5th Sep 2008, 22:39

My girlfriend's Mom gave us her 97 Mazda 626 2.5 V6 manual, and yes we have had problems. We had to replace the the clutch not too long after we got it and just replaced the water pump. But with 197K miles I'm not complaining. This car has taken us from Vancouver W.A. to Canada to eastern Washington and back to Vancouver WA in 4 days without a problem, and just recently we drove from Vancouver WA to Santa Rosa California without a hitch. In fact I did 60mph the whole way and we got 32 miles to the gallon! That is phenomenal for a V6. Not to mention this car is pretty damn fast. So no these cars are not lemons, I guess you just have to know how to take care of a car.

22nd Aug 2009, 22:12

Am now confused with all these contrasting comments, am checking out a 1998 626 ES tomorrow with the intention to maybe buy, coz I need a car desperately (am a college student and also work). It has 139k miles and for $1700 I thought it was a bargain, what do you think?

23rd Aug 2009, 16:44

"22:12"

DON'T BUY IT!!! The Mazda 626 is plagued with horrible transmission problems! I'm a mechanic, and I've replaced the transmissions in hundreds of them. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a reliable, and well-built Honda Accord or Toyota Corolla.

14th Feb 2010, 20:07

I've had a 1997 626 for about 5 years. I bought it with fairly low mileage, and now it has a little over 220k.

It has been a great car. Solid body, even though I drive it daily on salty northern roads.

Only problem I had was with the distributor. Replaced it at 180k, and it's been fine since, but I would buy ignition parts from the dealer.

Minor problems include CV joints, and an oil pan.

I did replace the timing components and water pump at 200k, because the belt looked like it was getting pretty worn, did the brakes at the same time.

I plan on keeping this car so long as I can. It's a 5 speed, fun, and gets great gas mileage. It has never left me stranded.

I have heard that the A/T's are problematic. The clutch in my car was replaced at 160k. A lot of this stuff I would consider maintenance.

I would definitely recommend this car to others, at least the manual transmission model.

2nd Mar 2010, 17:12

The 1997 Mazda is a good car you just have to keep proper maintenance. My Mazda right now is over 205K and still going strong. I do feel that the manual transmission Mazda is a better car than the A/T. Yes, like any other car after so many years, it will develop some issues.

7th May 2010, 04:06

My 626 runs great... you just need to take care of it and know who you're going too. Dealers are tricky ;)

9th May 2010, 18:03

I have a 97 Mazda 626 LX with the 5 speed with almost 179000 miles. I have placed the radiator pulled from another 626. New struts in front, RAM air intake helps save gas and acceleration. It still runs strong. I'm 6'5" and I still have perfect headroom. It's perfect for a student like myself. Great car.