2002 Mazda 626 ES review from North America

The interior is coming apart on each of the four doors panels. This is the second time that this has happened on three of the door panels.

The Transmission is incredibly rough. At lower speeds and in traffic, the shifting between first and second is horrible to where it jerks the car back and throws the driver forward. Acceleration from a stop or rolling stop often lags for a few seconds to where you have the gas pedal pressed, but the car does not move.

The dealership has not been remotely helpful in making the car somewhat enjoyable. They claim to hook it up to their diagnostic equipment and find nothing wrong. The diagnostic equipment does not drive it everyday. After having the dealership check the car and finding nothing wrong, I looked at the engine myself and found that four out of six spark-plugs were loose. All the wires were not secured completely. All the plugs were damaged and have been replaced. The car still drives poorly.

When I drove it off the lot I had no problems. I purchased this car because of the options; V-6, leather and sunroof. Compared to an Accord it's much cheaper. A few thousands miles later I realized why it's cheaper. Now looking at the Mazda 6, I wonder if costs were cut on the last 626.