2001 Mazda 626 review from North America

Not much, needed new brakes due to shaking, and had a little problem with rough idle, but this was sensor and new software. Good car, but see other comments.

Overall I was satisfied with this car when new. Very few problems, but during my 4 years of ownership this car degraded rapidly. And this is not my fault since it was used for steady high-way driving and all checkups done. It does not seem very solid and when I traded it in for a new Mazda last year it felt like it was completely falling apart. Exhaust, dampers, springs, door-sealings, worn seat and interior seemed worn, everything was shaking and cracking, the last year it was starting to use oil, transmission leaked, etc, but nothing that immediately had to be fixed.

I think it was wise to trade it in, and I got fair price, but I wonder who will buy this one used from the dealer. I wouldn't, for sure. It would take a lot of money to get this car right. Compared to my previous car that was a Chrysler the Mazda was more fault free, but the Chrysler had clocked up over 190.000 when the engine blew. And even at that mileage it felt more solid. But would not buy Chrysler again since resale value is not good.