda last year it felt like it was completely falling apart. Exhaust, dampers, springs, door-sealings, worn seat and interior seemed worn, everything was shaking and cracking, the last year it was starting to use oil, transmission leaked, etc, but nothing that immediately had to be fixed.

I think it was wise to trade it in, and I got fair price, but I wonder who will buy this one used from the dealer. I wouldn't, for sure. It would take a lot of money to get this car right. Compared to my previous car that was a Chrysler the Mazda was more fault free, but the Chrysler had clocked up over 190.000 when the engine blew. And even at that mileage it felt more solid. But would not buy Chrysler again since resale value is not good.