Faults:

I bought a beautiful 2001 Mazda 626 in October 2001. This car had all the bells and whistles.

The transmission had to be replaced just under 50,000.

When the car was brand new and when the transmission was replaced, it seemed to take several weeks for it to have any power.

I had several small things go wrong during the three years I owned the car. It seemed like I had it in the garage constantly during the warranty period for little things.

The last thing that went wrong was the check engine light came on.

I thought it was just from a loose gas cap, but it never did go off. I finally said enough is enough and traded the car for a new Honda.

I will have to say in defense of Mazda that they repaired anything that was under warranty. Much of this I attribute to the sales person.

However, I don't feel the car gave me the service it should have. I put a lot of miles on a car, but I keep my automobile well maintained. I think with good maintenance a car should last at least until it is paid off no matter how many miles it has.

Faults:

It is an excellent car. Bought for only 14,500 Euros CIP, full options, at that time and considering this manufacturer, it was an excellent choice. I would not sell for (almost) anything in the world.

I've done thorough checkups every year and everything works fine!

A perfect car, pity that parts prices at the authorized service centre are high and they simply do not care about their customers. There are some very nice people at the official importer that can help you, but it's hard to find them and there are too few of them.

General Comments:

Those who like driving would prefer a stronger engine, but if I take into consideration the fuel consumption (maximum 7 l/100 km), it's OK.

Faults:

The only thing that I have had to replace is the brakes.

The four cylinder motor is a bit loud.

General Comments:

Great gas mileage.

Fantastic reliability, Three years and no problems.

I am 6'3 250 pounds and fit comfortably.

Comfort, reliability, great gas mileage and a nice looking car well worth the money.

Faults:

My 2001 Mazda 626 had a rattling noise in the back passenger side tire.. The place I bought my car could never find anything wrong with it.. One day my car would not start had to have it towed into the Mazda dealership and they said it started for them after it sat there for a day in a half... Never did find out why it wouldn't start... When I bought the car when driving it sounded like I was in a truck with big tires.. I don't know how many times I took it to the Mazda dealership and they kept telling me it was tire and road noise.. I took my car to have the brakes done and come to find out my wheel bearing on the passenger side was shot... Had it fixed and now a year later I have to have the wheel bearing replaced again... I hate this car never liked it from the start... No go power at all... Would not buy another one nor tell anyone to buy one either.

Faults:

So far impeccable functioning engine.

Radio speakers started to vibrate too early.

Front seats get uncomfortable on long rides.

Good mileage.

Front door handles seem flimsy when you pull on them to close door.

General Comments:

Handling is above average. Not a BMW, but sticks to the road well during hard cornering.

Steering wheel is somewhat uncomfortable for a six footer or above. Sits too low. Good headroom, though.

Radio dial is incomprehensible, cannot see the numbers during high noon.

Faults:

This unit was in an unfortunate head on accident in which much of the frontal components had to be replaced. The cost of the new parts I consider to be out of the question. We bought "not original" new replacements, and the difference was outstanding.

General Comments:

I'm a 200 lbs. "six footer", so I think of the steering column to be in an awkward position for someone of my size. I also think the front seats could be a tad more comfortable.

One radio speaker (Lf/Ft door) vibrates, and I don/t think it should, considering the car's year make.

Faults:

I have not experienced any major problems.

The one anti sway bar bracket had to be replaced at 101 100Km. This is a common problem on the 626.

On delivery of the car it was fitted with Bridgestone tires these were very noisy, at 65 000Km I changed to Perelli tyres, the road holding improved, but the road noise remained.

General Comments:

As with all the previous Mazda 626 cars the engine only really started to preform after 65 000Km.

The dealer service is poor.

The costs of replacement parts high, a head lamp assembly sells at SA R1800,00.

The dealer principle cannot be contacted under any circumstance he simply will not talk to you.