1994 Mazda 626 DX review from North America

Oil leaks into the head around the number 4 spark plug hole.

Had to replace the mid-pipe on the exhaust.

My Mazda has treated me good in the eight months I've owned it. I haven't had any serious problems with it, and it seems reliable.

Gas mileage on the car is great. I've gotten 33 mpg at the highest. On average I get around 26 and that's all city driving.

In terms of speed, the car isn't super quick, but for a 4-banger, it does alright. Combined with the 5-speed helps this. I've had it up to just over 100 mph and it handles fine, no shakes or rattles.

Replacing the mid-pipe was kind of a pain, but it only cost me about $100. When it was busted off the car sounded really cool. And the oil around the spark plug isn't too big a deal, and I'm not really losing any oil with it.

I wish the handling were tighter on the car, though, it rolls quite a bit through the turns. I think I'll do something about that, maybe some coils or so.

Long trips aren't a problem in this car, it rides nice on the highway, and the seats are quite comfortable for just a base model. The engine is a little loud, but the radio drowns it out OK. Passenger room is decent, and trunk space is great.

Aside from high insurance costs, the car is not really expensive to run. Overall, it's been good to me.