Faults:

The transmission failed a few months after I bought the car. I have found out that this is a common problem with the 626 model that can be prevented with a transmission fluid cooler. After having the transmission repaired I have had no real problems.

General Comments:

The 626 is a nice looking, comfortable, and very efficient car so long as you take care of your transmission. I would recommend buying one, but make sure to have your mechanic or transmission shop check it out first.

Faults:

CV joint on passenger side seems to start cracking.

Front Link Kits squeal a bit when hitting bumps.

Nothing really major has happened yet.

General Comments:

Well I bought the car looking for performance first, and I was not disappointed.V6 with manual transmission is a great combination. The engine is smooth and is taken directly from the MX-6 sports car. It will rev to 7500 without a sweat and break a 0-60 time in the low 7 seconds. Beware of Automatics, they are Ford Trannys that's why they bust all the time.

Acceleration kills anything with a 4 banger. Handles like a sports car. Very stable and comfortable car.

This is my second 626 and I have made the reliability test, they are reliable cars. You need to get a manual tranny, seriously, the automatic is a whole different car. Its more a Ford than a Mazda. This is why some people have had tranny problems. I have 244 000KM and the car purs like a kitten. I have checked the compression ratio, still like new.

This car has Zoom Zoom written all over it, but looks like your average rental car. Love the sleeper aspect. The car also looks elegant, so it tends to keep the cops away :)

Love the car, Love Mazda, would not buy anything else.

Faults:

My 98' Mazda 626 is in the transmission shop for the third time in 13 months needing a rebuild. I paid $2055.00 the first time, plus rental car. The shop fixed it the second time. This time they want $2200.00 to fix. If I didn't still owe $5000.00 on it I would junk it. I'm very unhappy to find out that this a ongoing problem with this model.

Faults:

Spark plugs, spark plug wires and v-belt replaced at 107000.

Intake gasket and wheel and carrier bearings replaced at 116000.

General Comments:

With only minor maintenance issues, this car has been pretty cheap to own.

This car's fuel efficiency is decent at about 32 on the highway and 27 in town.

I was disappointed that Mazda does not offer a hitch for this car, nor will the dealership install cruise control.

Faults:

Brakes have to be replaced at least every year and a half. Twice spark plugs have blown out of the block, had to have the holes died out. The coolant reservoir had had pin holes in it twice, cause unknown, but that has made the car over heat on those occasions. The O2 sensors have been a problem. I've had to replace 2 and clean them multiple times. Lastly the CV joint on the passenger side has gone. In the process of replacing it.

General Comments:

Over all the 626 has been good. The ride quality although not as sporty as it should be is good. I have never complained after a long trip. And after 140000 miles I have never had any problems with the clutch or transmission There's been no electrical problems. I haven’t had any alignment problems.

Faults:

The only money I ever put into the car was for basic maintenence; oil, flushes, car washes. I decided to down grade from a 2001 BMW 525i due ti high repair costs. it turned out to be a good choice.

General Comments:

I love it, it drives nice and wears well, no BMW in performance, but gets the job dun fun.