Mazda 626 problems
The Mazda Capella, also known as the 626 in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia, is a mid-size car that was manufactured by Mazda from 1970 until 2002. Sold in the Japanese domestic market under the Capella name, the vehicle was also commonly known in other major markets as the Mazda 626. Ford, Mazda's partner at the time, also used the Capella platform to create the Ford Telstar and Ford Probe. 4,345,279 of the 626 and Telstar models were sold worldwide.
Designed to compete against Japanese mid-size stalwarts such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Corona, and Nissan Bluebird, the Capella was succeeded by the Mazda6 (Atenza) in 2002.
The car was named after Capella, the brightest star in the constellation Auriga, the sixth-brightest in the night sky and the third-brightest in the northern celestial hemisphere, after Arcturus and Vega.
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Mazda 626 model years
Common Mazda 626 problems
The Mazda 626 is a popular vehicle, but like any car, it can experience some common problems over time. One of the most frequently reported issues is transmission failure, which affects both automatic and manual transmissions. Symptoms of transmission failure include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and leaking transmission fluid. If left unaddressed, a failing transmission can cause significant damage to other components in the vehicle, resulting in costly repairs. This issue has been reported by over 150 owners, primarily in model years ranging from 1995 to 2002.
Another common problem experienced by Mazda 626 owners is a crank but no start issue, which occurs when the engine cranks but fails to start and run independently. This issue can be caused by various factors, including a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, failed ignition coil, or a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor. Additionally, issues with the timing belt or camshaft position sensor can also cause this problem. This issue has been reported in model years from 1993 to 2002, with repairs costing up to $1000.
The intake manifold gasket is another common problem area in the Mazda 626. If the gasket fails, air can leak into the system, causing rough idle and other issues, such as reduced power or acceleration. The cost to repair these issues ranges from $502-575. Some common causes of intake manifold gasket failure include age, heat, and pressure. If you suspect a vacuum leak or notice a rough idle in your Mazda 626, it's important to have the intake manifold gasket inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the problem before it causes further damage to the engine.
In addition to these mechanical issues, potential Mazda 626 owners should also be aware of potential problems with the bodywork and mechanical parts. When buying a used Mazda 626, it's important to choose only the smartest, well-cared examples and be especially vigilant over the bodywork. Watch out for dents, signs of over-spray, and bodged repairs, as body parts can work out expensive. Mechanical parts are generally robust with regular servicing, but when cars get older and less valuable, it's not uncommon for some owners to skimp on maintenance. Claims made by Warranty Direct customers suggest that the suspension, axles, brakes, and electrics are where potential trouble may lie, so inspect these closely.
In summary, while the Mazda 626 is a good value, potential owners should be aware of common problems with the transmission, crank but no start issue, and intake manifold gasket. These issues can lead to significant damage to other components in the vehicle and costly repairs if left unaddressed. Additionally, potential buyers should be vigilant over the bodywork and mechanical parts when buying a used Mazda 626.
What is the common problem with Mazda 626?
In conclusion, while the 626 is a good value, there are many issues. These issues include transmission failure, crank but no start problems, and intake manifold gasket failure. Left unaddressed, these problems can lead to significant damage to other components in the vehicle and costly repairs.
How many miles can a Mazda 626 last?
The estimated lifespan of a Mazda 626 is 217,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Is the Mazda 626 a good car?
Reliable Car, low maintenance
Purchased my mazda 626 used and had it for 4 years. It is reliable and low maintenance. Had no major mechanical or electrical issue. Rating breakdown (out of 5):
What causes a Mazda 626 to not start?
Your first step is to check your distributor. There's a good chance that this has reached its end of life and will need to be replaced with a new one from BreakerYard. If not, then disconnect the Spark Output Connector, wait ten minutes and reconnect and then look for an ignition spark. This often resolves the problem.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda 626 years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda 626 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda 626 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda 626 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda 626 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda 626 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda 626 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 626 model years
A total of 203 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 626 model years
There were a total of 51 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 626 model years
There were a total of 308 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by 626 model years
There were a total of 105 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3365 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda 626 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda 626 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda 626 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-02
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1YVGF22CX25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF FORWARD GEAR WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKES AND GENTLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE DIDNT MOVE. MANUALLY SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR WAS THE CAR ABLE TO MOVE BUT CAUSING A VERY HARSH LURCHING FORWARD CAUSING A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE CAR 3 MILES TO MY HOME. I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END ACCIDENT AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN 1ST GEAR AND HAVING THE BRAKES APPLIED THE TRANSMISSION CAUGHT IN GEAR AND LUNGED FORWARD CAUSING ME TO CONTACT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH MYSELF AND THE OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE I HIT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WELL AS PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND THE BACK OF THEIRS.
Mazda 626 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-07-09
- VIN: 1YVGF22C415
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD OPERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS TAPPED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLOW MAZDA OF GREENSBORO (1205 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, 336-299-1500), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Mazda 626 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-04
- Date Complaint: 2018-12-08
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0R5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT PROPERLY. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT, IT SHIFTS HARD. OD LIGHT FLASHES. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE FROM WORK AND TOOK OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR REVVED UP REAL HIGH BUT WOULDN'T SHIFT. MADE IT HOME, AND NOW VEHICLE WON'T MOVE.
Mazda 626 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-12-08
- VIN: 1YVGE22C2V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS STALLING DURING ACCELERATION AND AFTER. SOMETIMES IT'S STOPS AND CLEAR ITSELF UP AND THEN THROWS ITSELF INTO OVERDRIVE (O/D OFF LIGHTS STARTS FLASHING) ALL WHILE DRIVING IT IN THE STREET(CITY AND INTERSTATE). WHEN YOU LET THE CAR SIT AND NOT RUN IT WILL NOT FLASH BUT AFTER DRIVING AMD NOT GETTING ANY SPEED IT DOES IT AGAIN.
Mazda 626 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-07
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MAZDA 626. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (PERRY FORD, 440 HITCHCOCK WAY, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 (805) 682-2411), BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,825. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mazda 626 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-13
- Date Complaint: 2018-01-13
- VIN: 1YVGE22C2S5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WENT TO START VEHICLE WILL NOT START SOMETHING FAULTY IN IGNITION POSSIBLY. SMELLED LIKE SMOKE INSTANTLY TURNING VEHICLE OFF. IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECTED BATTERY FROM VEHICLE.
Mazda 626 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-01-08
- VIN: 1YVGF22C7W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SINCE OWNING THE MAZDA 626 I HAVE HAD A VERY BIG PROBLEM THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. IT WILL SLIP GOING INTO SECOND GEAR. IF ITS BELOW 60 DEGREES THE CAR WONT SHIFT INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE MOTOR GETS HOT ENOUGH. THE CAR IS LIKE THIS EVERY SINGLE DAY AND DOES IT EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK SOMTIMES ON AND OFF AND THE BACK WINDOWS WONT ROLL DOWN FROM THE DRIVER BUTTON
Mazda 626 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2017-09-22
- VIN: 1YVGF22CXX5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH IS DEFECTED. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, ONLY FOR A FEW MOMENTS, SMOKE BEGIN TO FLOW FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND I MUST IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE THE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION POSITION.
Mazda 626 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2017-09-05
- VIN: 1YVGE22D4V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FIVE STAR MAZDA AT (478) 841-9275 (LOCATED AT 3068 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD CALL THE CONTACT. THE DEALER DID NOT CONFIRM THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mazda 626 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-12
- Date Complaint: 2017-08-18
- VIN: 1YVGF22D1Y5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MAZDA 626. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR WOULD DISAPPEAR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PERRY FORD OF SANTA BARBARA (440 HITCHCOCK WAY, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 (877) 318-8239) SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FUEL ODOR COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR STARTED AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Mazda 626 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-25
- Date Complaint: 2017-08-14
- VIN: 1YVGF22C6Y5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CAR IS PARKED, AND WON'T GO INTO GEAR. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR.
Mazda 626 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2017-07-13
- VIN: 1YGVF22CXX5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN ENGAGING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE COMES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, I MUST IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF THE CONTACT POSITION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS SECONDS AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS ENGAGED.
Mazda 626 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-06
- Date Complaint: 2017-06-07
- VIN: 1YVGF22C225
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW. EVEN AFTER WE GET IT FIXED IT STILLS JERKS AND SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO FALL OUT. IT HAS A TERRIBLE TIME SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE IT JUMPS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OUT. MY DAD IS 94 YEARS OLD AND NEEDS THIS CAR TO WORK. HE DOESN'T NEED TO GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER ONE OR SPEND ANOTHER $1800 OR SO TO GET THIS ONE FIXED. I HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR AND THE TRANSMISSION AND I FEEL MAZDA NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT.
Mazda 626 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-29
- Date Complaint: 2017-05-30
- VIN: IYVGF22C1W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. THE TRANSMISSION CD4E TRANNY DOESN'T HAVE SWITCH GEARS UNLESS YOU USE EXCESSIVE RPM.
Mazda 626 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2017-05-11
- VIN: 1YVGE22C9S5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Latest 5 recalls Mazda 626
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 46 recalls for different components of the Mazda 626.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda 626 1994
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- Model: Mazda 626 1993
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- Model: Mazda 626 1995
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- Model: Mazda 626 1998
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- Model: Mazda 626 1997
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Latest negative Mazda 626 car reviews
Latest positive Mazda 626 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1999
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share with you my experience with my 1999 626, manual transmission. We bought it new and it has been a great car for us. It now has 165,000 miles on it and we've passed it down to my son as his 'college car'. Recently, the engine went out and we decided to put a used one in with 100,000 miles on it. After spending $1,800.00, the car is running great again! We couldn't find a used car for the price of repairing this one, and the body and interior still look great. The only issues we've had are that the antenna won't go down and one power window doesn't work (back seat). Other than that, this car has been almost repair-free. I'm hoping we can get another few years out of the new engine. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2002
I bought my Mazda 626 2002 used in 2003 with only 1500 miles. I ran it from state to state for three years without any problems whatsoever. It was such a great car that when my daughter needed a safe car, I gave her my Mazda because it was reliable, safe, and perfect for her. She is still driving it today with no problems other than regular maintenance. It has well over 100,000 miles and will likely last another ten years. I have searched high and low to purchase another one for myself, but I cannot find one for sale (I suspect they have stayed in families, just like mine). It's an excellent car! By the way, mine was not a manual.
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Vehicle year: 1999
We bought this demo car in 2000. I liked the leather seats and deserts colors.It has a very roomy back seat. Lots of head room. We were concerned after the purchase that the transmission seemed to snap. After several visits to the dealer we ended up having the motor mounts replined, which was under warranty. The radio quit working under warranty. The anntena has failed not under warranty and we have replaced a visor. Other than that the car just keeps going now at 138,000 miles. We replaced the brakes, tune ups, the timing belt at the right mileage, recently a new battery. The car feels solid and strong. Can't believe it didn't fall apart after warranty. I'll drive it until it dies.
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Vehicle year: 1991
Hi there! I've been the proud owner of this car for 11 years now and I must say, it has been a great ride! The only major issue I've had was with the A/C, but that was easily fixed. This car is amazing when it comes to fuel economy, averaging over 30mpg. I did have a minor issue with the sound system, but that was probably my fault for blasting the music a bit too loud. I ended up blowing 2 out of the four factory speakers about a year ago, but I recently replaced all of them and now everything is working perfectly. Overall, I have no other complaints about this car!
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Vehicle year: 1992
I'm glad to hear that you found a reliable car that meets your needs! With gas prices on the rise, it's important to have a vehicle that gets good MPG, and it sounds like this car fits the bill. It's great that you were able to do some of the work yourself and save some money. The 5-speed transmission and wider tires sound like they make for a fun and enjoyable driving experience. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with this car, and I wish you many more happy miles on the road!
Are you having problems with your Mazda 626?
Myrl Pfannerstill 2025-05-20
Vehicle year: 1995
I'm so glad to hear that your car is still running well even after purchasing it with 274,000 miles on it! Although you had to replace the transmission soon after buying it, it's impressive that it was the original from 1995. Additionally, the gas mileage is fantastic, especially with gas prices at 2.89. It's great that you can still fill up your tank for only $30!
Kyle Nitzsche 2025-05-19
Vehicle year: 2000
The car is very comfortable and handles great. It may not have the quickest pick up, but it still gets an average of 27.5 mpg, mostly in the city. Overall, it's an awesome car for a practical lifestyle and makes for a great daily driver. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it as the best beater car!
Dedrick Price 2025-05-14
Vehicle year: 1993
I bought this vehicle back in May 2010 when it had low miles. The interior build quality is quite good, and although it may be a little boring, it has few squeaks or rattles. It's an economical and spacious car that gets you from A to B with little fuss. However, the infamous flashing 'hold' light can be frustrating. I replaced the component that the diagnostic told me to replace, but unfortunately, it didn't solve the problem. The trouble code causes the transmission to operate only up to 3rd gear. If you're considering this vehicle, I would recommend getting one with a manual transmission as they were not plagued with the problems of the automatic. Apart from this issue, I haven't had any other mechanical problems.
Pedro Kozey 2025-05-13
Vehicle year: 2002
Hi there! I noticed that you purchased your 2002 626 in May 2006 with 57,000 miles and it's great to hear that it's still in good to excellent shape. It sounds like you're getting about 23 MPG in mixed driving, which is pretty impressive! I'm glad to hear that your car has been very reliable and is a good comfortable road trip car for 4 people and plenty of luggage. While the 4 cylinder motor isn't all that powerful (the 2002 Altima has a much more powerful motor) and road noise is sometimes very noticeable, it's great to hear that you're still enjoying your car. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Lucius O'Reilly 2025-05-08
Vehicle year: 1993
Although my '93 626 has only 94,000 miles on it, I recently had to replace the AT. However, the engine is still performing well. Unfortunately, there are some issues with the paint (clear coat failing) and the rubber door gaskets. Additionally, the lit plastic key lock covers that were originally included were not durable and were replaced after only a couple of years. In my opinion, Mazda should have opted for more durable metal covers.