It's a solid little car. The interior still looks good and is comfortable for all but the longest of trips. There's also tons of space inside! And something that I love about Mazdas on the whole is that they're different from other japanese cars in that there's not a ton of them driving around. The engine is rated at only 110 horsepower but feels a lot peppier than that.

The Ford automatic transmission, and the paint. Thanks to ford practically all 626 4 cylinder automatics need to have the tranny replaced before 100K (mine went at 97K). The paint was great until the end of '98 when it started fading in a few places and just got worse, even though it had been religiously waxed since we got it (but it had 5 owners before us...).

If i had the manual transmission or if it were possible to put a Mazda-built tranny in it, i would keep and just repaint it. However transmissions are expensive so i'm considering getting a 2000 or newer protege now. If the tranny's just been replaced i would recommend the automatic, it should be good for another 50K or more miles depending if the tranny was used or new. Otherwise look for a manual or just look for a 4th generation 626 (92 or 93-97) with a V6 option. the V6's don't run into the tranny problems. Other than the one real complaint this is a GREAT car, and very reliable. It's extremely fun to drive!

>>note on tranny: some people on the internet say there's ways to fix the transmission without replacement. something about replaceing a plate in it and the fluids. when mine went out the transmission shop said it would be cheaper to replace instead of rebuild so i don't know which is really better.

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N/A

A Strong and very smooth V6 engine. Soft and quiet ride. Excellent handling. Smooth and vibration free idle - even when cold.

Horse power needs to be increased to keep up with the competition.

I bought the 626 brand new after researching and talking to previous 626 owners. Despite the claims regarding Mazda transmissions, this is my second Mazda. I had no problems from my first Mazda (which was a Protege) and I had that for 3 years before trading it in for a 626. Everyone has either a Camry or Accord. I wanted something different. I had nor have any major issues with this car. The engine is strong and extremely smooth despite it's 170hp rating. In addition to the V6, antilock brakes and all speed traction control came standard as well as a power driver's seat and power moonroof. The ride is very comfortable. That was the first thing I noticed driving off of the dealer lot. The ride is soft and quiet. Something you might get from a more expensive car. I will never buy another 4 cylinder car again.

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None

I like the CD player and sound. The steering is better, than past 626s. The 4cyl has a more pep than my previous 626 (probably due to tranmission gear ratios). Cheaper than Camry. The seats are comfortable. Brakes are good.

The engine is noisy when it is cold. It doesn't heatup very fast. My car has a small body squeak. The ride is too soft for me. More luxury than sport. It revs high.(rpm is 3000 @ 65mph). No room for full size spare. A good crosswind will move the car.

After 12,000 miles, I have not had any problems that would require me to return to the dealer. Just minor annoyances. This is my 3rd 626. My previous model ('92) I had for 8 years, with no engine or transmission problems. I expect this to be just as reliable. Overall, this is a comfortable car with more emphasis on a soft, smooth ride.

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Camry

30 MPG, LIVING ROOM CHAIR RIDE AT 85 MPH, NO BROKEN BACK AFTER 10 HOUR RIDES TO THE GULF OF MEXICO. DRIVES LIKE A DREAM. MORE DEPENDABLE THAM A ROLLS ROYCE.

EATS FRONT BRAKE PADS, LESS THAN 35K MILES BETWEEN REPLACEMENTS. AFTER ONLY 249,837 MILES THE 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO NO LONGER WORK IN REVERSE. THATS IT, NO OTHER COMPLAINTS

BEST CAR WE HAVE EVER OWNED, BAR NONE. IF THEY MADE THIS EXACT SAME CAR NEW NOW I WOULD BUY IT TODAY. IN COSTS PER MILE TO OPERATE I BELIEVE THIS WAS THE BEST VALUE CAR I WILL EVER HAVE OWNED.

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99 CAMRY LE, 93 TARUS GL

Fuel Economy. Reliability. Little maintenance needed, except for annual check-ups.

The paint has started to fade a little, and I had to have the seats re-done after owning it for ten years.

This is a great car. I am the original owner, and it now has 270,000 miles on it. It has never given out on me, but I have been meticulous with maintaining it. I have changed the brakes when necessary (seems to be the one which needs most changing). I have never had any problems with the transmission (manual transmission), and gear-changing is as smooth as when it was brand new. As with most cars this age, I have had to replace the audio system -- but that was not a big deal. I love this car, which is why I bought another Mazda 626 in 1995, and another in 2000. But I still have the 1987 Mazda 626, the first car I ever bought.

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2000 Mazda 626. The 1987 is definitely less peppy than the 2000, but gets way more gas mileage.

lets start by saying that this care will carry the mail i tell you this car is remarkably fast for 170 horses. get interior, 5 speed manual tranzy
nice suspension and handling, leg room im 6'4" and great stereo system
i cousin and i race all the time he drives a 96 cadillac sedan deville northstar 275 horses and i have a hard time staying in front of the northstar off the jump because i have to switch the gears but when we get going about 95mph i see i'll walk away from him he has a governer at 112 i can keep on till 140 i think i had it up to 134mhp man i say its fast fats fast get a stick!!!!!!!!!

i need a more heavy duty tranzy to much power in engin i think faster then it older brother millina should offer a 6 speed trany but it might make the price of the car like corvette prices

this car is ok with me because im a speed demon i like performance

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compared to the lincoln mark 8 get ford

I liked the look of car.

Where should I start... This car had problem after problem. First the paint job was crappy (it had spots), dealer had to repaint the car. Second, Radio antenna wouldn't work. Engine light would come on and dealer couldn't fix it even after 4 or 5 times. Now I just ignore the engine light and drive. This car... just sucks.

I wouldn't recommend Mazda626 to anyone. My car had some serious problems even when it was new. Buy something else.

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Hundai is better than this car!

Excellent fuel economy, good power, reliable, comfortable in traffic or cruising the interstates.

Could be a little quieter, but not objectionable, high trunk lid makes backing a bit of a challenge, difficult to tell where the rear of the car is.

This was my first new car and it has exceeded my expectations. I was lucky - the dealer was trying to clear it out of the showroom, so I got a great deal on it, otherwise I would've had to buy used. Anyway, I now have 35,000 miles on it and have only changed the oil and also the plugs, air and fuel filter (at 30k miles). Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I have the 4 cyl and 5 speed, and it has plenty of power (I've heard the auto is a bit of a slug). No, it won't win a lot of drag races, and most 16-20 year old boys probably would disagree, but passing and merging power is fine. You really don't need more power (you might 'want' more power, but it really isn't necessary). Gas mileage has been exceptional - 31mpg in daily commuting (including sitting in traffic every day), and 38 - 39 mpg on the freeway at 70-75 mph (3300 rpm). Gas mileage seems unaffected when AC is on, but highway mileage was down about 10% during the lousy winter weather. Very comfortable cruiser, I could do with a little less road noise, but it is acceptable. Rides and handles quite well for a 'family sedan'. If you're in the market for an Accord or Camry, check out the 626, its worth a look, I plan on keeping mine till it dies.

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First new car

Speed,handlind,style,factory sound system, comfortable seats, gas milage,and luxury as well as sporty.

Cost of parts,i.e transmission. replaced exaust.some electrical problembs,persisent brake problems.other than that good car for four years.

Does very well as far as competing acceleration on the interstate,handles well comfortable just over all a descent car. Besides parts.

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Honda/nissan/ford/toyota/acura. cheaper cheaper cheaper. Speed,looks,and style.

This is an awesome car! I has a 4 cylinder 2.2 turbo in it. I really paid nothing for this car becaus emy father bought it in 95,but none the less he drove it like crazy, he works far away, and i recieved the car with 197K on it, it now has 198700 and its runnin great. Ive only had a few major problems with it, including manifold problems, and pipes, and the rocker arms, but other than that, its great. at almost 200K I am still racing it around here, and winning, Mazda is a great car!

alittle rough in the steering at high speeds, but can handle enough, has a tendancy to jump alittle from 0-15

i love it, speed, style, its the gt hatchback and not many people have this model, in fact no one in utica. I love it

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Awesome, I like it better than my friends acuras, hondas and all other modles near it!