1994 Mazda 626 1.8i LX review from UK and Ireland

Paint had faded at 94,000 miles, resprayed by myself (brilliant ferrari red)

Bushes were replaced all round, as well as droplinks and one CV boot. Brakes were replaced as well, I was sort of restoring the car really.

No faults as yet, sometimes manual windows are pushed down by peoples feet touching the winder, annoying, but hardly mechanical fault!

Replaced rear gas struts for the hatch and gave a full service.

Our family has had many different makes of car, french (renault), italian (alfa romeo), german (audi), spanish (seat) and a few others.

We have found by trial and error that Japanese cars are by far the best built, the best designed and the most reliable cars there are. In the US, the mazdas are built in the US, explaining their shoddy build and reliability. The parts built in the US, break frequently, the parts from Japan, you will notice, are never unreliable.

The 626 I have is a great companion on the irish roads, excellent handling, responsive engine and comfortable gear changes. The seats on LX models are somewhat soft, and can give some trouble to people with back problems. the GLX and limited edition (adagio) grades have very good seats as well as lots of kit.

The 626 1.8i is a new generation engine, as are the 2.0 and 2.5 V6 grades. The 1.8 and 2.0 engines are one of the first 16V 4cyl engines to be made reliable and efficient, with DOHC systems on both. MPGs range from 35 around towns and cities to 38-40 on a longer journey. The 2.0 comprex is best avoided, it has a thirsty engine. The newer 626s have a 2.0 TD which is very quick, and can return up to 55 mpg. Ordinary or harder driving will reduce this to around 45-50 mpg.

Overall, the 626s right up to the mazda 6 are utterly reliable and impressively well made.