1998 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews

Mazda 626 Problems

Written by: Michael on 09/02/2008

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

New 1998 Mazda 626 replaced a 626 that was totaled. Been nothing but problems. I'm an engineer, change oil religiously, chk tires etc. Auto transmission failure at 66K miles. Seems there was a design flaw in the tranny Mazda never fixed. After discovering this I didn't want Mazda parts used so I went to guaranteed for life tranny shop. Rebuilt transmission still running strong. Mazda refused to help with the costs as I used non-Mazda parts. Nothing but electrical problems. Factory car alarm goes off without any reason, windshield wipers slow. Turn sig. blinkers are fast then slow. Engine runs good but rest of car is a mess. After owning 4 Mazdas I've not bought another and will not.

Favorite Features

Very easy to access oil plug and filter for oil changes. Engine still performs well on the highway. However car transmits a lot of road noise now that it's got some miles on it. Trunk is large for moving my kids to/from college or long family trips.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission redesign across Mazda product lines. More attention to quality lasting more than 3 yrs. Has gone down hill since.

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Still running after 164,000 miles strong

Written by: Diane on 08/19/2008

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

We bought our 626 new '98 we have had no major issues with this car. Routine expected work and we have had more issues with cars with less mileage then our Mazda. The car is still beautiful rides like it's 4 yrs old and have just had super performance from this car. We bought a Mazda CX9 as well this year and again very pleased - we only drive Mazda now.

Favorite Features

I always liked the isolating fans and leather seats are still nice and never cracked, great quality, tan leather. Love my moonroof as well.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing always good service and no issues

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love my Mazda

Written by: Boo on 05/24/2008

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX V6 Sedan

Review

My mazda drives like a dream. I have a 97 automatic and should have blown up by now and OD out but won't quit . My 98 manual drives like a dream, interior is grey and sharp. It is a comfortable ride and with regular tune up gas mileage is still good. Love to just go for a ride or drive on pretty days.

Favorite Features

I love the look inside and out, the bose speakers, the leather interior, sun roof, all electric, and drives great. But love that it don't have the usual tan interior, it is grey.

Suggested Improvements

The front bumpers are weak. Both my 626's bumpers were cracked when got them. The windows could roll up faster.

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Mazda 626LX - an excellent vehicle!

Written by: Pam on 01/06/2008

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I have loved this car; it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's now nearly 10 years old and it still drives really well. It's a standard and I've never replaced or repaired the clutch and I've got @110,000 miles on it! The leather interior and sun roof have been wonderful. I've replaced the exhaust system and the tires, and reparied the rear bumpers several times due to nicks. Otherwise, I've been nearly repair free! Great car; wish Mazda still made this one because I'd get another!

Favorite Features

Leather interior. Sunroof.

Suggested Improvements

The bumpers are a weak point as they scratch and dent very easily. They need a rubber strip across them or something to prevent easy damage from other cars while parking, etc.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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1998 Mazda 626 LX 5 Speed

Written by: Derek on 12/21/2007

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

What can I say. My wife's dad purchased this car with 100,000 miles. She has been driving it for the past 4 years. It now has 208,000 miles and still running strong. I def. wasn't sure about Mazda at first. This car has actually been just as reliable than my Accord though. The clutch is strong and it is the original! I have heard plenty on bad things about the auto trans, but the 5 speed is money.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seats, sunroof, gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Check engine light has poppped up a few times. But it goes out on its own. Might be the O2 sensor. Performance is still good though.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Decent buy

Written by: ray on 04/05/2007

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I fount this car to be an excellent choice for my first one. I had to put a new engine in it when I received it. Drove it for approximately three months, then got into an accident and the car was totaled. All in all it was an extremely fun car to drive. It handled exceptionally well. When we received it, it had over 140,000 miles on it but we put an engine in it with only 50,000 miles on it. It ran perfectly flawless with the exception of a squeaky belt. I give mazda credit for building an excellent gas miser. I got close to 30 mpg. That is excellent considering how hard it was used and it was close to 10 years old. It isn't a real head turner, but if you are looking for an every day driver, it is a steal.

Favorite Features

I liked the 4 cyl engine. It was great on gas. The 5 speed transmission was extremely fun to drive. The suspension and handling of the car was excellent. It is surprisingly roomy for a small 4 door sedan. It would be nice if it had a little more pep, but is still a quick ride none the less.

Suggested Improvements

Better interior selections for interior colors. Beige and gray are the only colors offered. Better front bumper. I got hit in the front passenger corner of my bumper support and it totaled my car and it was only at 25 mph. Everyone in the car was perfectly safe and unharmed but the front end was totaled.

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Goes Early

Written by: Brandon on 01/23/2007

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought the car at 115,000 miles. It looked like it was in great shape and also had a new transmission put in. But the engine is where I got my problems. This engine sludged up on me and gave way too early. I paid way to much for this car to not even last me a year and a half! Overall I give it a bad grade. Maybe that's why they don't make them anymore?

Favorite Features

Leather seats, gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Have someone else build it besides Ford.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Surprisingly good vehicle...follow up

Written by: Trinbago Foreigner on 10/29/2006

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Well I'm sorry for all of those that bought the automatic. The standard has been fantastic (knock on wood). I've had to change the oil pan after some rust. That's about it. Next to the usual maintenance work the car runs the same as it did before. I also take back the A/C comment since it doesn't seem to affect the gas mileage that much on long rides. In town driving shows a greater gas mileage drop off with the A/C. Annual driving given in kilometres approx. 40,000 km or 25,000 miles.

Favorite Features

It runs like the first day I got it. It's a great car (knock on wood again). It's not a car criminals WANT to steal which suits me fine. It's part of what I wanted in my car anyhow (less likelihood of being stolen).

Suggested Improvements

It doesn't matter with this car. They don't make it anymore.

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Happy with a 5 speed

Written by: Alex Hensley on 06/12/2006

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this car new in 1998 and have had few problems. The ABS failed one week after the warranty expired and the weather stripping came loose after seven years.The Ford/Mazda product isn't as high quality as pure Mazda products I've owned previously. I have gotten over 40 mpg on highway trips and city travel averages in the high 20's. After 8 years the only repair I have required is brake pads, plug wires and cleaning the throttle body. Friends that have the automatic transmission have had lots of problems but the stick shift has performed flawlessly. My Mazda truck is going strong after 21 years with out needing ANY major repairs. I think the merger with Ford has weakened the product.

Favorite Features

Strong engine, excellent handling, outstanding fuel mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Don't buy one with an automatic transmission!

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Loves to eat transmissions

Written by: Teed off in Milwauke on 01/30/2006

Vehicle

1998 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Bought with 53K on it and it has 94K as of 1/30/06. Guess what -- will be replacing the transmission again for the 3rd time. Piece of junk and will never buy another Mazda.

Favorite Features

Moonroof.

Suggested Improvements

Take off of these off the road and give back to Ford Motor. Maybe the laid off workers can drive it and see why they are losing their jobs. Poor workmanship!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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