Great first car, very roomy, great acceleration, comfortable, very nice.

Since there are no major problems at all, I've got to be picky, but the interior lighting is horrible. The only light is the center dome light, no map lights (soon to be changed on my car) and not even a glove box light.

I bought this car used from a private seller for my first car. I love it so far, and it is a great nice first car for a teen. Plenty of room for going places with friends and all their stuff. I have had no problems with the car so far, it has 67,500 miles on it, 800 of which I put on. It is comfortable, the sound system (Bose) is excellent, I love the sunroof and leather seats, great car. I have read so many complaints about this car and its problems, especially the automatic transmission, which I have. At 67,500 miles i think if it were a lemon it would have gone out by now, or very soon, however after some research I found some very good, pleasing information. I noticed after a while that the 626's that seem to be lemons are 4-cylinder LX models, and all the other models besides the ES-V6 or the LX-V6. Heres why, in 1993, Mazda redesigned the transmission used in most of their cars, the GF4A-EL. However, in 1994, the 6 cylinder models kept the GF4A-EL through 2002, while 4-cylinder models got a new transmission, the CD4E (sometimes known as the LA4A-EL), sourced from FORD. So if you own a 4-cylinder 626 model year 1994-2002, you've had problems, or, you will face them soon. I was very happy when I found out I didnt have a Ford transmission, so the V6 626 owners out there can relax now. Heres where I found the information: (http://www.dustbury.com/626/trans.html). The site says the GF4A-EL was somewhat more reliable than the CD4E...well, lets think, Mazda, Ford, hmm...read reviews on V6 626's and you wont hear of any REDICULOUS transmission failures at 60k, sometimes even 50k, heck I read one that went out at 30k (it was a replacement too)! I feel so bad for the people who got stuck with the lemons, but so far I still think Mazdas are good cars, and if you're looking into a new one, they (Mazda 6/3) now use a new 5-speed transmission supplied from a Japenese manufacturer controlled by Nissan, no worries there. The condition my car was in when I bought it and the great maintenence record, along with all the great features made this car a great buy.

Similar Products Used:

1998 Acura CL, 1997 Nissan Maxima

...NONE. I like the sun roof though.

Transmission, Alternator, Engine... and any other major function in it.

After totalling my dream car I got for my 16th birthday, my parents stuck me with a '95 Mazda 626. It wasnt so bad, and I really started to warm up to it. After having it for only month or so, it started acting up and the transmission went out. After having to pay 1700 to get a new transmission, I thought... okay maybe it was just coincidence. Everytime I get in that car something different is wrong with it. Recently my interior lights start blinking dim to bright.. along with my headlights, which might I add looks really funny at night. Sometimes Ill start it and it'll die.. the battery light is CONSTANTLY either on or blinking, sometimes it'll just die when I stop at a stop sign.. the car is just a flat our nightmare. I wouldnt wish this car on any of my worst enemies. I do not reccomend it to anyone who is considering buying one, especially for a teenager.

Similar Products Used:

'01 Toyota Corolla and a Ford ZX2 Escort

Milage, Aerodyanmic body, Good Stereo, roomy,Very reliable Price

Noisy abs Locks

The Previous owner sold this car cheap, never realized it was involved in an accident. Howver It was looking brand new with 10k. The car carried my family in rough winters for 8 years without ANY major repairs. Not even oil leak. I drove 130,000k and got excellent milage. The drive is bit noisy at high speeds. The only problem I had was the ABS brake jammed once, the wheel was almost locked. However I still drove from Guleph to Toronto. The service at Mazada was excellent.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Taurus 1993 Dodge 400

Roomy and dependable

Rough changing of the gears in the transmission

My parents bought me this car two months after my 16th birthday because the car they had bought me before (brand knew Ford ZX2 Escort).. I totalled. I was extremely happy with my escort so I wasnt too happy to be now stuck with a 9 year old family sedan. Though it's not what I prefer, the Mazda 626 is a thumbs up car. It is very roomy, big back seat, and quite comfortable. Ive read NUMEROUS times about the transmission problems people have had with the mazdas and though mine hasnt gone out or anything yet, it jerks when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. The ride is fairly smooth (especially compared to my light weight sports car)though I wish it had more power to it. I don't know if the person who had it before me was rough with it or what, but there are several dents and scratches all over the outside of the car and on the inside the interior is beginning to falter. Though I guess that is expected with a car getting as old as mine. Over all.. considering how much I payed for it, I think I have a pretty good car.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Escort ZX2, Toyota Corolla CE

fuel economy, style

most everything else under the hood

Before I purchased this 626 I had a 1991 626 5-speed hatchback that I absolutely LOVED! I never had ANY problems out of that car with the exception of replacing brakes and CV joints. I only paid $3000 for it when it was 7 years old, and drove it into the ground! Once that one was wrecked, I found this one and fell in love (with the exterior). I have since replaced an EGR valve before I even knew what it was, CV joints, a compressor, a temp gauge and fuse...the list goes on and on. The car has cost me roughly an additional $2000 since purchased, and is making a strange noise as I speak! It seriously needs a new paint job, which, in part, is due to the previous owner putting a sports bra on it! I also had to replace a carburetor part that ONLY Mazda carried. (Imagine that!) Really wish I would have purchased a Honda....

Similar Products Used:

1991 Mazda 626

Fuel economy, paint finish, handling, interior layout.

Transmission, Dealers, Mazda Canada

If you are here researching the purchase of a Mazda product, read carefully. RUN FOR THE HILLS!!! The transmission in my car imploded on me at 100,000 km. after the car was maintained as per the maintenace schedules in the owners manual. $3,000.00 was the cheapest I could get it repaired. The local Mazda dealer wanted $4,500.00 for the same work!!! When I contacted Mazda Canada as to getting some "Goodwill", since this is a known problem to them. I was told it was my fault and that I was lying as the transmission was serviced at an independant shop. The transmission problems on the vehicles are becoming legendary. The manager at the transmission shop who worked on my car told me the problems still plague the newer vehicles Mazda makes. Its just a matter of time before the 3's and 6's start getting towed into his shop. If you want proof of the problems Mazda has, check All Data for a list of recalls and Technical Service Bullettins.

Similar Products Used:

Honda Accord

It is very roomy.It handles very well.It get good gas milage.It is a very classy style."Supposed to" be reliable.

It's pretty slow with the 4cylinder and auto.The headlights yellow,but I sanded them lightly with fine grit paper and clear coated them.They look brand new.Though mine hasn't given me problem, I would stay away from the automatic.If this one goes I will swap in a JDM v6 with over 200hp and a 5 speed.

I got this car for Christmas to drive to college.My parents bought me this because they have owned a '82 GLC and a '01 B2500 and really liked them.Mine was owned by a 83yr.old lady and she never cleaned it once (since 1994).It is a 2.0L 4cyl w/auto.The trans has been replaced once 30K ago.But the old lady got it serviced regularly.The paint is faded (it's silver) but it might be from never being waxed.The interior holds up real well, compared to my '90 Integra with rips and tears.The fabric seems to collect a lot of lint.I am scared of the trans going out so I putt along.I am kinda cursed w/car problems so every noise freaks me out.I have learned that this car is 75% american made, so it is classified as a domestic. It has some Ford parts on it and those seem to be the ones that go bad.All and all I love my Mazda and it's the newest thing I've ever owned. I trust my dad to buy a good car (even though he learned of the problems with the trans after the purchase).I hope that it will last me for four more years. Wish me luck!

Similar Products Used:

Integra,Escort,Mustang,Fiero,Thunderbird, Quantum

We've nick-named the car "Rudy", after the all-heart, no talent-all heart Notre Damer Rudy Ruettiger.

(1) Interior Noise due to weatherstripping and lack of sound dampening materials (2) Flaky electrical system (3) Difficult to divorce: it still does it's job with little complaint

If you are looking for a mechanically reliable, cheap ultra-high mileage car, this car might interest you. This sedan always starts, gets 27(City)-34(HMY) MPG, stays cool in summer, warm in winter-given 5 minutes, and can accellerate once the tach clears 3000. However, after 165K miles, mine consumes 1-quart of oil every 2 months or 875 miles, smokes until the engine climbs within normal operation temperature, grinds through alternators possibly due to shorts created by electrical system insulation corrosion, hangs you with the active restraint system when it's cold, susceptable to exhaust system rust do to rock-salt, creates a micro-habitat for West Nile in the trunk, wears through outer CV boots like a Yeti-footed teenager, pops rear-end bushings like KFC Popcorn Wings...I could go on. After 15 years, 4 minor accidents, 3 owners, and never being garaged, this car has fulfilled its obligation to society. The body it depleted and the mind is weary, but the heart of this little beast just keeps pumping. When will it end? I mean, come on, WHEN WILL IT END?!

Similar Products Used:

2001 Ford Focus Wagon (tight car, but electrical was flaky--what is it with me Fords?) 2000 Honda Accord (manueverable, quiet, and handsome: way outta my league) 1997 Camry (elegant, quiet, and beautiful: again, outta my rear-end's league)

Handling, mileage, quality of construction. It is indestructible.

The clutch is really touchy. But, it has 180,000 miles on it. Actually, it was pretty touch when new. The trunk lid drips rain into the interior of the trunk when opened. I replaced the inadequate cd player and speakers right away. Rough ride -- but that's the price of sportcarlike handling.

I purchased the '94 Mazda 626 new. It has a 4 cyl eng with 5 speed. I have 180,000 miles on it. It has had nothing but a couple of tune-ups and some minor body work (I've been hit by other cars 3 times). The engine is still filled with sass; it handles like a sports car (I can weave in and out of traffic and park in miniscule spaces); and the clutch and transmission have never been touched. I've driven Camrys, Sentras, RX7s, 240zs, Contours, full-sized Mercs, Fords and Chevies, old full sized Grand Ams, Mustangs, Olds, Furys, various Ford pickups, Chevy pickups, Jeep pickups, Toyota pickups and Toyota vans. My Mazda 626 is the best built and most reliable car I've owned in 35 years of owning cars. I want a new car! But my old red 626 just won't wear out. The best 12000 buck i've ever spent.

Similar Products Used:

Camry, Sentra, 240z

Gas mileage

TRANSMISSION!!!!!TRANSMISSION!! I can't stress enough about the transmission. I put 3 transmissions in my 626. Over $6,500.00 in transmissions. Just thought that I was on the road to recovery and cracked a head.. Needless to say No more recovery for this car but the dumpster. I have paid more the repairing the car than I spent on it when I bought it. The sunroof won't go back either. It gets stuck then it leaks. Why even have one.

This car has been nothing but a BOMB!!! Nothing but trouble out of it. I do not recommend anyone to get a Mazda of any sort. The transmission sucks. Sunroof leaks and won't go up or down after the 1st week of owning it. Brakes are geing changed ALL the time.

Similar Products Used:

1998 Jeep Cherokee 1995 Chevrolet Lumina(great car)