1999 Mazda 626 ES from North America - Comments

Transmission failed at 85000 miles. $1800.00 to repair. still doesn't shift properly.

Catalytic converters failed. $900.00 to repair.

The transmission problem is a common theme with this car. This is because they use a ford transmission, which is notorious for early failure.

If I had known this was a Ford, I would not have bought it.

We have had the same two problems with our 1999 Mazda 626. The transmission started failing at about 75 thousand miles and the car will not pass this years emissions test.

We had to replace the transmission at a cost of nearly $3,000.00.

The emission problem has yet to be solved.

Sincerely.

Jim and Angie

Perris, Ca.

My transmission in my 99 mazda has gone out without warning. I got my car serviced like the book and dealer said. If I had known that Ford had anything to do with Mazda I would never, repeat never purchased the car. I have had two Fords and they both have been a nightmare.

I purchased my 1999 Mazda 626 ES approximately two months ago. Since the dealership purchase I have noticed that my first gear more often than not engages into second gear at 4,500RPMS as opposed to the usual 2,500 to 3,500RPM even at stop and go traffic. The transmission acts more like a manual transmission with a very spirited driver even when I am going in a school zone. I am pondering purchasing a replacement Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) transmission for this vehicle hoping it is not this poor Ford production piece. Unfortunately though, I feel all transmissions whether US Spec or JDM Spec may be produced by Ford for the 626. Be warned that this car does have MANY transmission issues before purchasing.

I have owned a 1999 Mazda 626ES since 2001. I bought the car with 32,000 miles on it. Currently it has almost 169,000 miles. I have had no problems with this car. I have been through 2 sets of tires, 2 sets of brakes. I just had the timing belt kit and the valve cover gasket replaced. Everything mechanical with the car that has been replaced has been due to it wearing out. At one point I went cheap and had the coolant flushed by Jiffy Lube. They left some gunk in there and it ended up exploding my reservoir tank. Save for that incident, I have had no complaints. I've held back on purchasing another vehicle because this one has been paid off, and still works wonderfully.