1994 Mazda 626 cronos 2.5L V6

Summary:

Very reliable, I must have got lucky

Faults:

I have changed the starter ounce at 295,000 km and the alternator twice since I've owned it. Transmission finally went at 330,000 km. possibly motor going too.

General Comments:

This car could be faster. Not as fast as my 2000 Grand Prix GTP. Rides very nice, the suspension was completely redone before I bought it and had regular tune ups every 20,000 km except oil every 3000 km. Its been in my family since it rolled off the dealers lot. The car has held up pretty good for 330,000 km without any major problems unit now. Comfortable to ride in and drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th July, 2007

27th Jul 2007, 05:37

330,000 km on the original transmission on a 626? This has got to be a fairytale. I've never ever heard this transmission go past 150,000 miles without problems. Typically they go at 80-100,000 miles, but can very well go at 50 if you get a bad one. And why are you quoting mileage in kms? Is this a car originally sold in the US?

28th Jan 2010, 20:12

Most of the world now uses the metric system.

30th Jan 2010, 08:35

The reviewer is Canadian, hence why the mileages quoted are in kilometres. Canada uses the metric system, USA does not.

1994 Mazda 626 Chronos

Summary:

Parts make this Mazda too expensive to maintain

Faults:

The brakes need constant repair and lines often rupture. Almost ended up in rock cut.

General Comments:

Other than the brakes and the fact that they are extremely difficult and involved to fix yourself, and extremely expensive to take to the dealership.

Parts costs a fortune, especially the brakes.

However, the car is very stylish, comfortable to drive, very responsive with tight, reliable steering.

Performance is competitive, and when the brakes are good, they are excellent.

Only down side to entire car is how often you need to repair and maintain it. Usually this is not a problem, but the price of the parts are horrendously expensive and doesn't make it very fun for very long, even if you are the mechanic and can avoid the labour costs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th February, 2007

1994 Mazda 626 LX V6 2.5 KLDE

Summary:

Stylish and relatively reliable if you don't get the automatic

Faults:

Before I say anything about reliability, I'll let you know in advance that I just got this car not even a month ago. However, I do know a great deal about these cars, so I will try to be as helpful as possible.

The car has a rough idle and runs rich, but I'm equating that to old fuel since you can smell it.

Has the common HLA tick, but it is very slight. Usually a good engine flush takes care of this, so I'll update you when I accomplish this.

The security system has a mind of its own. Cuts on randomly and drains the battery. I'm just going to pull the relay.

The drivers lock is very reluctant to work. It is very hard to push down and open with the key. I will investigate this more when the weather improves.

The sunroof just recently stopped sliding, but it still tilts.

General Comments:

It may sound like a lot of problems, but unlike a lot of people, I understand that the car is 13 years old, with relatively high mileage.

The 93-2002 generations are not as reliable as the previous 626s, that's a fact. However, if you STAY away from the automatic models, (especially the 4-cylinder with the cd4e tranny), it should be relatively reliable.

I love the styling of this car, and it handles VERY well due to a well-engineered suspension, but the ride will be firmer than an Accord or Camry. I prefer a stiffer ride, so it's alright with me.

I'm only 18, but I have owned an Audi 4000 (really cool car, and durable IF YOU TAKE CARE OF IT) and an Infiniti G20, which was a nice car, but the head gasket went and warped the head.

I've been a car fanatic for as long as I can remember. I set out to look for another Audi, a Peugeot 405, and older Volvo or an Eagle (really more of a Renault) Premier. I bought this one right up when I found it, for 1800.

The V6/stick combo is very rare, though not as rare as finding a Camry SE-V6 with stick (yes it does exist), and the 95-97 Accord V6 didn't even come with stick. I will take a shot in the dark and say that only 5% of the V6s came with stick. Kind of a shame, when you consider that the V6 auto tranny wasn't much better than the one in the 4 cylinder.

My car is black with grey interior, and it is in very good cosmetic shape.

The V6 is surprisingly fast (0-60 in the mid 7s with stick). Even the 4-cylinder, having only 118 hp, is quicker than you would think.

I would recommend this car in 5-speed form to anyone. However, if you want an automatic, I would suggest you keep looking. A quick internet search should confirm this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2006

8th Nov 2006, 20:32

This is the original poster... the title was supposed to read "if you Don't get the automatic". just saying because I know someone with nothing else better to do will probably flame me for it.

16th Nov 2006, 14:55

I have a 1995 626. Take the driver's door panel off, easy to do if you undo screws and use a $15 clip removal tool. Remove lock then lubricate lock and pins with graphite or replace. Hope this helps.

6th Dec 2006, 22:41

I'm the original author of the review.

I am having egr valve trouble, which is giving me a check engine light, hard warm starting, slight miss, bad fuel economy and high, unstable idle. I plan on trying to clean it out this weekend with throttle body cleaner.

Despite this, it is still a very good car. very quick with very good handling. reverse and second are both a bit notchy, and the cup holders are next to worthless, but other than that, no complaints.

6th Dec 2006, 22:44

Original author again. forgot to mention some stuff. the HLA tick was solved with an engine flush, mobil 1, and marvel's mystery oil. the sunroof also fixed itself, as it slides again (albeit slowly). all other electrical items work perfectly, which is amazing for 158k.

14th Jan 2007, 16:27

Original author:

Blown head gasket at 158k.

22nd Aug 2011, 02:22

I have a 1994 Toyota Camry 5SFE (2.2L 4cyl) that is a 5 speed. Somewhat rare, huh? The manual transmission for my Camry is SOOO SMOOTH even at 187,000 miles. It's almost unbelievable.