Bargain junk
The transmission went out right after we bought the car. We would never recommend a 626 because our transmission guy said he has many 98 or 99 Mazda's come in for repair.
We appreciate the car, but would like a more reliable car in the future.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 21st July, 2003
This Mazda/Ford car is junk
The automatic transmission began clicking, and the problem grew worse within a week. I took the car in, and was informed that Mazda used a chain driven transmission in the 1998 626 which was prone to failure. It was named the 75,000 mile transmission by several mechanics. $2300 later, I had my new transmission installed with 74,000 miles on my car.
I had what was deemed a light rear end collision. No damage was done to the bumper or to the paint on my car. However, the airbag sensors were right behind the bumper. Both bags deployed needlessly, which also cracked the windshield. This was a $1300 insurance bill. Most cars place the airbag sensors further in to prevent this problem.
At 104,000 miles, my oil light is coming on. The oil level is full. The dealer says the engine has sludged badly, and that little oil is reaching the top levels of the engine. A new engine is $5,000. I have chosen to have this one rebuilt.
I bought this car because of the solid reliability of my sister's 1989 Mazda 626. I have parked my 1998 and am driving the reliable 1989. The 1998 is junk. I could have leased a BMW for less than what this car is costing me.
Beware of the new Mazda 6. It may be a much needed improvement, but it still has Ford parts, and the V6 is nothing, but a Ford 3.0 Liter engine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th May, 2003
Excellent Value
No problems so far!
A nice looking well designed car, I recommend the 5 speed to anyone who cares about performance. TCS and ABS are effective when driving in bad weather. Good firm suspension and handles well. Fun to drive. Only complaint is when driving on the highway, you almost wish for a 6th gear, the 5 speed is a much closer ratio than my camry and at 80mph, your nearing 4000rpm (redline=7000):)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th February, 2003
I would not be afraid to take it anywhere
Nothing has gone wrong with this car.
I have had normal preventive maintenance completed on this vehicle. New tires, new transmission filter, front end alignment and oil change.
Great performing car. I commute in this vehicle 3 hours one way at a time once a week with a lot of local travel.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 2003
An underrated sporty sedan
One of the dash lights has gone out.
The idle is sometimes rough, almost dying before the ECU catches it and brings the idle back up.
Two of the AC compressor mounting bolts fell out. Yikes.
This is a beautiful car, for a family car that is. The sunroof and spoiler with the steel blue paint and a bra on the fascia give it a very sporty look.
The shifter and transmission are fun to use.
The interior is simple, roomy, and comfortable on long drives.
The stock sound system is more than ample.
Great gas mileage. We get 30+ on the highway.
Handles well for a big car.
The DOHC 2.0L 4-cyl. engine is too weak for such a big car. Highway passing is sometimes difficult. I would suggest the DOHC V6.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th December, 2002
22nd Dec 2003, 15:14
I have a 1996 Mazda 626 with highly similar problems. It is on its third transmission (1st died at 60K, 2nd at 90K)... I am also having exactly the same problem with the oil light flickering, particularly at cruising speed. When I accelerate, the light goes off. I suspect this is because more oil is getting forced into the engine during acceleration. Only mine started at 98K instead of 104K.