1997 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews Page 2

Great Purchase

Written by: David Zach on 10/17/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX V6 Sedan

Review

I purposely bought this car to last me many years and to put 200,000 miles on it. It's been 6 going on 7 years and I have 150,000+ and it's running strong. Feels like the day I bought it. Only routine maintenance with a few small problems over the period of time as well. I would drive this thing into the ground and get a few more years out of it, but my wife just got a company can and we have to get rid of one. Unfortunately it's ol' reliable.

Favorite Features

Air vents that occillate.

Suggested Improvements

50 more HP would have been perfect!

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fair

Written by: tom bouwsma on 08/15/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

it is ok it is my first car so it works out well. I wonder why mazda would put a little 4 in that car needs a v 6. It runs well no major prombles with it. It is slow off the line but it has some higher up power when in the 40's. The power windows are very slow going up and down.

Favorite Features

The a/c works well and the heater.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger engine better power window motor

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Reliable but not exciting

Written by: R-Mstr on 07/22/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought a lightly diven used 626. This was my third. My reason for choosing the 626 is that they are almost as good as a Camry but are much cheaper in the used car market. Reliability is my main criteria for purchasing a used car and I have had good luck with 626's. If you buy them right and maintain them well, they are very economical to own and drive. This is the first one I have owned with an automatic and it is really underpowered. It is ok on the highway at cruising speed but anywhere else it is very sluggish. I had very littl trouble with this one until an oak tree fell on it.

Favorite Features

comfort and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Needs at least a 2.2 liter engine like the Camrys and Accords. A 2.4 would be even better.

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MAZDA MAKES A GREAT CAR

Written by: ace318 on 07/04/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

This is our second Mazda--bought because the first 626 was a blast to drive & 100% reliable past 100K miles when we traded it. Same has been true for this one. Mileage is great (about 30 on highway, 20-22 in city), and it still looks like a new car. Have researched potential next vehicles and--looks like, if we do trade, it'll probably be for a Mazda6 (Honda Accord & Toyota Camry just seem frumpy in comparison). These cars make driving fun--without fiscal sacrifice.

Favorite Features

Clean timeless design, frisky 4 cyl. automatic, comfortable seats, versatile moonroof, solid reliability. Very pleased with Schaefer & Strohminger, our dealer in Baltimore. They go the extra mile to assure satisfaction.

Suggested Improvements

None.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bland but good

Written by: SteveWI on 06/22/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX V6 Sedan

Review

I bought the car as a replacement for a 91 Mazda 626 GT which was totalled... but the 91 saved my life. The 97 is not nearly the crisp handling car that the older one was. The v6 is a necessity - it's a powerful motor, although hampered by a transmission that is slow to react. Stock stereo is weak. Handling is better than most family cars of the size, and I still like the way it looks. NO major repairs have been needed on mine, it just works right every time.

Favorite Features

V6 power, swinging vents on the AC, Sunroof, nice alloy wheels and 16 meats help road grip. Awesome passing power.

Suggested Improvements

Go with a manual tranny and plan on buying a good aftermarket stereo if you like it loud.

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Junk--Don't Buy One!

Written by: Paxman on 03/26/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I purchased my 626 DX with 63,000 miles last May from a buddy for $4500.00-- thought I was getting a good deal. In less than 11,000 miles the following has happened: exhaust fell off, front brakes + rotors had to be replaced, CV joint replaced, radiator had a hole in it, clutch went out and all four struts are shot. Some deal. Trade value on this dog is nothing, so I'm fixing it and putting it up for sale so I don't totally lose my shirt.

Favorite Features

It's not bad looking. That's it.

Suggested Improvements

Try building a decent car, Mazda. My sister-in-law has a '97 626 LX and has probably sunk better than 10 grand into it--three transmissions (auto) + struts twice. We both should've bought Hondas.

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most reliable car I've ever had

Written by: MagicMazda on 01/27/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Bought my 626 new in '97. Almost six years later and 57,000 miles, and I'm just now making the first out of pocket repair. One minor o2 problem was covered under warranty. All I've had to do is put oil, gas, and tires in the appropriate places and the car just goes. The leather seats are very comfortable, the cd stereo is solid and 35mpg on the highway is tough to beat. AC is good, heat is better. The auto trans shifts hard at low speed (wish I got the 5sp). Could use a little more horsepower that 114, but overall my 626 is a great car.

Favorite Features

Reliability. Fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Hard shifting auto trans at low speeed/rpm.

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Excellent !!

Written by: aj on 01/09/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Looks and drives as good as on day one. Paint is still perfect. NO mechanical problems. I love this car.

Favorite Features

Drop down back seat which opens back seat to full trunk. Great for loading and carrying large items.

Suggested Improvements

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Great Car

Written by: AustinS on 01/04/2003

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this car new and the only problems i had was the transmission around 70k. I love the way it handles around turns. At really high speeeds, there are only slight vibrations, the noise is a bit loud, well the radio can fix that. The power is ok but not enough for racing...mods are verry ez to install on this car. The sunroof got stuck and i spent an hour fixing it. Suprisingly, the inline 4 produces a verry loud sound, not the weed eater type but with a stock muffler, it sounds great! I don't really see this car as a family car but for the price, its worth it!

Favorite Features

The handeling is verry nice and the car sounds great.

Suggested Improvements

More power,better transmission! Bigger trunk would be nice.

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Read the manuel - transmission problem..

Written by: functoid on 12/04/2002

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

is not due to the car. It clearly says in the manaual that while in stop and go traffic, one should have the Overdrive off. only on a long run should overdrive be turned on. People who don't do the above end up ruining their transmission and this true for any car.

Favorite Features

Sound, No ticket speed :-), sporty

Suggested Improvements

ticking noise to be elimated for all existing 626 due to oil pump. no dealer would do it today nor would Mazda USA. very minor problem but would be a welcome for long distance drivers like me.

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