1993 Mazda 626 Executive 2.0

Summary:

One of the best Japanese cars ever built

Faults:

C.V. joints started to go...

Valve seals went.. I had my own smokescreen in the mornings until the engine warmed up!!!

Rear wiper on hatchback never worked until I found out wiper switch on steering column was from the saloon version...

That's it.. Everything else was absolutely perfect.. Not even a blown bulb...

General Comments:

I bought this car in 2003, and still wish even now that I kept it even after all these years.. I've owned a lot of cars in my time, but this 626 was, by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned...

Apart from the problems above, it was utterly reliable...

Servicing was done when needed, and as a result it probably would have driven all the way to the moon and back..

Fuel consumption was very reasonable, even for a 2.0 litre engine.

Once drove myself and my partner all the way from Ireland to the North of Scotland, and back, without missing a beat.. Seats were comfortable, the car was fast and quiet, the air-con kept us cool, handled like a sports car and went like a scalded cat... The only car I've ever owned that would make me feel refreshed after driving nearly 3000 miles in a week without needing surgery!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2010

1993 Mazda 626 GLX hatchback 2.0 118bhp petrol

Summary:

A BMW minus Chris Bangle

Faults:

Surprisingly nothing. The big Mazda's been through a lot of punishment (and no servicing!) but remains intact. Condition wasn't good though.

General Comments:

My mum had told me before buying it that Mazda's are the easiest cars in the world to drive. She had a point. I had originally wanted an old BMW 3 Series (E30 or E36) or an old 5 Series (E34) due to their driving. I took a 626 2.0 Auto out for a drive and it was brilliant.

This one had power steering and anti lock brakes, so you can tell what it was like. So of course I bought it. It was a huge bargain. Only £800.

I would also like to add that whereas the S-Class is credited for being the first to bring new innovations like air-bags, seat-belts etc, but the original 1960s 626 was the first car to have folding rear seats. An innovation in it's own right.

The only problem that I had with it was the running costs and the economy as it was good everywhere else. But the 2.0 has a thirst for unleaded.

I sold it for an economy car, a 1.3 Toyota Corolla. I sold the best car that I had ever owned to save a few pounds in petrol, and now I regret it, because it was brilliant and this is abysmal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2007

19th Sep 2010, 01:29

I agree entirely. My 1993 Mazda 626 Hatchback has been the best car I have ever owned. I purchased it when it was 10 years old with 50,000km on the clock. It has now (2010) traveled 180,000 and I have just replaced the radiator and had new brakes put on, but other than that, and changing the tyres from time to time, I have spent nothing on it in repairs.

I travel roughly 300 km a week and do an interstate trip every once in a while. It is a comfortable car to drive with heaps of space. I average 300km to the tank on average around town driving and usually get 350 to 380 for the interstate trips.

The design and engineering of the car were way ahead of its time. I believe it is still a very smart looking car on the road, and I have no intentions of trading my Mazda in on a later model at this time.

1993 Mazda 626 GLX 2.0 supercharged diesel

Summary:

Nice cruiser

Faults:

Belts slipping on supercharger unit had to replace all belts( there is a lot of them)

Back calipers replaced

Passenger electric window works, but only from controller on drivers side.

No problems with transmission yet but am aware that these transmission can be faulty.(I have changed transmission oil every 10000 kilometers which helps

General Comments:

The car is comfortable, reliable and economical. I get 40 miles per gallon more on motorways. If you are happy to cruise along its great, but it would not win any races. I intend driving it into ground so I won't be changing it for a while. Starts on a frosty morning first time.Supercharger unit gives great torgue for towing.Lovely whine off the supercharger unit. Very quiet for a diesel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2003

14th Jun 2004, 10:57

I would like to know what type of supercharger you had on your Mazda 626 and where you got it from. please contact me at rswann2316@yahoo.com.

16th May 2006, 12:44

I had (sadly) this version in the from of a hatchback. It drove like a dream, and with the all new ABS brakes it stopped as well. Mine was the 118bhp version in the form of a 2 litre engine. Richard Hammond of Top Gear called the smooth ride of a Micra 'witchcraft' but he should drive the 626. The power steering worked in a fantastic way and the car handles like no other. The auto 'box is another bonus feature in the 626. It is so quite it is scary, although tire noise is an issue. Fuel economy was good, not great, and selling it was the hardest thing I had to do. I never loved a 'car' as much as this Mazda. I before it had a Corolla, and now I have one. They were both terrible compared to the 626. Oh, and one thing I should mention: my children, watch a show about an experiment, called experiment 626!

19th Sep 2006, 09:29

I am still in the 1993 2L,the cam belt has been replaced 3 years ago, the new cooling tank 2 years ago. The car is roomy and is very quiet, the steel is very light that I can drive with fingers, enjoy this car especially in the congested traffic. But somehow the first gear keeps skipping to the second which the mechanic told me long time ago, this is still okay, but until recent, the 626 has a very big appetites which take 11 liters for 60 kilo, which normally can run 100K.

Have already changed the motor oil and the gear ATF, the fuel system is okay, but when this in on the road the transmission is slipping. Would guess this the the gear slippage problem. Would need to seek for advise and help from here.

I still love driving it, the engine is still very quiet, but not if this is burn gas. Would very much appreciate to receive advise and help here. thanks.