Good looking car, great feel, precise shifting. Good leg room in the front, a little tight for 4 tall adults though.
The car feels safe and is reliable. I love the confidence I have in it.

The A/C is a little weak, takes a while to cool down on really hot days.
Lacks a little power with A/C on in the mountains.
Had to change the steering rack and pinion at 60,000 miles.

Paid ~$11,000 for it when it was 2 years old and already 50,000 miles.
I would definetely buy it again. Maybe go for the V6 if it is as reliable.

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Ford Contour - worthless car !

The price and the size of the car is what appeal to me

The performance of the car, I have experience a jump or skip with it when I take off from a stop sign or a signal light. I have taken back to the dealer and was told that it is the engine shifting when you change gears or when the transmission shifts.

The price of $15,000 was not a bad price. I would suggest to anyone buying it to test drive and maybe purchase the V6 model.

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None, first time buying a Mazada. But we do own a Toyota Camry and it does even match up to the performance of the other car.

Options, Styling, Comfort, Handling

Acceleration

Basic LX Model offers excellent value and quality for the price. Standard luxuries outweigh many other vehicle in smae class. Acceleration on V4 not very good, but holds the road well even at high speeds. Very good vehicle for the price and the class.

Standard options, Road handling comfort and price

Lack of power in accelerating and slight jerks with the automatic.

I have the basic 1999LX version and I have to say that even though there is a definite lack of power in the 4 cylinder model, the strengths of the car far outweigh the weaknesses. The car handles the road well, is stylish, comes with excellent standard equipment such as cruise, A/C, p/w, p/l and a CD player. The vehicle also handles high speeds well without too much noise or vibration.

Standard powers windows and locks, cd player, cruise and a/c. Road handling and lack of vibration.

Acceleration on the 4 cylinder

2.0 Liter V4 is a little weak in acceleration, but car has good size, performance and standard amenities. Automatic shifts fairly well, cabin is spacious and appealing. I paid 14,000 for this car with only 15,000 miles on it, so value is outstanding.

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Nissan Maxima, Honda Accord

GOT IT AT A GOOD PRICE. HAS A FAIRLY SMOOTH DRIVE AND LOW MILEAGE(ONLY 23,000 MILES).

THE TRANSMISSION JERKS BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. I'VE HEARD THE HAUNTED TALES ABOUT THE MAZDA TRANSMISSIONS
AND I'M KINDA WORRIED ABOUT IT.

MY WIFE DRIVES IT, BUT I HAVE TO MAINTAIN IT. I'M CALLING THE DEALER MONDAY TO CHECK OUT THE TRANSMISSION. IF SOMETHING CAN BE DONE, I WANT TO ADDRESS IT WHILE THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IF NOT, I WANT TO HEAR WHAT LINE OF BULL $#I+ THE DEALER HAS TO OFFER. PERSONALLY, IN THE FUTURE I WILL STAY AWAY FROM MAZDAS, AS MY PAST EXPERIENCE WITH THESE MACHINES HAS NOT BEEN GOOD.

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1998 HONDA ACCORD(THE ACCORD FEELS MORE POWERFUL AND SHIFTS MUCH BETTER).

Nice styling, the oaint job still looks like brand new (have owned 2 Mazdas and feel there paint process is great),V-6 will go on the highway..

Transmission,Transmission, Transmission...automatic Trans went completely out at 85,000...granted alot of miles but shouldn't happen..Same thing happened to my dad's 91 Protege

For the price, new 626s are a decent value..seems you can't get a comparable Honda or Toyota near the top of the line 626s price...Hopefully Mazda will work out their transmission woes (have friend who bought 2000 Millenia and replaced whole trans before 200 miles) My mechanic tells me these are the worst transmissions to work on and twice the price..Overall good car though...

History of reliability, great value, comfortable, roomy interior respective to similar models (particularly rear seats), good sound system, subtle -understated styling; yet refined, great trunk space and ergonomics.

Very poor placement of O/D button on automatic shift knob, low end acceleration rather poor, could have smoother ride, window controls should be illuminated and more than expected road noise. I would opt for a metal dead pedal rather than the padded carpeting present.

Bang for the buck is my bottom line. Other used, similar models simply do not offer the same comfort and practicality as the 626 with a comparable price tag. If you want performance with a "wow" effect, this four door sedan is not what you are looking for. If you are looking for an ideal, reliable, no frills commuter car accommodating four(very few similar automobiles comfortably accommodate five nowadays), the 626 is for you. The Accord offers more form and fit, but a steeper price tag. The Taurus pales in comparison with equitable options, and the Legacy is now simply dated.

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Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Suburu Legacy (2wd)

loved the cars-unfortunately lost to an accident

over drive button placement

paid 10k tax, title, out the door in 99 on a 96 model. i got a deal and planned to drive the car til one of us collapsed---barring any unfortunate accidents. ALAS, there was an accident. would recommend and would like to find another deal.

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camry, taurus, accord, malibu, etc.

Even thought this car is old it is totally reliable, always started in all kinds of weather, never stranded me nor hit me for numerous repairs.

None.

In the 13 years that I've owed it the most I ever spent for a major repair was $600 for a clutch that I replaced at 90,000 miles. The Car currently has over 160,000 miles. Only lately its age is starting to show along with some rust and a minor leak in the front windshield. Till this day I've never replaced a original part other then brakes, hoses & belts. Mazda truely made a great car. If you could find a used one I highly recommend it, just keep changing the oil on schedule.

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Nothing I ever owed returned more then this car.