1998 Mazda 626 LX from North America - Comments

The transmission went out the first time at about 50,000 miles. I had it re-built and it cost about 1900 dollars. The transmission went out the second time at about 70,000 miles. this time it cost me 2500 dollars, I had a transmission cooler added as I was told it would help. This transmission lasted 13,000 miles. It is now sitting in a cow pasture as I don't have another 2000 dollars to put in this car, besides I am currently serving with the Air Force in the Middle East for Enduring/Iraqi Freedom.

I have not had any major problems out of this car outside of the transmission. But that problem is enough for me to know I will never buy another car from this company. Not just because it is a lemon, but because the company knows there is a major problem with this cars transmission and they refuse to recall it. My car is now worth, if it had a working transmission, about 4,000 and I have already spent almost 5,000 in transmission repairs and it still needs another 2000-2500 dollars.

The car is comfortable and drives very well. I have kept the oil changed every 3000 miles and the oil is almost clean at every change.

Gas mileage has been about 20-23 mpg.

Tire wear has been low as I also rotate my tires at every oil change.

Performance is not great as my car only had the 4 Cyl. But it was OK.

If this car did not have an extremely bad transmission, it would be a really good car.

My 626 is now at 87,000 miles and I have never had any problems with it up until recently. The "Check Engine" light began coming on. As I was traveling down the interstate, my car began clicking very loudly. As I pulled over - the car just made a snap and pop sound and I was sitting on the side of the road smoking. I haven't taken it in yet. Could be the motor...

Everyone that has listed problems that occurred while owning this vehicle has not listed that this was an occurrence with the AUTOMATIC Transmission. In the Manual Transmissions there were no issues with the transmission. You have to realize that Ford bought Mazda out and as a result they are not designed like as good when it was strictly Mazda engineered. The Motors for the most part are all Mazda, but the transmissions and everything else Ford is responsible for.