1996 Mazda 626 DX 2.0

Summary:

Relatively inexpensive, reliable and comfortable car, if bought with manual transmission

Faults:

So far I only needed to replace all fluids, filters, spark plugs and a tune-up and the car is running good.

Burns some oil in cold starts, but after I added oil for high miles engines (Castrol) and an oil stabilizer the problem seemed to disappear.

The engine shakes when cold.

The engine starting is slow, but always start at first try.

Suspension is too soft.

The car feels floaty at 100+ MPH.

The gear changes are not solid when gearbox is cold.

Has little funny noises coming from some plastic parts in the inside.

The windshield defroster is so weak it can take more than an hour to defrost it.

General Comments:

Despite the minor issues when the engine is cold, when it reaches the normal operating temperature on engine and transmission everything works fine.

Just wish Mazda had done a better job with the damper and spring rate, feels to soft sometimes. But the geometry and layout of the suspension is very good.

The engine is enough to manage a manual tranny, it offers adequate acceleration and fuel economy, but could do better for a 2.0 liter, and it is not as smooth as expected in this category and size.

The brake pedal is spongy, despite the pads are new and the brakes were bleed, but has good stopping power.

Couldn't ask more for the price, year, miles and condition of the car. The paint looks very new, also the interior and the materials are mostly good quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2004

1996 Mazda 626 DX 2.0

Summary:

A lot of 626 mazda's have the same problems

Faults:

I bought a 1996 Mazda 626, from a private party. The car when I first tested it seemed reliable. Three days later I notice the tachometer bounces from 1500 to below 1000 rpm like it's going to cut off.

When the car is in idle it shakes. Then when I change gears the car jerks.

Also while driving the car jerks. Since it has not even been a week yet I'm going to try to get my money back. I don't want a car that has problems as soon as I get it.

I thank everyone who posted about their car problems so others won't have to go through the same problems.

General Comments:

There seems to be a problem with Mazda 626 transmissions from 95-00. I still like mazda as a car company, but they really need to fixed this problem. my old car, a mazda protege 91 has well over 150,000 and only the CV joints needed to be replaced in the year I had it.

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

Review Date: 25th September, 2004

1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.0

Summary:

A reliable investment for me

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong so far.

I had a tune up done.

That was my own decision.

General Comments:

This car isn't as fast as I would have liked it to be.

However it still performs well enough to keep me satisfied.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2004

1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.0 4-cylinder

Summary:

A good long term investment

Faults:

My water pump broke at 155000 miles.

My rotors had to be replaced at 165000 miles.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable and will last a long time if you take care of it.

It doesn't have much power, but it is very economical as far as fuel consumption.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.0

Summary:

DON'T buy one!

Faults:

Well first of all, not one should ever think of buying this car. After about 1 month of driving it (in town) my over drive started blinking along with my check engine soon light coming on. I brought it to the dealer and it was a computer chip problem and so it went away for a bit. He also said that my transmission would most likely have to be replaced soon. The car only had 40k at the time! That to me is ridiculous. Then, of course, the check engine light came on again. It periodically turns on and off, for weeks or days. Another incident I have had is when I was driving about an hour on the highway. I was driving 80 and then my car started to slow down a lot, and I couldn't accelerate anymore. My RPM were climbing, but my speed was not. Brought it in again, but the dealer could not find the problem. So finally this week, I was driving home from work and my car began to shake violently, my check engine light started to BLINK (never happened before) and my overdrive went out again and shifted very hard. They have been working on it for 3 days already... they believe it will be terminal. I am honestly glad to get rid of that car. It has been nothing but problems to me. I strongly suggest to anyone that is thinking of buying this car, to not. It's not worth your time or your wallet.

General Comments:

Bad Transmission

Bad Computer Chips

Overdrive is not working.

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

Review Date: 30th April, 2004

6th May 2004, 06:05

About the speed climbing on the Interstate...I've had a 95 Taurus that had this same problem. The RPM's would climb, but the speed would not, usually I'd have to pull over and wait for the car to cool down. Turned out it was a bad oxygen sensor. If you get the check engine light to stay on have the shop look for that error code.

12th Jul 2004, 07:21

Thanks for the information. I have a 96 Mazda 626 with the same problem as the the guy above. My check engine light came on and the transmission is "slipping" also. I brought it to a mechanic and the code came out to be a bad O2 sensor. I will get a new O2 sensor and give that a try. Does any one know how the O2 sensor is related to the way the transmission works? Once I try this out I will give an update.

28th Feb 2009, 07:30

I can see where your frustration would get the best of you! However just because you had a bad experience with this vehicle, doesn't mean everyone else will have the same problems! I on the other hand I wouldn't drive anything but a 626!!! I have a 1996 LX 626 with the 2.0L automatic! Love it!! Sounds to me like your Mazda needs a good tune-up! A new O2 sensor, and some love!!

27th Aug 2009, 01:25

I have a 626 that also gets the check engine light on, and the overdrive light blinks after driving for a while. If I had known this car had a Ford transmission, I would never had bought it.