2001 Mazda 626 Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 25 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A bland, bread-and-butter sedan that's not big enough for families and not sporty enough for enthusiasts.
Pros
Sharp steering and handling, simple interior design, V6 engine can be ordered with manual transmission.
Cons
Styling that could still use more excitement, shortage of horsepower, side airbags not available on all models.
What's New for 2001
The 626's interior gains a new modular audio system, a new rear deck with child safety-seat anchors and an internal emergency trunk release. Mazda has also made EZ-Kool glass standard on all models and side airbags a stand-alone option on models with a V6 and automatic transmissions. All 626s are now 50-state emission compliant.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A good car overall
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
From an appearance standpoint, this generation has the best lines compared to previous 626s, and the interior has an inviting look to it, plus it's roomy and comfortable with a great stereo. If you want a car full of high- tech toys, you'll be disappointed. The luxury/power features this model has (ES-V6) have been in luxury cars since the '80s. Reliability is good, except the radiator needed replacement @ 110K. I've heard complaints about the transmission but so far I've had no issues with it @ 156K. The V-6 runs horribly on 87 octane, it needs at least 89. I'm getting clunking from the rear suspension, most likely bushings/struts needs replacing.
Favorite Features
Great looks and paint color (maroon), '80s "retro" appeal, oscillating air vents, electric sunroof, Bose stereo, leather, folding rear seats, roomy passenger cabin and trunk.
Suggested Improvements
Cooling system, V-6 should run better on 87, front seat headrests are too small.
Piece of junk never buy a 626
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Ok where do I start I bought the car for 4500 and I have put that much into repairing the darn thing. Tranny went out at 117,000 water pump and timing belt at 118,000 2 radiator resivours had bad seals and coolant leaked through. Brakes needed to be done @ 115,000. The car just fell apart right after I bought it and I would never even consider Mazda again for a future car in any model at all. They are cheeply made and also the tranny is a Ford tranny. Umm Mazda car with Ford tranny? tranny has been known to fail in these cars but Mazda says nothing about it and has no recalls on it. Ford and Mazda will never receive any future purchases from me ever
Favorite Features
Umm honestly nothing the tranny is badly timed it takes a few seconds to get it into gear and it jerks when it shifts even after new tranny rebuild. Its just not worth the time or money to buy this car
Suggested Improvements
No Ford tranny if it has known to fail in over 40% of the 626 line. Recall of all trannys to be replaced before you get seriously injured
Very Reliable Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Review
There is nothing fancy about this car but I have had no problems at all with it. Just keep the oil changed and this baby will run forever. It is very comfortable inside with lots of leg room. The leather seats still show very little signs of wear on them. The interior has really held up over the years. I am the only owner of this car but with proper maintenance I think it will run forever! The engine does jump a little which no one seems to be able to fix. But other than that it is great!
Favorite Features
Very comfortable interior even on 12+ hour road trips.
Suggested Improvements
The exterior styling is classic but a little boring.
Not a winter car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is my 2nd 626. It's been a reliable car and gets exceptional fuel economy. It has no frills, but gets me where I have to be... except in the snow. Like my first (1998) 626, it slides all over the place in snow. I've tried several different tires, including snows and there's no drastic improvement. I fear driving on snow-covered roads! The only cumbersome maintenance issue is having to replace a pair of bushings in the rear suspension every 20k-25k. You know when they're worn; the noise is deafening.I've got 105k on the car and really haven't had to put a lot into it. I plan to run it as long as I can up to 200k.
Favorite Features
Great fuel economy, interior roominess, reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Should not need to fuel an economy car with high octane gas, redesign the rear suspension to make it more durable. Put adjustable lumbar support in the front seats.
Great family Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We've owned this car for 6 years. We put over 110000 miles on it. In the whole time that we've owned we only had to replace CV boots and a timing belt. It is comfortable and has great trunk.
Favorite Features
The swiveling fan feature.
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 Mazda 626
- 2001 Mazda 626
- 2000 Mazda 626
- 1999 Mazda 626
- 1998 Mazda 626
- 1997 Mazda 626
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