1996 Mazda 626 ES 2.5 DOHC from North America

Summary:

I guess it truly is possible to get everything that you want

Faults:

Nothing beyond normal wear.

General Comments:

I was given this car as my first car in 2007. It had 172,000 miles at the time. It has outlasted all of my friend's first cars. It has always started and still runs like a dream.

The 626 is a great car that will last as long as you want to. All you have to do is take care of it.

The main issue that affects the 626 is the 4 cyl automatic transmission. The transmission is flawed in its ability to cool itself. The cheapest fix for this transmission is to convert the car to a stick shift, which really is cheaper. The other models such as the V6 automatic, V6 stick shift, and the I4 stick shift are very good cars from the factory.

This car was my first and is still my best. I've had two other cars that made me glad I didn't sell it. I'm not going to sell ever, but I will restore it in the future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2011

1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Good wee car. Stick shift

Faults:

I replaced the starter, but found out it was the "tab" when you put the clutch in; it engages the little tab, pushes in the thingee..

The little 626 is indestructible!!! Reliable beyond words and oil changes... I feel guilty.. when I do change her oil, she kills a t-shirt.. try it!! LOL..

I LOVE MY MAZDA 626 1996 with 225000 miles+.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2011

1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Good car

Faults:

So far, nothing. However, I notice it shifts a bit harsh at times.

General Comments:

I bought this car because it was cheap, $900, and I needed one fast. It has a good body, no rust and nice clean interior.

I'm aware of the reputation of the transmission issues the car has, but I haven't had any real problems so far, though it does shift a bit harsh. No OD light comes on or blinks.

Nice cold air conditioning.

The engine purrs like a kitten, very quiet.

I couldn't have gone wrong for the price I paid.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2010

1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Everybody stop complaining about this car, and start complaining about yourselves!

Faults:

Nothing has ever gone wrong with this car.

Tune-ups were done when they were supposed to, brakes, oil changes, automatic transmission services, etc. Preventive maintenance was always done accordingly to the owners manual! (The secret document or book that nobody reads that comes with the car!)

I personally think that all the people complaining about this car expect to start it up and drive it and never have to do any preventive maintenance.

This car is the same as the Ford Escort and the Mercury Tracer. It just doesn't have the Ford name on it. Ford owns Mazda! And the Escort and the Tracer and the Mazda 626 are the same 4 door. Nobody is complaining about those cars. Everybody that's complaining are the type of people that are not happy unless they're unhappy. There is nothing wrong with this car, just the people who don't know how to take care of them.

202,000 and going strong. These people have problems with every car! I highly recommend this car, along with the Escort and Tracer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2010

30th Mar 2010, 11:06

"This car is the same as the Ford Escort and the Mercury Tracer"

I don't think so. The 323 and Protege are related to the Escort/Tracer line and they were never exactly the same. The Escort/Tracer had Ford 1.9L engines. But there was a Tracer that actually had a Mazda 1.8L engine.

15th Oct 2010, 08:45

Uh, there was an Escort with the Mazda 1.8, the 91-95 Escort GT. I know, I owned one, a 91, and I drove it for 15 trouble free years. 232,000 miles with the same clutch that was in it since it was bought new, it started and ran perfectly EVERY day. The ONLY thing that ever NEEDED replacing was the starter, I believe it cost me 97 bucks from ebay, oh and the timing belt, tires, brakes, oil, etc. The usual maintenance issues that all cars have.

The first brake job was done at 87,000 miles, and the timing belt was replaced at 125,000. It was fast, handled great, was comfy on long trips, got the best of 33mpg, and averaged 28-30. It was by far the best, most reliable car that I, or anyone I ever known, had ever owned. It was laid to rest thanks to a deer and a 60mph impact. I'll miss her.

12th May 2011, 01:41

The most common complaint about this era 626 is the 4 cyl automatic transmission. It is cheaper to convert the automatic transmission to a stick shift than to replace the automatic. I love my 626 and it has always treated me well even when I didn't. I will always own this car.