Faults:

The first time that the "check engine" light came on, we took it to a mechanic to hook up to the computer. It was a spark plug and wire. The spark was shooting up the side of the plug instead of through it, therefore ruining the wire also. We replaced all of them (thinking no big deal). This has been an ongoing problem and when taken to the dealer, they said it was just a fluke and there is no reason it would continue to do this.

Transmission failed at 86,000 miles and had to pay over $1,500 to repair. Has not seemed to shift properly since.

About 6 months ago, it started to shake and shimmy whenever the air conditioner was on and it was idling. It would also sputter a lot when accelerating. Now though, it does it whether the air conditioner is on or not.

There has always been a ton of road noise and is only decent as far as gas mileage goes.

General Comments:

Definately has not proven to be the great car several websites said it was.

I am a VERY disappointed Mazda 626 owner!

Faults:

Brake problem upon purchase, but told by sales dept and service dept that they were fine. After serious jerking and squealing, took it elsewhere for new brakes.

Windshield wipers malfunctioned the first rain. Dealer said not covered under warranty; took it elsewhere to have wipers repaired.

Door moldings peeled off within twelve months. Took back to dealer and told not covered under warranty.

Transmission blew after two years - not under warranty. Took elsewhere to have it fixed.

Computer malfunctioned after five years - under warranty! Repaired by dealer!

Check engine light came on continuously after computer repair. Maintenance Dept at dealer said nothing wrong just reacting to new parts. Took back again twice - same message from service crews. had it checked elsewhere and told catalytic converter was the problem (75,000). Had trip coming up, took vehicle - came back and went to dealer. Not covered under warranty; have to find someone else to put in a new one.

After five previous Mazdas with no problems ever, I'll never purchase a Ford-built Mazda again. Never.

General Comments:

Mazdas built in Japan were excellent vehicles and served the family well. We used (and abused) them for ten years, and at one point had two of them in the garage.

The first vehicle we bought that was built in USA fell apart. We will never buy another.

Faults:

Dead battery, twice.

Check engine light came on, once. Cost $75 for the dealer to tell me it was a loose gas cap.

Gap in the passenger's seat back. Everything I put in the seat (CD's, checkbook, etc) slides to the rear floor.

General Comments:

My Mazda 626 has been a very reliable car so far. I have put 49,000 miles on it in just over two years without any major maintenance episodes.

It is beginning to stutter a bit in performance, but I believe that means it is due for it's first tune up since I've owned it.

One performance hitch that tends to bother me, though, is that the low gear takes too long to kick in when going from a coasting speed to an accelerated speed in traffic. I have to floor it and then it downshifts. Not the smoothest of operations.

Gas mileage has been somewhat disappointing for a four cylinder. About 22 mpg around town. I am somewhat of a "lead foot."