1998 Mazda 626 LX from North America - Comments

The automatic transmission began clicking, and the problem grew worse within a week. I took the car in, and was informed that Mazda used a chain driven transmission in the 1998 626 which was prone to failure. It was named the 75,000 mile transmission by several mechanics. $2300 later, I had my new transmission installed with 74,000 miles on my car.

I had what was deemed a light rear end collision. No damage was done to the bumper or to the paint on my car. However, the airbag sensors were right behind the bumper. Both bags deployed needlessly, which also cracked the windshield. This was a $1300 insurance bill. Most cars place the airbag sensors further in to prevent this problem.

At 104,000 miles, my oil light is coming on. The oil level is full. The dealer says the engine has sludged badly, and that little oil is reaching the top levels of the engine. A new engine is $5,000. I have chosen to have this one rebuilt.

I bought this car because of the solid reliability of my sister's 1989 Mazda 626. I have parked my 1998 and am driving the reliable 1989. The 1998 is junk. I could have leased a BMW for less than what this car is costing me.

Beware of the new Mazda 6. It may be a much needed improvement, but it still has Ford parts, and the V6 is nothing, but a Ford 3.0 Liter engine.

I have a 1996 Mazda 626 with highly similar problems. It is on its third transmission (1st died at 60K, 2nd at 90K)... I am also having exactly the same problem with the oil light flickering, particularly at cruising speed. When I accelerate, the light goes off. I suspect this is because more oil is getting forced into the engine during acceleration. Only mine started at 98K instead of 104K.

You are seriously unlucky of getting this car.

In the UK Mazdas are rated most reliable and I can back that up as my Mazda 626 has 180,000Miles and still runs like new. No problems whatsoever.

I've read reviews of mazdas in the usa and they don't look right compared to those of the UK.

That's because they are different cars. The 626 in the UK is imported from Japan, and has excellent Japanese engines. In the US, they are made by Ford, and are merely rebadged, with a few styling changes.

I have a Mazda 626 from japan and it does well, driving is a fun. Not a problem at all. It is almost 70000 km.

Well...Driving the Mazda 626 is not fun it is scary. Your leaving point "A" and hoping to get to point "B". It is a piece of junk. I am so disappointed in it I am taking it in tomorrow to trade it in. I have already replaced the tranny twice and there are only 86K miles on mine...SUCKS...

I have a 1985 mazda 626LX. I am using it RIGHT NOW 6-24-06! As of now, this car is one of the BEST cars I ever owned! Reliability is UNBELIEVABLE. I drive 250 a day for my delivery job. NO PROBLEMS! I have owned 3 other 626 83 and 84s. One 84 I had, it had 170k miles when I bought. I NEVER had major problems. Never had to replace engine or auto trans! I had 246000 miles by the time I trade it in. The engine and transmission was STILL working!!! The 85 I currently have, it had 125k miles when I bought in 2004 (it had only one owner!!!) right now I have 153k. No problems with engine or trans. It seems to me that these are ALL Japanese made. Unfortunately later on, FORD had to be a part of Mazda. Speaking of which, I owned a 1995 ford taurus and 1994 ford Escort. BOTH WERE PIECES OF JUNK. My 84 626 LASTED longer than my 2 NEWER Fords PUT TOGETHER!!! What happened to the days when Mazda were ALL japanese!!

I bought a 1998 Mazda 626. What hurts so much it is my first car, I drove it for about 5 months when the transmission gave out on me. I was highly disappointed, and in the Bahamas our mechanics are not that skilled. I hope with service the new transmission last for a while. I will never invest in another Mazda.

I bought Mazda 626 Year 1998 at 99,000 miles. The transmission system had been replaced at 74,000miles. It broke down again at 138,000 miles and was rebuilt for $2300. It has been giving me problems since then with Overdrive light flashing and engine check light coming on. Now it is at 152,000miles and out of warranty, I am already thinking of another transmission system overhaul. It is a relatively expensive car to maintain. I have invested a lot of money on this car on brakes, starter, axle etc. The engine has worked well so far. The acceleration is slow. I will never buy a Ford made car again and would not recommend Ford cars to anyone either.