Faults:

Check Engine light came on at 88,000 miles.

Thought it was serious but ran the diagnostics to fetch a P0303 code for cylinder 3 misfire. Upon inspection, found out that the spark plug wire had shorted. Replaced it to fix the problem.

Use OEM replacements for reliability.

General Comments:

Good styling and a reliable family car that is fun to drive. Small problems, but nothing serious. Had nagging problems even with my earlier Toyota Corolla that had only 57,000 miles (wasn't a lemon).

Faults:

I started having concerns of the way the car was driving at 40,000 miles. We now have 43300 miles. After turning on the engine, the car shakes and shimmies as if it is going to die.

The car will idle roughly when you come to a stop such as a stop sign or red light.

The transmission would sometimes feel that it would not shift. Then shift really hard.

Today, I turned on the car, it idled roughly. I backed out of my garage and put the car in drive. This gear that it went into was the only one it seemed to shift to. I drove until I could turn around. Proceeded to drive home all the while the car does not shift out of first and the R P M's went to 5 and stayed there.

General Comments:

This is our second Mazda 626. The first was a 1988 626. The 1988 was a super car. We had over 100000 miles when the car was totaled in a flood. We were so happy with the 1988 that we bought another. This 1999 does not seem to be made as well as the other one.

Mazda needs to figure out how to reduce road noise inside the vehicle.

Faults:

Transmission performance can be harsh during extreme cold weather.

Check Engine light activation.

Power antenna mast needed replacement.

Minor radiator leak required stop leak additive to correct.

Difficulty locating replacement lamp module for rear plate light.

General Comments:

I purchased my 1999 Mazda 626 LX V-6 new in June 1999 and have been relatively satisfied with it. I only have approximately 18,000 miles on it and typically use it for short trips around town. I am impressed with the performance of the V-6 engine, the styling of the car and so far, it's reliability. In my first three years of ownership I did not have to return the vehicle to the dealer for any warranty repairs.

I have experienced a few minor problems which, from what I have read, are typical regarding this vehicle. I have experienced problems with the automatic transmission sticking in first gear and then harshly jumping into second gear. This will usually occur in extreme cold weather. I have found that the transmission performs better if you first allow the vehicle to warm up or if you start out in second gear until the transmission warms.

I also had one occurrence of the engine trouble light activating, which I believe was related to the transmission issue.

I was able to reset the trouble light by disconnecting the battery for a short time. The only problem with doing this is that it resets the computer and the engine will run rough for up to a few days until the computer is able to adjust properly.

I have also had to replace the power antenna mast and recently had to add radiator sealant for a pinhole leak at the top of the radiator.

I strongly recommend upgrading the standard headlight bulbs to Sylvania Bright Star Halogen 9003ST. When I did this I noticed a significant difference in light output and greater night time visibility.

I know my vehicle has particularly low mileage for a 1999 model year and I'm hoping I don't experience any of the expensive transmission failures I've heard about.

It is so far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.