1997 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews

Reliable

Written by: 97-626 on 09/05/2007

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I have a 97 626LX 5 speed with 211,000 miles, and the car has been absolutely perfect. Seems most complaints here are from the auto trans. I owned an 85 626 from new and sold it in 97 with 193k miles, when I bought this one. Still have original clutch, alternator, hoses, and all major components. Regular oil changes and maintenance. Would highly recommend the 5 speed 626.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage. Still getting 36 mpg hwy after 200k miles.

Suggested Improvements

More HP.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Beware of bad Transmissions

Written by: Ron on 09/25/2006

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

The car transmission crapped out at 140,000 miles. We were lucky. Mazda 626 uses a Ford transmission. Beware this is a problem. We also have a engine light that comes on. After several attempts to fix the problems it still comes on. Other than that I liked the car We will be getting rid of it soon for something more reliable.

Favorite Features

Nice feel. Controls easy to use.

Suggested Improvements

TRANSMISSION!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Would buy again

Written by: J Hohler on 09/01/2006

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX V6 Sedan

Review

I bought this car new. Got an excellent deal because nobody wanted a V6 with a 5 speed. This car is a blast to drive. We had it now for 9 years with no major problem. Most expensive repair was replacing the timing belt, other than that basic maintenance. I would buy this car again.

Favorite Features

The V6 with the 5 speed. manual transmission.

Suggested Improvements

Fit and finish of the dashboard.

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Stiiiiiiill Going

Written by: Robert on 06/07/2006

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this car about 6 years ago with my dad's recommendation. He is a certified Mazda mechanic and he said the most reliable car on the road was the 626 4 cylinder with the manual transmission. Last week I had a timing belt tensioner spring break about 4-1/2 hours from home. So I ran it back at 80mph trying to blow it up. The motor sounded like a blender full of rocks, I just kept waiting for it to explode. But it kept going. Got it home replaced all the belts, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, water pump. And you can not believe how this car runs for a car approaching 200,000 miles. Quiet and smooth. That was the only maintenance I had ever done in 150,000 miles, besides oil and tires.

Favorite Features

Rock solid reliability. Consistently 33 to 36 mpg. "Swing" feature on the motorized vents. Good handling, very fun to drive. If you find one of these cars that is not abused and had a manual transmission. IT will last forever. My last Mazda went 326,000 miles before getting hit by a semi.

Suggested Improvements

More power, less body roll.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Good...So far

Written by: Bob on 07/09/2005

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I've just hit 97K on my '97 DX. The temp. sensor had to be replaced (thankfully under warranty) and the front tires wear down quickly. Other than that, my 626 has been good. I am a little worried about the transmission. No problems yet, but reading other reviews, it seems problems start around 100K. It makes me a little nervous. The car is a bit heavy for the size engine. The resale isn't that great (I am looking into a Camry/Accord, possibly trading in the 626 before problems possibly start). Overall, my experience has been good, so no horror stories. But I wish I had known the 626 was built in the same factory as the Ford Probe.

Favorite Features

Interior is nice, handles well enough. I get good city mileage (26 mpg). Heats up quickly in winter.

Suggested Improvements

Don't partner with Ford. Pick-up could be better.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Think twice before buying

Written by: R from San Diego on 06/16/2005

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Overall the car has performed fairly well. After first purchasing the car the check engine light went on. The car also ran rough. Just today I learned the car had a leaky heater coil; had it by passed for a 100 dollars instead of replacing the whole thing for about a thousand. The A/C on the car is wonderful; cools in about two minutes flat. Gas mileage is about 18 miles to the gallon. The paint is not very good on the car. I would recommend it for a first car for let's say a college student. If you are a real commuter I would not buy this car; instead I would by a Nissan or Honda - two much better cars.

Favorite Features

The air conditioning is wonderful, the basic stereo is pretty good.

Suggested Improvements

The power on the car needs improving. The transmission could shift a bit more smoothly.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Zoom Zoom

Written by: VMG on 06/06/2005

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

We have purchased Ford's, Pontiac's and even Chevrolet's, they were OK, but when we purchased our Mazda 626, we fell in love with it. It has only left me stranded once; the transmission went out at 62,000 miles. I was angry, but I found out later because being an ex-rental car, there is NO telling how the other drivers treated the car. Other than that, the Mazda 626 has been a wonderful car, so Zoom Zoom.

Favorite Features

I like the fact when I am getting on the freeway, well, let's say it ZOOMs and leave it at that.

Suggested Improvements

The only improvement I would suggest is perhaps thicker seats.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Don't buy this piece of junk!

Written by: Dez on 04/17/2005

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this vehicle new and it has been a headache. The transmission had to be replaced at 24,000 miles, the steering column twice, the timing belt at 1,000 miles, and a few other things. The engine light keeps coming on, fuel economy stinks, and the transmission is still bad. All in all, $4,000 bucks have been put towards this car. I still think something's wrong with it and I can't figure out what.

Favorite Features

Styling, stereo system.

Suggested Improvements

Engine power, transmission, reliability.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Reliable car

Written by: Axis72 on 06/21/2004

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I purchased my 626DX brand new and have had great luck with the car. I know have 80k miles on it and have had no problems with it. My only complaint is the car is very underpowered with the 4cyl even with the 5speed. The interior is roomy and comfortable for long trips. Great gas milage!!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage!!! Good looking car for the price. 5 Speed manual is smooth shifting. Air condition is awesome with the power vents that circulate the air nicely.

Suggested Improvements

4cyl needs more standard power.

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Salesman

Written by: carroll on 02/15/2004

Vehicle

1997 Mazda 626 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

Quit ride,good milage,fun to drive. best car I have owned in 50 years. Lowest cost to operate.

Favorite Features

overdrive automatic. CD changer, theft alarm.

Suggested Improvements

none

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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