2001 Mazda 626 Review
2001 Mazda 626 Review
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Used 626 for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds says
A bland, bread-and-butter sedan that's not big enough for families and not sporty enough for enthusiasts.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$170/mo for 626 LX
626 LX
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The Mazda 626 has been somewhat of a wallflower these past few years, watching the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry receive the most attention from people looking to buy a four-door family sedan. That's a bit unfortunate, as the 626 exhibits some solid attributes.
The Mazda comes in four trim levels: LX, LX-V6, ES and ES-V6. While by no means visually exciting, the 626 still manages to be an attractive sedan. LX and ES models have 15-inch wheels as standard, and the ES-V6 gets 16-inch wheels. The ES-V6 also comes with a sunroof, leather seating, an upgraded audio system, an eight-way driver's seat and heated side mirrors.
Mazda prides itself on building cars that are fun to drive. Aiding the 626's cause is a sporty suspension. Equipped with MacPherson struts up front and Mazda's Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) suspension at the rear, the 626 grips confidently on twisty roads, while out on the highway, the suspension manages to soak up nearly every pothole without jolting passengers into instant kidney failure. The 626's steering and braking are also up to the task of providing a more rewarding experience than your average family sedan.
For power, the LX and ES feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and 130 foot-pounds of torque. LX and ES cars fitted with the 2.0-liter engine qualify as ultra-low-emission vehicles. The 2.5-liter V6 puts out 170 horsepower and 163 foot-pounds of torque. While both engines are competent, they are a bit down on power when compared to the engines found in the top competitors in this class. Mazda does offer a manual transmission for both engines, making the 626 one of few family sedans available with a V6 and a manual transmission.
Inside, passengers are treated to a clean interior package. It's not exactly luxurious, but all of the controls are positioned for easy reach, with the exception of the rear defrost and traction control buttons, which are hidden behind the steering wheel. HVAC controls are easy enough for a 4-year-old to use, with two large knobs for fan speed and temperature, and two rows of push buttons to control venting, air circulation and air conditioning.
Seating is spacious for its class, but front passengers will be disappointed with the lack of lumbar support and headroom. Rear-seat occupants have a better deal, with good headroom and width for two, a set of cupholders, extra storage in the fold-down center armrest and magazine pockets in the back of the front seats.
Overall, the 626 is a solid alternative in the family sedan market. It's strengths lie in its sporty nature and cult appeal (well, for a family sedan, anyway). If you are in the market to buy a new family sedan, the 626 deserves some of your attention.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Mazda 626.
5 star(40%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(0%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
good value for the $$$
vhsmbg, 03/14/2002
2001 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
This one is a nice V6 4 door midsize sedan. Nice design, not too fancy, has all you need. Performance is very good with the V6. gas milage might need some improvement. Seem to be pretty reliable.
You won't go wrong if you get one
4.25 out of 5 stars
A good car overall
Al, 08/22/2009
2001 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
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.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Good Car For The Money
Chris, 10/19/2010
2001 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my car four years ago with a little over 70,000 miles on it. In that time, the only big repair I've had to make is replacing the axles due to the CV boots, which were busted when I bought it. Other repairs were minor, including new spark plugs, plug wires, new battery, and a valve cover gasket. Regular maintenance has kept it on the road and relatively problem- free. I trust it … to get me to work and back and to occasionally drive almost the full length of Texas and back, which I've done a few times now. The car isn't sexy, but the looks have held up for close to ten years now. Not fun to drive because of the 4 cyl engine. It's just a tool to get from A to B, and it's done it well.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Zombie car that I love.
hassef, 05/20/2012
2001 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Owned this car for 11 years. I purchased
car used as a dealer demo with 7K on it. At first thought I had a lemon, door trim peeled off, radio broke, O2 sensor went and a sway bar linkage broke, thankfully all under warranty.
Now in its 12th year the car has given up the ghost and is a rolling zombie that refuses to die!
This year had to replace the CV boot and axle
(my fault regular … maintenance would have spotted cracked boot and saved me $), the oil pan rusted out, front struts gone, check engine light is on,
exhaust almost rusted out and engine leaking oil from a gasket. Saying all this I still loved it. Has out lived all my other cars and cost the least in maintenance.
2001 626 Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,735 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $170/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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