1997 Mazda 626 LX from North America

Summary:

Good car if checks out OK

Faults:

My transmission went out at 49,000. I suggest when buying a Mazda to get the transmission checked before buying. it costs about $2,500. Also the check engine light. They are all signs of mechanical failure. I bought the car on a Friday and the next day the transmission went out. it is a beautiful car, but not when it is in the shop. I also suggest looking up the Vin number, it will tell you about when it was last checked, or if the dealer checked it also. Over all if those don't fail you, get the 626, but not from Dennis Dillon.

General Comments:

Transmission fails at 49,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 2002

13th Nov 2003, 14:52

A mechanic told me that the Mazda Transmissions are known as 75,000 Mile Transmissions. If I was in your shoes I would sell your vehicle sooner rather than later. I myself Only drive Toyota or Honda.

1997 Mazda 626 LX V-6 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

An excellent, affordable sporty sedan

Faults:

The right front axle assembly was replaced under warranty.

The HVAC blower was replaced under warranty.

The left front axle assembly needs replacing.

General Comments:

The car is roomy, comfortable, very quick and good-looking.

It is well-equipped and has been generally quite reliable.

It rolls a bit too much in the corners, but is otherwise a blast to drive.

Dealership service has not been good, which is why I take it to a private mechanic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2002

1997 Mazda 626 DX 2.0 from Puerto Rico

Summary:

The car is a piece of junk

Faults:

The engine has a big noise in the valves.

The motor mounts are very soft and the engine always is loose.

The transmission broke at 49,000 miles.

The left front rotor bearing was replaced at 41,000 miles.

The A/C compressor always has an ugly noise.

General Comments:

The car is very beautiful, but you need a lot of time and money to have one. In others words, that's the worst vehicle that I have ever had.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th February, 2002

1997 Mazda 626 LX 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Faster than you would think!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car so far.

General Comments:

The car is very responsive, and has not caused me any problems. If you are in the market for this car, I would strongly recomend getting the V6 with the 5 speed manual transmission, because the automatic versions are not as responsive (as with any automatic!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2000

1997 Mazda 626 Innsbruck 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

One of the last real Mazda's, she's lovely

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car that can be attributed to the vehicle.

General Comments:

Unfortunately the local Mazda dealer service back-up leaves a lot to be desired, as I feel does Mazda UK's. But the car itself is very reliable as have been my other 8 Mazda's.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2000

21st Oct 2002, 05:03

I have to say that I agree with the comments about after- sales service and Mazda UK. They seem more concerned with selling new cars than maintaining the ones that they have already sold, and building a reputation. It is no wonder that secondhand values plummet. They are complacent and don't really deserve to have a reliable car like the 626 to sell. I have owned 626's since 1997 and currently have a 1995 Executive - a beautiful car, but with a few faults, especially the noisy HLA's.

1997 Mazda 626 GXi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good all rounder, at home on the motorway

Faults:

I've had both front shocks go.

Both front discs and a hydraulic problem for the tappets that came down to a faulty oil pump.

General Comments:

A very good car for the +35K miles a year I do. Comfortable on long journeys but not for those that like to go round corners.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2000

1997 Mazda 626 ES 2.5 liter V6 from North America

Faults:

3 major engine repairs, transmission adjusted / repaired 4 times, rear fender repaired twice, upholstery and trim repaired / replaced 3 times, engine firewall insulation replaced once.

General Comments:

Hhhmmmm.... in the shop once a week for about three months??? No question in my mind if I will ever buy another Mazda again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th March, 1999

25th Apr 2001, 03:15

Sorry to hear you were stuck with a bad car. I own a 93 626 Dx and runs great. Sometimes people just have ill luck with their cars no matter what brand they buy. I would've sold the car after the first 2 times to the shop for engine work. Keep in mind also, if it was purchased used, was it properly maintained, or was it used to race and so forth.