Faults:

The transmission has gone out twice. Once for me and once for the previous owner.

Had to replace the trunk latch.

General Comments:

Very quick.

Faults:

Had to have the transmission rebuilt at 107,000 miles - 2007.

Now, in April of 2009, after 30,000 miles, the O/D light flashes after going up 4 or 5 long uphill grades - West Virginia. Pulling over and letting it cool for 1/2 hour solves this. The flashing O/D light is definitely caused by overheating of transmission from 65-70 mph speed going up mountains on interstate. Asked a transmission shop to install a trans cooler, which I supplied, and they said they've never once had to do this - still in the trunk of the car. Obviously needs additional cooling capacity of some kind.

General Comments:

This car has excellent acceleration for a 120 hp 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder - runs like a 150 hp engine.

Very comfortable car - runs like bigger car on the highway - climbs hills easily (not withstanding the overheating problem).

Well designed - slicker looking than a 95 Accord or Camry. Lots of trunk room with fold-forward seats. Very quiet car - well sound-proofed.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 120,000 miles.

Always had issues idling, would die at stop lights.

Belts shredded going 80 in LA.

Everything in it rattles with no end.

I think the regulator is going out right now because all the lights are throbbing.

General Comments:

It handles a little better than a 95 Toyota Corolla wagon, is faster than one too, and has higher gears for more comfortable highway cruising. But the Corolla, while slightly less comfortable is much more reliable.

This car will suck your wallet dry. Don't buy one.

In my opinion they look like jelly beans, which some call "timeless design", but that's just code for crappy and generic. It is pretty quick, but if I wanted fast I would buy an MR2.

Faults:

I got what I thought was a "good deal" on my 1995 626. However, I have had the same transmission problem oft described here, with the OD light flashing and super-hard shifting. My car required a new torque converter and shift kit or shift reprogram. Now I am also in need of a transmission mount.

General Comments:

I know my car has very high miles on it, but based on the problems people are mentioning in their reviews, I will be getting rid of mine very soon, as it seems to be trying to fit in with its peers more and more.

Faults:

Mazda replaced transmission at 50,000 miles

Replaced O2 sensors twice

Replaced timing belt every 60,000 miles

The O/D light flashes and it starts to shift hard. The fix is to disconnect the battery for a minute and then reconnect. Works every time.

General Comments:

I'd keep it running if I could, but it may be time to let it go. It's been reliable, with good power. It's comfortable and I can haul a bale of hay in the back seat. Since the tranny was replaced, it's been solid with few problems. I think I got a bad O2 sensor the first time I replaced.

Faults:

First off, I need to say that all of you who have had problems with your transmission, you had a 4 cylinder; the transmissions in those cars seems to go quite fast.

I bought my 95 Mazda 626 in October 2007, and a year later I still have the car. The only problems I have had so far are minor, and the major problem was the ABS pump locked, causing my braking system to lock up, which cost around 1,000.00 dollars for the entire brake system to be overhauled.

My advice to anyone who comes across a Mazda 626; buy it as long as it's not a 4 cylinder. Get a V6, they are better built and last longer. I mean I put 24,600 miles in the car, that's basically almost 2 years of mileage put on a typical car. As long as you keep up the maintenance on the car, you shouldn't have any problems at all. But never ever buy a 4 cylinder, those are the money eaters.