Used 1996 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews
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Don't believe the hype
mn mike, 11/21/2008
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
2.0L I4, 5sp trans, 221k miles. Only problems I have had were wear/tear items (rotten plug wires, oil sending unit failure, vacuum hose leak, drive axles at 120k, struts at 120k). Don't know where people are having the problems with the trans, as I am still on my original clutch. Purchased this car w/32k miles in 2000, and heavy mix of city & hwy driving, have had no major problems. Not a speed demon of a vehicle, but gets me from A to B safely and comfortably (and I'm 6'4"!).
Reliable Used Vehicle
Leif Wanager, 09/23/2009
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This was my first Mazda and I have been impressed with its performance and reliability. It's fun to drive. Great for a non-boring A-to-B commute.
Do NOT buy! Transmission is Garbage!!!!!
Bad Trany, 11/11/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'll make it simple. Transmission repair costs have surpassed $2,500 in 2 seperate repairs over 3 years. I could have the note on this hunk of garbage nearly paid off, but I was forced to dump my hard-earned cash into trany repairs! I will never again buy another Mazda product!
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4cyl auto
Ray001, 07/26/2003
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I use this car to commute to work and the miles on it are highway miles only. I've liked the car for commuting but I'm on my third transmission. Someone reading this might think I'm hard on transmissions but I've owned lots of vehicles(currently own 4)and I've never had a problem with transmissions going out on me. The car has been an average car for me and if the transmissions had not gone out, I'd be really happy with the car. The mechanics that worked on my car told me transmissions always go out on the Mazda 626.
Still Kickin' at 195,000 13 years
bubsdad1, 01/25/2009
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is not an exciting car. It does its job fine and I am realizing it is getting near time to replace it (Looking at the Mazda 3, the 6 is too big now) No big problems in the years (10+) I have owned it. Gets out of alignment and shaky but it can be counted on. We get rough weather here in New England and it makes it through the snow no problem. Usually get 32 mpg commuting. Roomy enough for our family of 4 now. Small things starting to go. Drivers side door lock is busted from outside. Shaky, getting old, but not bad for the $6000 I spent over a decade ago! The 5 speed manual is the way to go!
lemon
carless in seatle, 03/18/2004
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Replaced two engines (one rebuilt) and one transmission, 2 air sensors and the entire exhaust way too soon. Turned the car in with it's third catastrophic power train failure with only 90,000 miles. Very disappointed.
not worth a damn
cbroyals, 02/24/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had nothing but problems with it since I bought it second hand.I've had it for three years and I've had the transmission rebuilt twice.I went to the Mazda dealership about this problem and he told me the transmission in the 96 wasn't worth a damn.I just got it back from the transmission shop and a problem that I've been having with it for the past year has rsurfaced the engine light keeps comming on and the car stalls again I can't find anyone who can find the problem, so buyer beware
Terrible Transmission!!!
gakeitse, 12/27/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our 4-cylinder '96 Mazda 626 three and a half years ago. After two years we had to replace the transmission--VERY expensive with an automatic! Now again we are being told we must replace the transmission (AFTER the 12 month/12K mile warranty, of course). Supposedly it is a Ford transmission that (I've just now learned) has a bad rep. We ARE NOT HAPPY with this car!
Great Vehicle
majScoot, 07/22/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great dependable vehicle. The good gas mileage and dependibilty are what makes it as good as Toyota or Honda.
Mazda half is the good half
Annette, 06/18/2005
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Second 626 I've owned. Bought it at 80k, it's at 104k now, and still no major problems. I've traveled across country with this thing and no problems. 2 owners all these years and it's still in immaculate condition. The only things that went wrong with the car were Mitsubishi and Ford components. Top quality that no American company can compare with. FORD was their only mistake. Someone said it before - the transmission needs NO maintenance at all. Do not change fluid or you will cause problems. Tune-ups, filter changes, idle screw adjustment, and chassis bolt tightening is all that needs to be done. Upgrading to a Millenia!
Great Car 96 626ES
vic miller, 12/09/2009
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I bought this car in 1999, it had 60K miles. It's performed great and now at 345,000 miles it's still a performer! Other than routine maintenance (timing belt, oil/Valvoline, brakes, struts, radiator, etc.) it's never given problems and the fuel economy nears 30mpg. Its 5-spd manual transmission has never failed and its clutch I've replaced once.
worst car I've ever owned
obcom, 07/20/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was absolutely the worst car I ever had. Transmission literally fell out of car at 48,000 miles(3,000 miles out of warranty). Mazda would do nothing, even though they admitted to me that this was happening to the same model car all over the country. I did not fix the car (a $3500 repair), sold the it for a loss and walked away. Never again would I drive any Mazda.
My 96 Mazda 626 4cyl LX sedan
zach, 03/06/2007
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall this car has not been very good to me, I have had endless problems from the idle being too low to the transmission slipping to radiator leaks, heating problem etc. This car is also quite slow and only delivers around 114 horsepower. But to be fair I will say it would make a decent car for high school kid but I just need more power.
Very happy Mazda owner
tradersyd, 02/11/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In eight years, this car has never failed to start one time. It's peppy and sassy and responds smoothly. The seats are the most comfortable car seats I've been in. I want to buy another like it!
Mazda 626 LX v6
Tom Mazda, 12/08/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, car was OK. Nice peppy engine. Other than that, car was nothing special
Buyer beware ..do not buy
Afaisal, 04/28/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it a year ago with 86k. owner rebuilt transmission at that time. Drove it out of state a few times. now, at 108k, transmission fails. After reading on the web, talking to owners and mechanics, I find out that it was a FORD transmission; 1994-97 626 transmissions have design flaws moking them trouble or failure periodically. All Mazda dealers know it; mechanics know it; most Mazda 626 owners are suffering through it. A "junk transmission" is their exact word. I fixed mine at AAMCO (well know national tranny place www.aamco.com ) for $1750 and they told me they did something extra to fix the issue permanently. Engine power slow.
Mazda 626 -- Very Reliable
Jrock, 06/09/2009
1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the '96 626 V6 5-speed manual new in 5/96. I put 275K miles on it and running strong. Typical fatigue of parts with that kind of mileage, but nothing out of the ordinary. Original clutch, but I feel that starting to go. Has always been very quick and handles well. Only thing I've replaced repeatedly is the auto antenna
Mazda626
chrisscarlson, 09/19/2004
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car...txmsn probs BUT Mazda handled in excellent manner...
Horrible Transmission
JSC1525, 10/15/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car gave me problems from the very beggining. The biggest problem being the transmission. I went to several mechanics to try and fix it, they were all familiar with the problem but none could fix it. I put in a rebuilt transmission and that also failed. The check engine light also came on all the time, after I saw they couldnt fix it, I learned to ignore it and the engine leaked oil. I liked the styling of the car and found the inside comfortable and attractive but the problems the car gave me werent worth the trouble or money.
Great Buy
jdfarr, 05/01/2006
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sports sedan with 5 speed tranny. Plenty of power and easy on gas (29 mpg highway).Very reliable but repairs can be expensive. Had 120k when bought in 2002. Now close to 200k but rides like new. The V6 engine will outlast the frame. It uses one qt. of oil every 3k miles. If you are looking for this model, make sure it has the 5 speed. Avoid the automatic!
A Good Car, Not a Great Car.
GGG, 05/25/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 18,000 miles on it. I now have 100,000. It has had a variety of irritating, but not major, problems over the years. Frequently, the "check engine" light comes on. Usually, the Mazda dealer can't figure out why, they just turn in off. Overall, the car has performed well. At about 95,000 miles the transmission simply stopped working. It had to be completely replaced ($2,600). After the repair, it went out again after 1,500 miles and 3 weeks time. The windshield takes 5-10 minutes to clear. The car pulls snow in and blows it onto the inside of the windshield.
Basic Workhourse
ke, 07/30/2007
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wish my wife would scrap it. It does the job though as far as mechanically. A good performance car from A to B, But no fun and boring look.
Nice Car - Bad Transmission
The Batman, 04/15/2005
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow! I read the review from rater JSC1525 and saw I wasn't alone. For a car in this price class, I should not need to put a new transmission in the car at 120,000 miles. As with JSC, my check engine light is always on too. The dealer and 2 indepentent shops don't know why. The passenger side airbag gave a warning light indicating it might not deploy at 80,000 miles. One would think a safety part that is never used should have a lifetime waranty on it. The good news - it is very comfortable, looks nice, has adequate power and lots of amenities.
Pretty Good Car
RMG, 01/02/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had this car for 6 years (bought it with 14 miles on it). Did have a transmission problem within a few weeks- -all fluid leaked out and major parts had to be replaced. Second major problem was something in the steering. All issues corrected under warranty and haven't had any major issues in the last 3 years. All maintenance is kept up to date. Little things on the inside are falling apart (i.e., visor, rear view mirror)
Great car
mrmaestro, 06/28/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had it for three years. Changed the oil, the tires, filled it with gas and it has run like a dream without a single problem. Fun to drive, handles well. I have a 5-speed and that has made it even better to drive and with the gas mileage. I'd get another in a flash.
Buyer Beware
scotter, 11/27/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased 4 cyl. auto. with 58,000 kilometers on it. The transmission exploded at 140,000 kilometers. Damage was $3,000.00. The dealership was not interested in my problem. What p****d me off the most was that Mazda Canada blamed me for the failure and accused me of not maintaining the vehicle (untrue). They had absolutely no remorse for my situation. Yes it is a ford transmission and is still in use by Ford and Mazda. Other problems included check engine light constantly going on and off, (I stopped taken it in to the dealership to be diagnosed because as it will go off in a few weeks), and now my tranny and engine are leaking.
Great Car for the $$$
mrschneider, 12/28/2005
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is bullet proof! Only time I've had it in shop was for regular maintenance, and to replace a P/S pump. My car has manual transmission (more fun to drive and auto transmission in these cars are poor). Have gotten as high as 37 mpg! Simple, nice, well built car.
Stuart's Car
SAnd, 09/06/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Maintained vehicle with Mazda on a regular schedule. Last repair work done without extended warrenty.
96 626 is a pain.. get the newer 6.
ourluck, 01/09/2008
1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had to replace the trans in about 6 months after purchase, check engine light comes on every now and then. Have a friend who owns a shop and he does a lot of repair on theis darn thing. I owned a 1984 626 and it ran great for about 5 years then i upgraded in sydney, i thought id give it another shot. A real bad experience this time.
Bad Trans
waylandk, 08/16/2005
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it at 50k. The old owner sold it because of trans problems. after several trips to the shop, it was found that the transmission range selector switch was bad. Once fixed it was good for over three years. Now the O/D light blinks I have had trans fluid coming from somewere. Also engine light is on.
Is it worth the cost?
AngryInPhoenix, 04/14/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I dont think so. Have a 1996 626 LX automatic fwd about 4 months, 93k miles. After 3k miles, the transmission is "shot". :-( Needs replacement - cost $2500-$3000. Car cost only $3500, am thinking of a manual transmission for 2 reasons - reliability of the manual transmissions and i like manuals. Runs great, acts like a sports car and all. But not worth the money because had to replace the cat converter($600) and transmission now. Shows that Ford(manufactures the transmission) and Mazda are just not companies worth relying for a dependable family or fun vehicle. Take my advice, advice, guys and gals out there. JUST DONT BUY THIS CAR. PERIOD.
Little Bit of Trouble
STAVCO, 01/02/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Gremlins occasionally cause the check engine light to come on. Local garage couldn't figure it out, even after a new $400.00 fuel pump installed to try and satisfy the "too lean fuel'" trouble code. Cleaned mass airflow thermistor elements and the problem cleared up, no more check engine light.
1000$ a year to pass inspection
dilliof, 06/21/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The mazda I bought worked good for three years now all the sensors had to be replaced and the emissions system replaced. It took a thousand dollars to get it to pass inspection last year and it looks that way this year, i cant wait to get rid of it
Love
yaycars22, 02/07/2009
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car commuted every day for probably 2 years, almost 100 miles round trip a day. I absolutely love it. It has lots of personality and accelerates quickly, although you can definitely feel the change between 1st and 2nd gear. It has 145,000 miles and counting, but it still runs great. The driver side CV Joint cracked though, and I think the other ones are going also. The engine light has been on for probably 3 years, but no mechanic can tell there is anything wrong.
no disapointments
jobey, 08/09/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it has been a good car for the past 4 years put the 93 premium gaz and you are fine.
Mazda 626
Mazda 626, 02/22/2008
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven this Mazda from Wichita, Ks to Kansas City, Ks almost every weekend for a year. The car handles very well but has a few electrical problems. The overdrive light blinks off and on occasionally and the enging light is always on. The transmission is slow sometimes. I also had to have a new coil. I like the way it handles and would like to restore this one.
leave it at the dealership!
dont do it!!, 06/29/2002
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car looks good in and out..that's where the fun ends. I had my transmission replaced last year. It still makes the same irritating ticking noise that it made before it went out. I think it may be going out again! The rear view mirror fell off, break pad too and the control panel vibrates.
1996 626
Mel, 11/07/2005
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My aunt passed this car down to me. She bought the car new and the transmission went at 65k, was replaced with a full warranty. Car now has 114k on it and runs smooth. Shifts rough sometimes. I treat the car like a old man so I haven't had any problems yet, "knock on wood." All around it's just a simple car I drive to work and home.
Best Ride I have ever owned
Gina May, 03/16/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 626 LX was bought in 2000 with 40K. The paint never faded and it stood out like the velvet on a Queens Robe. The car made me feel like it was my roman chariot and I was the queen. my favorite car out of many. It was reliable, fun, good looking and everything I haven’t found in a man. I put 80k on it in 3yrs. I lost my 96 to a women who ran a stop sign in a 92 protege. My hart was broken, but now I have a 98 626 Lx Chariot to ride and I am ready to have some fun again.
Trustworthy and True Value
Herman in Gurnee, IL, 09/07/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda 626 LX, 4 cyl, 5 speed, brand new in 1996. I currently have 122,500 miles on it and it stills runs extremely well. I still get between 30-36 miles easily. Knock on wood...I have had no major problems. Replace CV boots, drive axles and that's it. I do my own tune ups, and keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles. No one can believe its 7 years old because the paint still looks great. This car has been a great pleasure and though its now a second car, it still looks and perform like the family car it once was.
Happy with 626
Happy with 626, 02/27/2007
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 626 used in 1999 with 33,000 miles on it. The only major repairs I have done besides the usual maintenance, tires, brakes, exhaust was the radiator. This car has been excellent. It still purrs like a kitten with 182k on it. People don't believe me when I tell them it has the original clutch. I am looking to buy something new this year and plan to give this car to my niece. It is extremely reliable, feels safe, very quiet. I have taken great care of this car changing the oil every 3000k and doing preventative maintenance. It certainly is no sports car and you won't win any races with it but it is strong.
I'd buy another
jfbrown42, 01/24/2004
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 626 V6 ES in late '96. It's been a great car. It performs well. The leather seats are nice but getting a bit worn (kids). 5-speed stick shift works great. No maintenance other than usual wear and tear and things I've butsted (mirrors). This has been the best car I've ever owned.
If i had known then what i know now
stacy, 04/12/2007
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new in 1996 and have had problems ever since. I too have had serious transmission problems! I am on my 4th transmission (all rebuilt) and have put way more money into the car than it is worth. Although the car is unreliable, there are plenty of features that I do enjoy. Not enough, however, to ever convince me to invest in another Mazda.
Unreliable and dangerous!
sw, 01/10/2005
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We owned our 626 for three years and are so glad we got rid of it. The automatic transmission has been a nightmare and the car was in and out of the shop constantly. It could not even be fixed. In addition the driver seat folds back completely when pressure is applied at a certain point (e.g. picking up a toy from the back floor). Imagine this happening during an accident! Mazda was not helpful with any of the problems. Before you buy this car, search the web with keywords like "1996 Mazda 626 Transmission 0/D Light" etc. You'll find hundreds of people with a bad experience with this car. (Automatic transmission only; manual seems to be fine).
I LOVE my Mazda
Mazda_Lover, 05/22/2003
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you have a chance to purchase a Mazda 626, do it! I've had my baby for a while and I absolutely love her. She's comfortable, stylish and great mechanically. I promise, you will not regret this purchase!
2nd of many
myrtusugni, 05/27/2002
1996 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd 626, and I am a believer. Never had a problem that wasn't my own fault.
Just can't complain
JD72, 04/29/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Mazda for 5.5 years. With the 4 and the manual, acceleration is average but fuel economy is great (32 in mixed driving, higher on the highway). The FR680s I had wore away in 20K, but the Potenzas I replaced them with have been much better. Coming up on my 1st brake job at 70K. Otherwise, aside from oil changes and a new muffler, it's been great and trouble free.
WARNING !
Unhappy Owner, 05/28/2002
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had problems with this automobile since the day I drove it off the dealers lot! I purchased a 1996 Mazda 626 DX in May 2000, with 24,000 miles. Two weeks later I was at the dealership with a tire worn down to the steel belts. I have purchased a set of tires every year since owning the automobile. I have also had major problems with the TRANSMISSION!!! I am totally dissatisfied with engineering of this automobile and warn anyone who plans to purchase a Mazda 626 to talk former owners. Our stories are the same!
Great Car
undirectedthought, 07/25/2002
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the heat of summer, here in Phoenix, I consistently am able to achieve no less than thirty miles per gallon. I have had no problems with this car and I just passed 120,000 miles. If you keep this car maintained there's no reason why you shouldn't keep it for a long time to come.
Mazda 626
Kurty G., 01/25/2004
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Mazda 626 has been an exceptionally reliable vehicle. I have especially enjoyed the great gas mileage on long trips, often getting 35-40 mpg. I have had relatively few mechanical problems. I even took it on my stand up comedy tour (putting on 18,000 miles in the summer of '02). It ran like a champ.
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