Faults:

Occasionally does not shift out of Park- problem between brake link and transmission.

2 sway bar links ($60 each, available only through Mazda) at 105,000.

2 engine mounds at 112,000.

Thermostat at 112,000.

Front struts at 115,000.

Transmission fluid leak at 115,000.

One bushing near front of car at 115,000.

Transmission gave out at 123,000.

At 123,000 car needs new brake pads and rotors, new exhaust system, inner passenger side tie rod end, new transmission!!

General Comments:

This car has given me nothing but problems. It has left me stranded countless times because of the faulty brake/transmission link. The transmission blew out on trip to Chicago. Every month or so, another problem comes up- the car is a constant worry and has cost me over $2,000 in repairs in one year.

My mechanic thinks the transmission is not the original one, which would mean it was changed before 105,000 miles.

The car looks good outside and inside... but don't be fooled. Expect a lot of repairs.

Faults:

Haven't had a problem with the car as yet, just had a major service and the mechanic said he couldnt find a fault with it, which was nice to hear. Just one question I have, the car seems to take off really slow. As if I'm driving a manul and taking off in 3rd gear. Also, don't understand what the little key hole is for on the gear stick. If someone could help me out, that would be fantastic.

Faults:

Replaced the CV joints.

Replaced the water pump.

Fixed so many problems in the last two years, I cannot remember how many times and each time for what.

Recently here, I had to replace the timing belt.

Sometimes when I am driving, the car will jerk like a quick push on the gas, and then the engine goes out. Other times when I stop at a light or stop sign, or even just to slow down on a turn, the engine will go out.

General Comments:

The seats are very comfortable.

Drives good and feels stable on the road.

Faults:

I had to replace the CV joints at about 100,000 miles.

Rear sway bar link broke at 150,000 miles.

Have had to replace front ball joints several times.

Idle problems, mostly fixed by throttle body cleaning and K & N air filter.

Brake rotors need resurfacing.

Faulty airbag light on.

Replaced muffler and long exhaust pipe because of rusting.

Clutch trashed by service technician dogging my car while in his care.

General Comments:

I know it sounds like there have been many problems with this car, but on the whole I think that it is a reliable and comfortable car for the number of miles it has.

This car has never left me on the side of the road and has done very well in the hilly environment of the Appalachian mountains. It has enough power (manual transmission helps) to get me where I want to go, and it does well on the snow and ice.

This car is fine for long trips as well as around town. It gets good mileage, and I have driven it all around the U.S. and Canada with no problems, even when heavily loaded.

The only problem I have with this car is that the front ball joints seem to wear out quickly. It's annoying to have to replace them every few years, though they are not very costly. The brakes could also use some attention, as they sometimes have trouble with fading and "chattering" on steep downhill slopes.

I am very glad that I bought this car with a manual transmission. I have heard horror stories about the automatic version, but my 5-speed is a joy to shift. I have never replaced the clutch, though it is certainly getting worn thin.

I bought my 626 with a number of miles on it already because it was a good price for the features it provided, such as a moon roof and power everything. Plus, I thought it was a very good-looking car. Over the years, I have found that though it is not without its problems, it is still a good car and well worth the money I paid for it. I have certainly gotten my use out of it!