1993 Mazda 626 LX review from North America

There have been a few minor problems, like the CV joints being replaced at 160,000 miles; fairly cheap and quick to replace. I hear that's common in front wheel drive cars.

The front tires do wear down a little fast, but that could just be because I have a speeding problem.

The stiff suspension is great for corning, but makes the ride a bit rougher; doesn't bother me really.

I needed to change the A/C over from R-12 to R134a.

The exhaust gasket behind the catalyst converter is replaced about every 30000 miles. The part is like $2.

There have been fewer problems with this car then many of the others I have added to my garage since.

This car was a gift for my 16th birthday years ago.

It was my first car and I still drive it daily.

It really is a good car. I've driven it around the country many time and it still has the original engine and transmission at 200,000 miles. Surprising how much this one little car can take. I know the first few years I drove it hard trying to make it to school on time. But it is still a fun car to drive and good on gas. Paint is just as shiny as ever. The 93 Mazda 626 is a good buy.

As a fair warning...

I have also had a 95 Mazda 626. The 93 and 95 look the same, but very different in reliability. The automatic 93' 626 has a Mazda built, 5 speed ATX transmission. While the 94' through 97' share a Ford built, 4 speed automatic transmission with the Ford Probe. The Ford Transmission is more economical, but far less reliable. The transmission on my 95 went out at 124,000 miles. I believe Mazda offered a short recall for some of the transmissions, but it is now long expired.