1996 Mazda 626 Review
1996 Mazda 626 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Chrome is tacked on front and rear, and the hood is raised a bit to give the 626 a more substantial look. ABS is available as a stand alone option on LX and LX-V6 models for the first time (formerly, you had to buy an option package), and side-impact protection meets 1997 standards.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$171/mo for 626 DX
626 DX
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Mazda has been bleeding red ink for many years now, mostly due to home market sales woes. However, the company hasn't been igniting sales charts in the U.S. in recent years either, and we have a hard time understanding why. Mazda builds some of the most innovative, unique and fun-to-drive cars money can buy, yet they sit on showroom floors unsold.
Take the 626, for example. In size and price, it competes with a wide range of cars in the U.S. market, but offers more solid engineering and sporting performance than most. It looks good but somewhat bland, with flowing organic lines and an interesting dash layout. The 626, built in Flat Rock, Mich., alongside the Ford Probe (with whom the 626 shares its available V6 engine) and the Mazda MX-6, was the first Japanese-branded sedan to be called a true domestic by government agencies, yet it remains as reliable as a Timex. But it sits, while Camry after Accord after Lumina roll out of neighboring dealerships.
We think things are about to change for Mazda, and the 1996 626 reflects some of the things to come from this automaker. This year, the 626 gets updated styling, highlighted by a new chrome-trimmed grille that gives the sedan a strong family resemblance to the Millenia. The hood has been raised to give the 626 a more substantial appearance, and chrome has been added to the rear as well, in the form of a license surround molding.
Dual airbags, height-adjustable seat belts, and side impact protection that meets 1997 requirements are all standard on the 1996 626. Anti-lock brakes are optional on LX and LX V6 models; they come standard on the ES. The best value is offered by the LX V6, which doesn't top $22,000 when equipped with ABS. Better yet, the Mazda can be equipped with the V6 and a five-speed shifter, unlike comparable models from Honda and Toyota.
We like the 626's unique interior design. Seating is comfortable, and the rear bench is roomy and supportive -- more so than that found in the Nissan Altima. Controls are well placed and highly legible. We're still debating the exterior of the 626. Some like the new chrome and more prominent hood, while others liked this Mazda just as it was; crisp, clean and uncluttered.
Perhaps the tide is turning. We already recommend the 626 to folks who want a reliable, fun-to-drive sedan. With Accord-beating performance, Lumina-beating sophistication and Camry-beating prices, how can you go wrong with the 626?
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mazda 626.
5 star(30%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(21%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(2%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Don't believe the hype
mn mike, 11/21/2008
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
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"!).
4.25 out of 5 stars
Reliable Used Vehicle
Leif Wanager, 09/23/2009
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
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.
2.88 out of 5 stars
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4cyl auto
Ray001, 07/26/2003
1996 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
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.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Still Kickin' at 195,000 13 years
bubsdad1, 01/25/2009
1996 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
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!
1996 626 Highlights
ES V6
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $220/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
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 RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 – Original0
- 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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