1994 Mazda 626 LX from North America - Comments

Since Jan/02, I've replaced the Axles (Both). Replaced (Both) Front shocks and housing assemblies.

Replaced the Timing Belt.

All (16) lifters at $46 a lifter.

(Both) Cam Shafts & Seals.

Replaced three rubber door seals.

Had to replace (Both) Headlight assemblies due to excessive sun fading.

Paint is fading to the primer.

Bought this car as a to/from work car. Previously owned a Miata in college and it was great! Bought another Mazda based on that reputation, Big Mistake!

This car has been the biggest pain in the pocket book I've ever owned. Way too many repairs for a car under 90K and now more invested in it than it's worth. Can't sell it, can't destroy it, and can't continue fixing everything. I just found out there's a recall on the Speedometer Cable and the transmission was replaced at 45K.

How can Mazda build such a bad car?

Buyer beware, this car is not worth the money.

I am the proud owner of a 1992 Mazda 626 LX - I purchase this car in 1995 and it had 40K miles on it at 160K+ miles I replace the timing belt and at 189K a new clutch - this car has been really really good and considering the high miles (it now has 207,000 miles on it) I think those replacements are trivial and even expected! It still looks great! most people can't believe it has that many miles and still looks so good! I've loved it, taken care of it and would buy another in a heartbeat.

I think that no matter what kind of car you may purchase there are good ones and bad ones its just whether or not ya get lucky enough to get a good one!

'92 = Pre-Ford.

'94 = Post Ford, new model. Apples and oranges. I've had the '94 for almost ten years. I have a 2-inch stack of repair bills (I'm not kidding) for this car. I'm stuck with it because right now I can't finance a new car.

I'm happy with the handling and the mileage, that's about it. The engine power, the ignition sequence, and the reliability of the brakes and the transmission are all poor. I have replaced half the car at 155,000 miles. I'm glad to hear others have had the "lifter noise" - its annoying and has been pervasive since about 80,000 miles... another Ford-ism, or something.

Don't buy this model/year - you will regret it.

January 2003 I bought a used automatic 94 Mazda 626 with 122,000 miles on it. The condition of the car was great and I was very happy with it. There was a problem with, I believe, was the shank cranny? (Forgive me, I am a woman who knows nothing about cars) The dealership fixed that for me because I asked them to check out the noise the car was making.

About a week ago (Nov 2003) the hold light started flashing and the car didn't seem to be changing gears correctly. A friend who is a mechanic looked at it and changed the transmission fluid (he said the old fluid was not supossed to be the burgundy color that it was). He still couldn't find anything wrong with it and he used the diagnostic equipment. He un-hooked the battery for 5 minutes and when he rehooked it the light was gone. It ran great for a day and a half until the hold light came back on. It wasn't changing gears right again.

So, then I get on the Internet and find 100's of people with the same problem. I can't believe that Mazda has not recalled it. From the research that I have done, there is only problems with the Mazda's with a Ford transmission, which began in 94. It looks like even if I get it fixed that it will continue to have problems. Someone probably had some kind of problem, fixed it and then traded it in. There is a class action lawsuit in Michigan for this. Plus, there are places to make a formal complaint. I am telling everyone that I know not to buy a Mazda or Ford.

Wow, I wish I would have found this website before buying my 94 Mazda 626. But, since I bought it from a family member thought I could trust them not to sell me a lemon. Boy was I wrong. I've replaced the struts, timing belt, the water pump, and other things. Now the hold light is blinking, and it isn't switching gears correctly. The Air Bag light is blinking also. I've had a few people say it's the transmission. But one place said I just needed to clean the filter, and also the transmission fluid is dirty. It will go in reverse sometimes, but it doesn't drive well in Drive. Also I had it in Park, and I pushed the gas pedal and it went forward. So maybe there is something wrong with the Linkage? I have no idea, I wish I would have NEVER bought this car. There should be a recall on them.

I bought my 94 Mazda 626 in November of 1993. It is now February 2004. During that time frame, I have replaced the water pump, shocks, struts, timing belt, had the transmission "rebuilt", radiator replaced, and the list goes on. Right now, my "hold" light is flashing - which the books says is an electrical transmission problem. My transmission will not go beyond third gear. Don't know how long this will last. Thanks a lot Mazda. I cannot believe the financial burden this car has placed on my family. I can't afford to buy another car right now. I wish I had known these problems existed before I bought the car. BUYER BEWARE!!!

I have owned a 1994 Mazda 626 with a manual transmission and the 4 cylinder engine since January 2000. I have heard about all the problems that people have had with this car, but have not experienced them myself. I tend to take extra car with my vehicles and have replaced a few things on the car, but it has been the best running car I have ever owned.. I had to change the fuel pressure regulator at about 80,000 miles, the oxygen sensor, then the timing belt all at about the same time. These were all things that I felt were necessary - I have been nothing but satisfied with this vehicle.

Sept. 15, 2004.

I purchased my Mazda 626 LX 4-cylinder approximately 4 months ago. Everything was just dandy until now. The engine light started flickering on and off about 2 months ago, but it doesn't effect the driving. I have a loud clicking every time I turn the wheel, which means my trans axle boot and CV joints are done for ($150 for 2 new axles and seals + my time and tools to remove and install). The transmission is usually rough, especially when the engine isn't warm yet. Anyone know why? I'm not positive what it is, but when exceeding speeds of 80mph, the tires (I think) start to screech really bad. The car starts to smoke (don't know exactly from where, maybe grease in axles or from CV joints) when exceeding speeds of 90mph. Anyone know anything about that? PLEASE HELP! The car also stalled a few times when putting in reverse (RP M's went too low) and still feels like it will again every time I slow down and make a turn to park (to a turning stop). If anyone can share some advice, it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

From TheSpirit, owner of a 1994 Mazda 626, V6 2.5L, Automatic... take my advice buy a Honda! Have had this car and had to replace O2 Sensors, Struts, Transmission rebuilt twice, Engine rebuilt by Mazda, and that's not even scratching the surface! repairs have been non-ending. Currently have a very loud squealing / screeching from the engine in cold weather (continues for 4-9 min. until the engine warms up)... any thoughts on what it could be? Also the engine oil disappears monthly (oil light comes on), but no evident leaks on the driveway, where is it going? Basically this car is in at a mechanic every month. Currently has 228,000km. First engine and tranny rebuild at 165,000km.