1994 Mazda 626 LX V6

Summary:

Problematic and frequent costly repairs

Faults:

Replaced the CV joints.

Replaced the water pump.

Fixed so many problems in the last two years, I cannot remember how many times and each time for what.

Recently here, I had to replace the timing belt.

Sometimes when I am driving, the car will jerk like a quick push on the gas, and then the engine goes out. Other times when I stop at a light or stop sign, or even just to slow down on a turn, the engine will go out.

General Comments:

The seats are very comfortable.

Drives good and feels stable on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2004

1994 Mazda 626 LX 2.0L 4 cylinder

Summary:

My 5-speed 626 is a reliable car with good features

Faults:

I had to replace the CV joints at about 100,000 miles.

Rear sway bar link broke at 150,000 miles.

Have had to replace front ball joints several times.

Idle problems, mostly fixed by throttle body cleaning and K & N air filter.

Brake rotors need resurfacing.

Faulty airbag light on.

Replaced muffler and long exhaust pipe because of rusting.

Clutch trashed by service technician dogging my car while in his care.

General Comments:

I know it sounds like there have been many problems with this car, but on the whole I think that it is a reliable and comfortable car for the number of miles it has.

This car has never left me on the side of the road and has done very well in the hilly environment of the Appalachian mountains. It has enough power (manual transmission helps) to get me where I want to go, and it does well on the snow and ice.

This car is fine for long trips as well as around town. It gets good mileage, and I have driven it all around the U.S. and Canada with no problems, even when heavily loaded.

The only problem I have with this car is that the front ball joints seem to wear out quickly. It's annoying to have to replace them every few years, though they are not very costly. The brakes could also use some attention, as they sometimes have trouble with fading and "chattering" on steep downhill slopes.

I am very glad that I bought this car with a manual transmission. I have heard horror stories about the automatic version, but my 5-speed is a joy to shift. I have never replaced the clutch, though it is certainly getting worn thin.

I bought my 626 with a number of miles on it already because it was a good price for the features it provided, such as a moon roof and power everything. Plus, I thought it was a very good-looking car. Over the years, I have found that though it is not without its problems, it is still a good car and well worth the money I paid for it. I have certainly gotten my use out of it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2004

12th Oct 2004, 18:29

I agree with you 100%!! I have a 1994 Mazda 626, 2.0 engine, and 5 speed manual. I have 135,000+ miles on the car and the engine and transmission have never given me a problem. The most major, non-scheduled repair that I have had was a CV joint and both front strut bearings. This car still gets 30 mpg around town and 40 mpg on the interstate. In fact, I love my car so much that I just bought another 1994 626 and just finished having it restored. Long Live the 1994 626.

1994 Mazda 626 LX twin-cam 2.0-liter

Summary:

A quick get up, safe, reliable vehicle

Faults:

I've only owned this vehicle for a short time, however I have had to replace the distributor. Otherwise, it still has a nice, solid, original clutch, and everything else seems solid as well. The interior is perfect, and the body is close to that. It's a 5-speed manual, and my first car as a 17 yr old. I would recommend it to anyone, even at high mileage, since it is serving me well at 138,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car handles well.

Its comfortable.

A lot of power options.

Take players is broken. Looks like an internal problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2004