Comments: 1-15, 16
The biggest problem is the transmission. It is jerky, and will jolt *hard* when shifting gears. You have to play with the accelerator to minimize this (accelerate, then let off the pedal right before it shifts). From what I have read (and my own experience), avoid automatic transmissions on these cars at all costs. The problem is well known, but Mazda hasn't changed anything even in recent models. The latest Consumer Reports mentions this, and there are numerous websites with mazda owners with the same problems.
The head gasket begins to deteriorate at around 60,000 miles, and oil will pool into the overly deep sparkplug wells. Watch out for that.
My distributor had to be replaced at 67,000 miles.
Over all, this wasn't a horrible car, but I would suggest getting a manual transmission on it. They are less problematic.
The car handles good, and has a modestly powerful engine.
Your comments about the 94 Mazda 626 are completely on track with my own experiences. I have the manual transmission and have had everything you have mentioned go wrong with mine as well. Also, I had to have the Catalytic Converter Replaced in order to pass Emissions Testing. Overall, I can't really complain about the car though... for the most part it has been reliable.
I would also have to agree with the above comments. I currently have a 94 626 lx and trasnmission is bad, its sluggish and sometimes doesn't respond when the engine is accelerated.
I agree with what I have read. I had the transmission rebuilt on my 626 two years ago and now I am having problems with it again. The car will not go. If it was not for the automatic transmission it would be a really good car.
Great Motor, excellent reliability. But I also agree with the author on the bad points. The automatic transmission V6 shifts with such abrupt force, the car feels as if it hit a large pothole. I have also had problems with the power window operation, suspecting a broken regulator.
I have just read your comments on these particular engine problems concerning the 626; although my vehicle is the MX-6, it has the same V-6 2.5L automatic engine with the same problems. I have been told that the hard shifting is due to a broken valve body in the transmission. I suspect the distributor is going faulty as well. Overall the car has been reliable, but I'm unsure how long that will last. I do not think I will purchase another Mazda again.
I own a 94 6262 LX the motor is very reliable, but I have bean having transmission problems since about a month after I bought the car. I Have found out that if the computer is allowed to reset (unhooking the battery for a few hours) it will once again shift smooth as silk and I do not understand this is my transmission going out or is it in my computer. Has anyone else noticed this.
I really agree with the bad transmission and all because I use to have an 1990 Mazda 626 and that car didn't last me long. Now I have another 626 but it was also the same as the 1990 it had a bad transmission. The car that I have right now is a Mazda 626 1995 and I still can't believe the people who make Mazda don't even bother to fix that problem. But overall nice mileage and everything else besides the catylac converter.
I have an '88 Mazda 626 with 162,000 miles, and it still runs, but the transmission is very "jolty" the a/c has been gone since about '96, and the timing belt went a few years ago and fouled up the acceleration, overall it's a reliable car if properly maintained, my car was not maintained properly for a few years and deteriorated to its present condition.
1994, Mazda 626 - Transmission had to be completely overhauled at 105,000 miles, radiator has holes already, had to replace the catalytic converter and both oxygen sensors, and now oil leaking into the spark plugs, combined with crankshaft errors... this is after $1700 Canadian engine service, and replacement of timing belt through Mazda (current is 210000km or 132,000 miles). Worst piece of garbage I have ever owned. Save money and time and buy a Honda!
The Spirit.
About the Mazda 626 Shifting Hard.. I have a 1990 Mazda 626, the cause of the abrupt shifting is from worn engine mounts. I belive there are 4 ( not sure ) you can get a diagram from any local AutoZone or etc. Replace them and it will shift as if it were brand new again.
I have a 2001 Mazda 626 I bought at a dealership with 17,000 miles on it. I had to replace the transmission at 27,000 miles and now, at 30,000 miles I am on my third transmission, By the way... my significant other had to replace the transmission on her mpv van at about 40,000 miles.
I have a 94 626. I bought it when it was 54000 miles and now its close to 100,000 miles. In the last four years that I have owned it - I have experienced problems with the engine light coming on intermittently, car stalling occasionally especially in winter and in rain, changed the alternator once and exhaust pipe and mufflers twice. The last few days the engine has been running hot and I am afraid the transmission might have been affected. Overall it's a good car, looks and handles great, but these frequent maintenanence problems is vexing enough for me to look at other brands when I buy my next car.
Hello. I was reading through these notes about Mazda 626's when I came across this. I bought a 1994 Mazda 626 a month or so back, and have come to notice that somethings up with the transmission fluid leaking, and it being jerky (recently) when I drive it. Does this mean I'd need a whole new transmission?
This is one thing you can easily fix. When the Transmission leaks normally it will only leak out of one of 3 places. unscrew the Filler Plug/should be at the bottom of Transmission, then re tighten it, be very careful not to over tighten, just a snug fit, then a shade more. It could also need new washer on the same plug. Then I would.. when car cool.. get a can of Brake Parts Cleaner from the Auto Parts Store, and spray it around the Transmission Sump Gasket Area, and also Follow Two Lines/Pipes from the Transmission to the Radiator bottom. These are quite thin and may be made out of Rubber. It is highly likely that these are leaking. They Normally leak where they are Hose Clamped on at the Radiaitor End/bottom.On my Car I have to actually remove the Radiator to repair or replace the Cooler Hoses. It is an easy job if you ahve a little experience. Just remember to undo all hoses to the Motor and unplug the Fans and you should be able to get the Radiaitor out easily. Basically first thing to do is check the plug, then brake cleaner all tranny lines/gaskets then run car around.. also a sheet of cardboard works wonders under the vehicle to spot leaks.let me know where the leak is.
It is jerky because you prob need to replace the transmission filter and fluid. Take the pan off, then use one can Brake Parts Cleaner and spray inside of transmission liberally, allow an hour or so for it to drip all the nasty stuff out, then replace filter/sump/gasket and add your new trans fluid.