Faults:

Fabric on doors came off.

Seat belts get caught under front seats.

Water pump failed at 200000 miles, and again at 230000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been very reliable.

Other than routine maintenance, we have done very little work on this car.

Faults:

Typical wear and tear that would happen with any vehicle.

General Comments:

The 626 is by far the best car I have ever owned. Of course it has repair problems, but what car doesn't? With over 200,000 miles, it still has the original transmission and runs great.

I would definitely recommend Mazda to anyone.

Faults:

I would just like to say that I have never been left stranded with my Mazda 626.

I noticed a lot of posts about Mazda 626 automatic transmission problems, and I am glad I have a manual transmission.

The one problem that I have noticed among other users is the ticking noise from the valve cover. It has done this ever since I bought it, and it doesn't go away.

Other than that, I have replaced the CV axles, all 4 struts and had my wheels aligned due to the problem of having to purchase new tires every 6 months. When I had my wheels aligned, I installed Enkei 17" rims with 215/45/17 tires, and I have had this set on my car for almost 2 years now. Don't know if that will fix your tire wear problem or not, but it fixed mine.

Overall, I am happy with my car, since I have 213,000 miles on it!!

Faults:

Power steering belt snapped.

Blown head gasket.

Cracked distributor.

Oil leak.

Master and slave cylinder needed replacement.

Really no power behind the car, acceleration is just awful.

General Comments:

One week after buying the car, my power steering belt snapped while I was on the highway (so I couldn't tell) and caused my head gasket to blow. Towed it to the dealer to be fixed because I had just bought the car. NEXT DAY, I tried to start the car and it wouldn't start; had to have it towed from Virginia to Baltimore. Mechanic said nothing was wrong with it. The next day, it wouldn't start, again. Had to have it towed again. Finally, the mechanic figured out that the distributor was cracked, and if any moisture entered under the hood, it wouldn't turn on. Mechanics have told me this is an incredibly tricky car and annoying to work with.

The car has started to leak oil, but nothing serious.

I was driving one day (had it in neutral) and without any warning, was not able to put the car into any gear. Once again it left me stranded. I had to very carefully drive it to the nearest mechanic (turning the car on and off while driving). Since the car's clutch is run on the master and slave cylinder, I had to have them both replaced. I was told the entire clutch would need to be repaired soon (even though a few months ago it was in great condition).

It wouldn't be so bad if it hadn't left me stranded several times. I refuse to put any more money into the car.

Faults:

The transmission has gone out twice. Once for me and once for the previous owner.

Had to replace the trunk latch.

General Comments:

Very quick.

Faults:

Had to have the transmission rebuilt at 107,000 miles - 2007.

Now, in April of 2009, after 30,000 miles, the O/D light flashes after going up 4 or 5 long uphill grades - West Virginia. Pulling over and letting it cool for 1/2 hour solves this. The flashing O/D light is definitely caused by overheating of transmission from 65-70 mph speed going up mountains on interstate. Asked a transmission shop to install a trans cooler, which I supplied, and they said they've never once had to do this - still in the trunk of the car. Obviously needs additional cooling capacity of some kind.

General Comments:

This car has excellent acceleration for a 120 hp 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder - runs like a 150 hp engine.

Very comfortable car - runs like bigger car on the highway - climbs hills easily (not withstanding the overheating problem).

Well designed - slicker looking than a 95 Accord or Camry. Lots of trunk room with fold-forward seats. Very quiet car - well sound-proofed.