1997 Mazda 626 DX from North America - Comments

Check Engine light came on 1 week after initial purchase. <50,000 miles.

I took the car back to the dealership where I purchased it and they in turn returned it to the Mazda dealer for repair. Looking back I now realize that the trouble code was simply cleared because the "check engine" light returned about 2 weeks later. The car was returned a second time (mileage still under 50,000) with the same results. The car was returned to me with no "check engine" light. The light returned in less than 2 weeks. I returned the car a third time, this time I was told that the check engine light would not hurt anything if the car was running well so I did not pursue it further.

When it became necessary to have the car's emissions inspected (as per Georgia law) the car failed because the "Check engine" light was on. This time I took the car directly to the Mazda dealership for advice and repair. I was told that the car needed a $600 catalytic converter. At this time the vehicle had 83,000 miles (3000 over the emissions warrantee period) and was told that Mazda North America would be unable to help with the repair leaving me with a car that would not pass the inspection. I had the trouble codes cleared and retested and passed however, the light returned after approximately 3 weeks and is still on today. I am happy with the car but not the way Mazda stands behind their product.

The Mazda is very comfortable to drive.

My 626 has never failed to start or operate.

I'm now the owner of a 1997 GMC Jimmy that I really don't want... but ended up with as an emergency measure - having had my 1997 Mazda 626 LS transmission give out on me 2 days ago while on the way across an intersection headed for work.

I, too - have had the eternally on "check engine" light. The dealer checked it when it started around 46,000 miles. Said it's just one of those annoying things, but everything is fine. Years later, another mechanic at a repair shop said the same thing. 2 weeks ago, a mechanic said - just a short in the wiring from the O2 sensor which he disconnected.

I had brought it in 2 weeks ago, having heard a strange, faint scraping sound when starting up from a stoplight. He drove all over, heard the same sound, but said he couldn't find anything wrong. Well... it was the transmission.

Ironically, I had in fact read reviews (many many many highly negative reviews) a while back - tales of woe about the 1997 transmissions which tended to die at about 70,000 miles. I thought, seeing as I had 110,000 miles on my car, perhaps this won't happen to me.

No such luck.

Given the diagnosis and the potential cost of replacing the transmission (and I am SO SICK of hearing "oh, you oughtta go to my friend so-and-so who does trannies...it'll only cost ya $400 tops") - I had to wonder if this would be money well spent (=borrowed) and if this would just be the first in a line of financial woes & repairs... and opted to find a trade-in I could afford.

Bummer.

I own a 97 LX model and it's a 5 speed 4 cylinder and besides it only needing a new set of wires at 113,000 it is a totally awesome car. Granted it won't do very well at the track for any reason, but I owned a Ford Taurus and that was a piece of crap. Every time it needed an oil change it needed front motor mounts, so by far the Mazda is a much better car!!!

I have a 97 626 DX that currently has about 107,000 miles on it. I also have had the eternal check engine light, therefore failing a few smog checks. Two days ago I was driving home on the freeway and a loud airy type sound was coming from my engine. I opened the hood and it seemed the noise was coming from the engine. I took it to the shop, they took everything apart and found that it was a tension bearing. I was charged $426.00 to have it replaced. Ugh. Now theres a constant clicking sound (as if I was out of oil, yet there is plenty of oil). Since I purchased the car, it has been very bouncy, causing any passengers to feel ill when riding with me (I assure you it is not my driving!). The seats are very uncomfortable, no support.

I also have a 1997 Mazda 626 DX. I had a similar problem as the first post. I found that it was the O2 sensors--not the converter. I replaced both sensors--one before and one after the converter--myself by cutting and splicing the new ones in. The cost was < $100. I found the sensors on the Internet, followed the instructions, and reset the codes myself--I bought a code reader too (good to have anyway)!!! In general, converters don't GO bad. If it did, the engine light would ALWAYS come on after a few miles of driving.

I've had my '97 Mazda 626 dx 5-speed since 1998 and with normal maintenance I've had very few problems all of which were emission related; easily fixed, and at 200,000 my car is still quiet and runs like new. Thanks to experience I am glad to have this little car.