2002 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 when compared to other family sedans, silly optioning process requires an automatic transmission.
What's New for 2002
This year, to get any options on the LX four-cylinder or the ES-V6 model, you must order an automatic transmission. So much for that whole "zoom-zoom" philosophy. The former budget sport sedan, the LX-V6, can't be equipped with any options at all, save a slushbox. And the ES (in V6 format only for the new year) loses standard equipment; the moonroof, cassette player and Bose speakers are part of an optional ES Premium package.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Mazda 626 2002 (4 Cyl. 5M)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have absolutely no problems with this car. I follow the maintenance schedule faithfully. I have read reviews that say the manual transmission is no good. I find it shifts like a dream. My car has +100 000 miles on it and it runs perfectly. The clutch has absolutely no wear on it. If you maintain these cars they will be dependable and very economical. I would advise staying away from the automatic transmission. This is a Ford product. The car is fun to drive, has responsive steering and connects the driver well to the road.
Favorite Features
motor, manual transmission, steering feel, economy, low purchase price, availability of cheap parts
Suggested Improvements
headrests too short; bushings for rear trapezoidal links wear quickly and are noisy; high depreciation rate; some interior buzzing
Fun, affordable sedan
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Still running like a champ at 130,000 miles. This car has (still) a nice pick-up. It's a blast to drive with its rigid chassis and sporty suspension. Fuel economy for me has always been just sub-30, which is great. I live in an extreme climate, and the climate controls are very impressive. It handles (very) sub-zero temperatures well, just as it cools well in over 100 temperatures.
Favorite Features
Quick, solid engine. Easily maintained & a pleasure to drive. More simple stuff: Powered center console. Big trunk, impressive stock stereo,
Suggested Improvements
The car isn't made anymore. Still: I'd like the alternator to be more accessible, front cup holders moved, and rear ones added.
Dull but very reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I had the car since it had 25K miles. Now four years later and at 104K miles it has hardly any problems. Extremely reliable car. As others said, new passengers always find the swinging air vent interesting.
Favorite Features
Reliable. Dependable. Overall a very good car for the price.
Suggested Improvements
Not a lot of power. Slow to pick up.
over 101000 miles and no breakdowns!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My 02 626 (4 cyl) just reached its 101000 mile. I am writing a review only to say that I have owned this car since it had 20,000 miles and have NEVER been let down! the engine runs great and all mechanics have run normally. This would make a great used car if you are considering a purchase. Also, the swinging air vents are always a conversation piece.
Favorite Features
swinging air vents, great sound on factory CD player/speakers, RELIABLE!
Suggested Improvements
I think I would suggest a slightly better look for the interior. The beige interior with the same exterior does not leave room for the "wow" factor.
2002 626 LX - 4 cylinder / Automatic
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Purchased 2002 626 in May 2006 with 57,000 miles. Car is in good to excellent shape. Getting about 23 MPG in mixed driving. Car has been very reliable and is a good comfortable road trip car for 4 people and plenty of luggage. 4 cylinder motor isn't all that powerful (the 2002 Altima has a much more powerful motor) and road noise is sometimes very noticeable.
Favorite Features
Good interior space, comfortable seats, large trunk, decent styling, great highway ride.
Suggested Improvements
Transmission is somewhat rough shifting and prone to transmission failure due to poorly designed transmission cooler which leads to tranny overheating and failure. 4 cylinder motor needs more horsepower to compete with Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. Needs more sound insulation - there's lots of tire roar.
11 out 11 people found this review helpful
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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