Used 1997 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews
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2nd used Mazda-still happy
Nebraska, 06/20/2009
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought them ('95 & '97) as School Cars, although Dad drives 'em too! Fun, Zippy, fuel efficient cars! $1,000 paid for 97. LX 4 cyl 5 speed, 180,000 miles--needs some TLC /body work, tires, brakes--but solid, no rust, and runs great. 1995 Mazda still going strong and at College with Oldest Son. This one (1997) has a Sunroof, all the trims, and runs really well. Simple design. Don't know why Mazda doesn't bring this model back--simple, inexpensive, frugal car. They'd sell more than they did in the 90's. Good road car--despite small stature--here in the Mid-west.
Salesman
carroll, 02/15/2004
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Quit ride,good milage,fun to drive. best car I have owned in 50 years. Lowest cost to operate.
1997 Mazda 626 for sale near you
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- ES V6 SedanMSRP: N/A1,030 mi away
Still Chugging Along
Teslan, 05/07/2010
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Two years on since I last reviewed this car. Yesterday I passed 180,000 miles! Incredibly reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. I hope to get 2 more years out of this gem, then I'll see about looking at the soon to arrive Mazda 2. By that point, I'll have been driving this car for 15 years. Mazda, head and shoulders above the other manufacturers, producing dependable enjoyable cars.
A nightmare to remember!
christian6657, 05/12/2010
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I was given the car when it had only 37k miles on it now the car is only 52k miles and I've replaced the alternator about 3 times after being left in the middle of the streets several times, the transmission is leaking rivers of red oil, the axis is been always a problem and each day is worse and worse and the car's engine is always getting hot. Each time I try to correct the problem, it comes back like 2 months later. I've spent 1000s of dollars in fixing this car and NOTHING. In fact, I'll never buy a Mazda again in my life, this is a true disaster. Seriously, stay away from the 626!
Great Car!
mazdadriver, 05/31/2002
1997 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I have never had any major problems with it. It has been totally reliable. Starts right up, has lots of power with the V6, tight turns, etc. I bought the fully loaded car (except CD) and it has been wonderful.
my mazda 626
marv, 04/15/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Not happy with car mechanically despite it being well maintained. Transmission went at 45K miles, numerous other repairs needed, even while in warranty.
Reliable
97-626, 09/05/2007
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 97 626LX 5 speed with 211,000 miles, and the car has been absolutely perfect. Seems most complaints here are from the auto trans. I owned an 85 626 from new and sold it in 97 with 193k miles, when I bought this one. Still have original clutch, alternator, hoses, and all major components. Regular oil changes and maintenance. Would highly recommend the 5 speed 626.
Reliable but not exciting
R-Mstr, 07/22/2003
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a lightly diven used 626. This was my third. My reason for choosing the 626 is that they are almost as good as a Camry but are much cheaper in the used car market. Reliability is my main criteria for purchasing a used car and I have had good luck with 626's. If you buy them right and maintain them well, they are very economical to own and drive. This is the first one I have owned with an automatic and it is really underpowered. It is ok on the highway at cruising speed but anywhere else it is very sluggish. I had very littl trouble with this one until an oak tree fell on it.
Zoom Zoom
VMG, 06/06/2005
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have purchased Ford's, Pontiac's and even Chevrolet's, they were OK, but when we purchased our Mazda 626, we fell in love with it. It has only left me stranded once; the transmission went out at 62,000 miles. I was angry, but I found out later because being an ex-rental car, there is NO telling how the other drivers treated the car. Other than that, the Mazda 626 has been a wonderful car, so Zoom Zoom.
most reliable car I've ever had
MagicMazda, 01/27/2003
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my 626 new in '97. Almost six years later and 57,000 miles, and I'm just now making the first out of pocket repair. One minor o2 problem was covered under warranty. All I've had to do is put oil, gas, and tires in the appropriate places and the car just goes. The leather seats are very comfortable, the cd stereo is solid and 35mpg on the highway is tough to beat. AC is good, heat is better. The auto trans shifts hard at low speed (wish I got the 5sp). Could use a little more horsepower that 114, but overall my 626 is a great car.
Stiiiiiiill Going
Robert, 06/07/2006
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about 6 years ago with my dad's recommendation. He is a certified Mazda mechanic and he said the most reliable car on the road was the 626 4 cylinder with the manual transmission. Last week I had a timing belt tensioner spring break about 4-1/2 hours from home. So I ran it back at 80mph trying to blow it up. The motor sounded like a blender full of rocks, I just kept waiting for it to explode. But it kept going. Got it home replaced all the belts, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, water pump. And you can not believe how this car runs for a car approaching 200,000 miles. Quiet and smooth. That was the only maintenance I had ever done in 150,000 miles, besides oil and tires.
Reliable car
Axis72, 06/21/2004
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 626DX brand new and have had great luck with the car. I know have 80k miles on it and have had no problems with it. My only complaint is the car is very underpowered with the 4cyl even with the 5speed. The interior is roomy and comfortable for long trips. Great gas milage!!
The best out there for money..
rezamarand, 04/22/2002
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I agree that this car is great for some and not so great for others. It's very comfortable, stylish, but too flat. It was the best out there for my money at time. My 1997 has a manual transmission, I used to have a 1992 protege with Auto transmission, although I never had any problem with the transmission, I decided get a manual. It's a bit noisy, maybe because of exhuast link, but not annoying. I feel that either the body is too heavy (which is) or the engine is not powerful enough or both. I love to drive fast, but I have to change my habit with this one, which is good!! In overal, I love my car and I'll keep buying Mazdas, if they intend to improve
Good ol Mazda
johntesh71, 09/22/2011
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had one of these as my first car, bought it with 197,000 miles and experienced one problem after the next. The car had horrible power steering problems, brakes went bad after one month, then the alternator left me stranded in a busy intersection. Once all the problems were fixed...Very reliable car, gutsy little engine and very well made. I was upset when this car got stolen from me only 6 months after buying it...but life goes on and so does Mazda....Zoom, Zoom!
My Car Gretta...
jkriley, 01/19/2013
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've seen a lot of bad reviews on here about the mazda 626 and I just have to say mine has been through my sister and myself and it's still going. It's over 200,000 and we both have put little to no money into this car. After I get another car I plan on giving it to my father to let him drive it till it dies. It may have slight issues but it's over 15 years old so I can't complain. I think my alternator might be going bad now but I'm assuming it was never replaced before so for 200,000 miles and the little cost I've had to spend I say it's not bad.
Bland but good
SteveWI, 06/22/2003
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car as a replacement for a 91 Mazda 626 GT which was totalled... but the 91 saved my life. The 97 is not nearly the crisp handling car that the older one was. The v6 is a necessity - it's a powerful motor, although hampered by a transmission that is slow to react. Stock stereo is weak. Handling is better than most family cars of the size, and I still like the way it looks. NO major repairs have been needed on mine, it just works right every time.
My 1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 5-Speed
greymeyer, 06/17/2015
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my first real car. Bought it with only 45k miles on it. Owned by a sweet little old lady. Knowing about the partnership between Mazda and Ford, at first I was skeptical about the purchase. But at $3,500 the price was right and we purchased the car. I'm so glad we did as it's been the best we have ever owned. Never once did we have an issue with it. My commute to work was an hour round trip and we frequented the mountains often. As an auto-enthusiast, you can't find a more fun to drive four door sedan for the money. The 5-speed is quick and easy to shift and it mates well to Mazda's unique KL-DE V6 engine. Sadly it was totaled just yesterday when a woman ran a red and hit me.
Built for the Long Haul
LongestMazdaOwner, 05/16/2010
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am a proud 10 year owner of this vehicle. It has been very reliable throughout the years. After approximately 200,000 miles my transmission needed rebuilding which I thought wasn't bad considering the mileage. Also, I had to get my timing belt tensioner replaced a few years earlier, but overall, it has been a great car. I probably would get another one if the prices of the cars would remain low. Unfortunately they haven't and I am still driving my good old Mazda. I hope it will be around for another 10 years.
Good...So far
Bob, 07/09/2005
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've just hit 97K on my '97 DX. The temp. sensor had to be replaced (thankfully under warranty) and the front tires wear down quickly. Other than that, my 626 has been good. I am a little worried about the transmission. No problems yet, but reading other reviews, it seems problems start around 100K. It makes me a little nervous. The car is a bit heavy for the size engine. The resale isn't that great (I am looking into a Camry/Accord, possibly trading in the 626 before problems possibly start). Overall, my experience has been good, so no horror stories. But I wish I had known the 626 was built in the same factory as the Ford Probe.
fair
tom bouwsma , 08/15/2003
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is ok it is my first car so it works out well. I wonder why mazda would put a little 4 in that car needs a v 6. It runs well no major prombles with it. It is slow off the line but it has some higher up power when in the 40's. The power windows are very slow going up and down.
Good until 100K, then Boom
coldstorage5, 04/11/2009
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hi, I bought this car with 30K, Did routine maintenance, can ran well until tranny blew at 103K.. What a nightmare. Learned that it is a ford tranny, poor fit. It has not never been the same. Brought it back numerous times, they cant figure it out.
Great Purchase
David Zach, 10/17/2003
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purposely bought this car to last me many years and to put 200,000 miles on it. It's been 6 going on 7 years and I have 150,000+ and it's running strong. Feels like the day I bought it. Only routine maintenance with a few small problems over the period of time as well. I would drive this thing into the ground and get a few more years out of it, but my wife just got a company can and we have to get rid of one. Unfortunately it's ol' reliable.
Don't buy this piece of junk!
Dez, 04/18/2005
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle new and it has been a headache. The transmission had to be replaced at 24,000 miles, the steering column twice, the timing belt at 1,000 miles, and a few other things. The engine light keeps coming on, fuel economy stinks, and the transmission is still bad. All in all, $4,000 bucks have been put towards this car. I still think something's wrong with it and I can't figure out what.
same car?
loangle, 08/25/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this 5spd LX was the first car i bought new and i've never regretted it. it's now got 90K+ on it and the only major repair i can recall was the clutch pedal became tough to depress around 40K mi., and they had to change the master cylinder. the A/C leaked condensation into the cabin once--the drain gets plugged easily. i had some tire noise early, but got tires with a different tread pattern that were much quieter. but my wife and i drove this car on a 3 week trip from the east coast to utah and back, and we still love the car.
I enjoy my 626!
Not Complaining, 05/31/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have really enjoyed my 626. The only thing I have had go wrong was the catalytic converter had to be replaced at 48000 miles, but it was under warranty still, so it didn't cost a dime to fix. My only complaints are that I don't find the car to be comfortable for trips longer than 1 hour in length; that the gold trim has faded considerably even though the car is garaged and well taken car of; and for some reason I have no trunk light even though the manual says it is standard.
Never Buy a Mazda 626
traceyj406, 02/04/2004
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 97 Mazda 626 which I purchased from Rick Case Mazda. This car has been a nightmare to own. The scoundrels at Rick Case Mazda use dirty tricks when selling cars to women and minorities. It drives well. After the 4th year, it loses some of its power to accelerate quickly. Accelerating with the air makes it worst.The transmission went out approaching 100,000 mile. I had to get the brakes shoes fixed every 6 months. The Mazda 626 is reliable. It has never left me stranded without me knowing it was about to breakdown. The Mazda is really Ford under the hood, like the bad transmission and engine. I would never buy another Ford disguised as a Mazda!
Never Again!!!
Never Again!, 09/26/2002
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just like many 626 owners, I had major transmission trouble. My transmission went out at 55,000 miles ($2,800) and was on its way out again. Too many other problems to mention. All I can say is 3 things: 1) that I almost spent the same amount of money fixing this car as I did when I purchased it - 2) I will never buy another 626 and 3) the VISA credit card company loved this car. If you are buying a 626 then start saving your money for new transmissions because you will go through at least 1 but probably 2.
Last Mazda Purchase
Cheyhart, 10/09/2002
1997 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transmission went out at 38,000... right after the warranty expired. After a battle with the dealer, Mazda agreed to pay for parts ($2,000+) and I got stuck with $900 labor. Now at 45,000 miles engine light comes on periodically and I am starting to see oil-like stains on my garage floor. I am getting nervous. I own only $800 on the vehicle and fear more major repairs are looming. Used to buy American until Dodge and Ford fiascos... wanted to give Mazda a try, but will buy only Hondas and Toyotas from now on.
Transmission Hell
Kathryn, 06/25/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I bought this car I was excited about owning a luxurious car at an affordable price, but I got what I paid for. A month ago at 63,000 miles my transmission went out. $2000 later, it still cannot decide if it wants to go into 3rd gear, and sometimes second. Mazda Corporation was unwilling to assist in any repairs. Other problems include: exhaust, no speed pickup, catalytic converter, overdrive light flashes, check engine light comes on periodically.
Would buy again
J Hohler, 09/02/2006
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new. Got an excellent deal because nobody wanted a V6 with a 5 speed. This car is a blast to drive. We had it now for 9 years with no major problem. Most expensive repair was replacing the timing belt, other than that basic maintenance. I would buy this car again.
Never gonna die!
teslan, 05/30/2008
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in the summer of 1997 and have loved it throughout the years. It now has 154,000 miles on it and has been super reliable. The exterior design and style of the car have held up. When I wash it and clean it up, it looks as good as anything on the road. Doesn't have a lot of power but gets great gas mileage. Following the speed limit I average 33 to 35 mpg. The interior is roomy, good quality and very comfortable. Too bad most people ignore the Mazda brand. We've had two Proteges and they too were terrific cars. I don't think this car's ever going to die. I'll hold onto it until it gives up the ghost!
Beware of bad Transmissions
Ron, 09/25/2006
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car transmission crapped out at 140,000 miles. We were lucky. Mazda 626 uses a Ford transmission. Beware this is a problem. We also have a engine light that comes on. After several attempts to fix the problems it still comes on. Other than that I liked the car We will be getting rid of it soon for something more reliable.
problems
txtc7, 10/29/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Mazda used with 42000 miles w/ a extended warranty.(thank GOD!!) At 45000 miles my front O2 sensor went out. 55000 my rear sensor. at 68000 13 of the 16 valves collapsed and the paint is "crazing" and chiping all over the car. at 70000 my trans started shifting hard, took it in and 3 trans and 2 motor mounts were bad.Thank god for the extended warranty!
Junk--Don't Buy One!
Paxman, 03/26/2003
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 626 DX with 63,000 miles last May from a buddy for $4500.00-- thought I was getting a good deal. In less than 11,000 miles the following has happened: exhaust fell off, front brakes + rotors had to be replaced, CV joint replaced, radiator had a hole in it, clutch went out and all four struts are shot. Some deal. Trade value on this dog is nothing, so I'm fixing it and putting it up for sale so I don't totally lose my shirt.
Wow .... 225,000 miles
KLong, 06/13/2008
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been great. I bought it used with 42,000 miles on it in 2002. Nothing major has gone wrong with the car. It is a little to small for a family car. Gas mileage isn't very good. Overall, this has been a solid car.
aaa
Betelgeuse, 11/05/2002
1997 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sucky relaiablity was the worst of this car's problems. Radiator started to leak about 1 year after I bought it, and soon after the water mump failed. About six months after that the transmission fluid was leaking and an incorrectly (I presume) factory installed hose clamp wear away at one of the AC coolant pipes causing all the refrigerant to fizzle out. Below average performance and rather uninspired interior styling.
Surprisingly good
karentay, 08/08/2009
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at 119,000 miles as a first car and have had it for four years. I am surprised to say that this car has treated me very well. Before I bought the 626, I heard that the transmission can be quite a problem, but luckily I've had no major breakdowns. The only things I've really had to fix were due to the age of the car. At 12 years, this car is still going strong for me.
Glad I Got the 5 Speed
rjgonzalez, 10/10/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After reading the other reviews, I am glad that I got mine with the manual transmission. It has the 6 cylinder, so it is more fun than the 4 and I average in the uppper 20's around town and in the 30's on the highway. I have over 100K miles on it and I haven't had any major problems, but have had to replace the CV joints at 90K and the rear stablizer bar end link. It still has the original battery at 5 1/2 years, though I will replace it before winter. The clutch still feels tight at 101K and the engine still runs smooth and doesn't burn any oil. I have had to get pieces of the exhaust system replaced, but so far has only cost me about $100.
Think twice before buying
R from San Diego, 06/17/2005
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall the car has performed fairly well. After first purchasing the car the check engine light went on. The car also ran rough. Just today I learned the car had a leaky heater coil; had it by passed for a 100 dollars instead of replacing the whole thing for about a thousand. The A/C on the car is wonderful; cools in about two minutes flat. Gas mileage is about 18 miles to the gallon. The paint is not very good on the car. I would recommend it for a first car for let's say a college student. If you are a real commuter I would not buy this car; instead I would by a Nissan or Honda - two much better cars.
Other than the transmission......
Will789, 10/21/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a problem with the automatic transmission around 50,000 miles or so, but had it replaced under warranty. The first 50,000 miles left me feeling a bit unsatisfied with the car, but now that I have put another 125,000 on the car I have been very happy with it overall. I have had less problems with the 626 than the last 2 American cars that I owned.
A Nice Car
TCA, 04/22/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car as my second one and i find it ti be pretty nice. however, the engine could use more power, but i guess a 4 cyl. will prevent some of those speeding ticktes. :)
Don't even think about buying one..
capnspa, 05/09/2002
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As with most 626 owners I have a transmission going out.. Hesitates between 2nd and 3rd gear, overdrive light begins flashing, overdrive will kick out at higher speeds. I still owe $5000 and am stuck.. Transmission will cost around $2000. I am trading it in on a Nissan or Honda. You might as well buy a 64 Rambler, it would be more dependable. Mazda should recall but won't give up the money.. Transmission is definitely flawed in a big way..
Mazda 626
Danielle, 01/07/2010
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My family bought this car brand new and it ran pretty well until about 2007 when it started to have several issues (mostly because of age). The interior fell apart (visor fell off, most radio buttons gone, passenger mirror light on all of the time because the plastic part on top fell apart). The cruise control never worked. It shifted into overdrive randomly and was very shaky when this happened. We also had a leaky trunk that lead to a mildew smell. The transmission failed around 150,000 miles and was replaced luckily cheap for around $500.00. Since then the gas and breaks have been very touchy and because of this I hate driving it and am glad that I bought a Ford Mustang :)
Mazda 626 LX
nicolo, 02/27/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great for some and not so great for others. Although the interior is very comfortable and things like the heating system are great(heats up in less than a minute) its performance is really pitiful. Although when buying this car one has to take in mind that it is not a anything sporty the 114 horses really are embarassing at times and although the suspension is extremely comfortable it is equally soft, causing my to scrape the mud guards on hard turns.
Lots of Problems with my 626
hguineo, 02/27/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Broken belts, a destroyed transmission, bad Quality $2400 replacement transmission skips and take long to shift, broken into pieces tires, and an exploding sun roof make my driving a little scary not to mention unsafe. I'm not a satisfied customer and will not buy or recommend Mazda. Drive Safely!
Getting me around!
farrous13, 03/20/2010
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car for almost 2 years now. I had to buy a car fast during that time so I stumbled upon this Mazda. Was a good value so I bought it. Let me tell you, the transmission is weak. Very weak. You put the gear on 2nd and the car will barely move. I felt the difference coming from a 95'Nissan MaximaGLE. Handling is responsive.Lots of body roll on turns to the point I feel the car is going to flip. I had to replace the alternator and its belt. Replaced the wiper connection rod.The transmission is due to fail anytime. When I switch to reverse,the RPM reaches1500 for it to start rolling back. Anyways,I use this car to commute to work,but if I can go back in time I wouldn't have bought this car.
Read the manuel - transmission problem..
functoid, 12/04/2002
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
is not due to the car. It clearly says in the manaual that while in stop and go traffic, one should have the Overdrive off. only on a long run should overdrive be turned on. People who don't do the above end up ruining their transmission and this true for any car.
a decent car with Issues
dylan117, 01/07/2013
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 626 Would be a great little car, but it seems to always have something wrong. Firstly, by the time I got the car just over 100,000 Miles, A CV needed to be replaced. Later it was discovered that the engine produced prodigious amounts of smoke upon starting after sitting. this is one of the main problems with the car, The 626's of this year are well known for having very poor valve stem seals. The car uses about 2 quarts per 200 miles. After, it was also discovered that the Coil springs on both front sides were actually cracked and about to fall off the mounts, and that both ball joints needed to be swapped out. In my opinion, once these cars get a few miles they tend to lose reliabilit
great on gas
sylvester, 05/16/2002
1997 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i got the dx with the 5sp, and i get 35 mpg average (mostly highway). Suspension soaks up the bumps pretty good for a car its size, and handles crisply but its a little soft on the harder turns. The car could definitely use more power--114 hp is just not enough to pull away quickly, but once moving on the highway cruises nicely and has passing ability. One major complaint is the tire/road noise, and the worst dealer network and customer support going. I have to service mine at the ford/mazda dealer because the mazda dealer where i bought it is the WORST and the customer support at mazda was useless. Even though the car overall has been good--i will look at nissan & even GM next time around.
Great Car
AustinS, 01/04/2003
1997 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and the only problems i had was the transmission around 70k. I love the way it handles around turns. At really high speeeds, there are only slight vibrations, the noise is a bit loud, well the radio can fix that. The power is ok but not enough for racing...mods are verry ez to install on this car. The sunroof got stuck and i spent an hour fixing it. Suprisingly, the inline 4 produces a verry loud sound, not the weed eater type but with a stock muffler, it sounds great! I don't really see this car as a family car but for the price, its worth it!