1994 Mazda 626 LX-V6 review from North America

MAF sensor is on its way out.

Downpipe has a leak.

Passenger side window switch... and that's pretty much it.

This is the second V6/5-speed 626 I've owned. They are very good, overlooked cars (as long as you stay away from the crappy, FORD designed automatic). I have driven both the Accord and Camry from the same era, and in my opinion, it has a better mix of ride/handling/style/feature content than either.

The best part of the car, in my opinion, is the drivetrain. The klde is a very refined, reliable, and sporty engine (with a 7k redline). It mates to a very precise 5-speed tranny, although 5th gear isn't a true overdrive which makes the engine run at a higher RPM than it should in highway driving. Nonetheless, I average about 26 mpg on the highway.

The interior is great as well. In both 626s, every interior accessory, including the sunroof, still worked just fine. The same can't be said for the Cressida and 530i I've owned in the past. I like the interior design, and the oscillating heat vents are a nice touch. The optional 6 speaker stereo is excellent. My only complaint here is that the cup holders are of a design that is next to useless.

I think that the exterior is very sleek and stylish for what it is. The body on the 626 seems to be fairly resistant to corrosion and rust, and the paint has held up well on both of the cars I've owned.

The suspension is also excellent. My current 626 has front and rear strut tower bars, and it handles like it is on rails, albeit with more body roll than I would prefer. The ride is firmer than the Camry, without being harsh.

The 4-wheel disk brakes with antilock are very good, with good stopping power and pedal feel. The same can't be said of the model without ABS and drums, which I drove once.

The car has a huge aftermarket well, being based off the Probe/MX6. The V6 has a very nice exhaust note once opened up.

Be careful of the weak downpipe. Both 626s I've owned gave the same issue.

All in all, I think that if you are in the market for a mid-90s family sedan, a 626 in nice shape is definitely worth a look, as long as you stick with the 5-speed.