Used 1998 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews
Used 626 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Avoid automatics at all costs
HankMcStanky, 03/08/2004
1998 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my second 626. The engine has been mostly fine, blew a head gasket at 85,000 but that feels like a fluke. The door seals, mentioned by many others, are annoying but no big deal. The trouble, as you've guessed, is the automatic transmission, made by Ford, which completely fell apart at 90,000 miles, took $2500 to fix, and has been back in the shop 3 more times in the next 12,000 miles. Some apparently break as early as 60,000. It's sad, because I really liked the car up until the fateful day it was towed to the shop. Look for a manual, which is what I'll be in the market for as soon as this one breaks again.
The Little Engine that Can
ds91776, 03/28/2004
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my 626 for over a year now and it ahs been a real champ. The car is classy inside and out, reliable, and is not a Camry or Accord. I wanted an inexpensive, classy mid-size, but loathed buying a Camry or Accord and the 626 nailed it.
1998 Mazda 626 for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- DX SedanMSRP: $1,2952,193 mi away
Junk
Mark Melton, 09/20/2004
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car for a year and it's been in the shop more than i'v seen it. I'm on about the 5th transmission. I would have sold it the 2nd time it went out but i'v got to drive something. The transmission cost about 1800 bucks, but i got lifetime warrenty with mine luckly, but the company doesn't want to keep replacing it. other than the transmission the car is great. nice seats, awesome vents and it handles good. i wouldn't recommend this car with a 4cyl auto. i'm getting mine converted to 5spd b/c trans company won't give me anymore autos and then i'm selling this piece of crap. want something reliable? buy a toyota, honda, or mercedes.
Best Car I Ever Owned
JGansauer, 09/21/2004
1998 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Without a doubt, the best car I ever owned. I gave my son this car a year ago for him to drive to work. Later, I sold him my truck and he returned the Mazda. I fully intended to trade it in for whatever it was worth, considering it had 122,000 miles on it. The moment I got in again, after a year, I realized I couldn't get rid of it. It was too reliable and too good a ride. I had a mechanic check it out. It only needed new spark plug wires. In 124,000 miles, besides the usual maintenance, only the water pump failed (at about 30,000 miles) which was under warantee. Well worth the $22,000 or so I spent on it.
Great car
MrNutty37, 11/10/2004
1998 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car new in 1998, have driven it 115,000 miles, and had very few problems. Left front axle has cracked twice, and the coolant reservoir has been replaced twice. Other than that, almost nothing other than regular wear and tear. The 5 speed is very smooth, and the engine has great power, especially above 3000 rpm. Fuel economy has gone a little downhill recently, but it is a high mileage car. Overall very pleased, and can't wait for the MazdaSpeed 6 to come out next year. Would definitely buy another Mazda.
Loves to eat transmissions
Teed off in Milwauke, 01/30/2006
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought with 53K on it and it has 94K as of 1/30/06. Guess what -- will be replacing the transmission again for the 3rd time. Piece of junk and will never buy another Mazda.
Happy with a 5 speed
Alex Hensley, 06/12/2006
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 1998 and have had few problems. The ABS failed one week after the warranty expired and the weather stripping came loose after seven years.The Ford/Mazda product isn't as high quality as pure Mazda products I've owned previously. I have gotten over 40 mpg on highway trips and city travel averages in the high 20's. After 8 years the only repair I have required is brake pads, plug wires and cleaning the throttle body. Friends that have the automatic transmission have had lots of problems but the stick shift has performed flawlessly. My Mazda truck is going strong after 21 years with out needing ANY major repairs. I think the merger with Ford has weakened the product.
Surprisingly good vehicle...follow up
Trinbago Foreigner, 10/29/2006
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well I'm sorry for all of those that bought the automatic. The standard has been fantastic (knock on wood). I've had to change the oil pan after some rust. That's about it. Next to the usual maintenance work the car runs the same as it did before. I also take back the A/C comment since it doesn't seem to affect the gas mileage that much on long rides. In town driving shows a greater gas mileage drop off with the A/C. Annual driving given in kilometres approx. 40,000 km or 25,000 miles.
Goes Early
Brandon, 01/23/2007
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car at 115,000 miles. It looked like it was in great shape and also had a new transmission put in. But the engine is where I got my problems. This engine sludged up on me and gave way too early. I paid way to much for this car to not even last me a year and a half! Overall I give it a bad grade. Maybe that's why they don't make them anymore?
Decent buy
ray, 04/06/2007
1998 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I fount this car to be an excellent choice for my first one. I had to put a new engine in it when I received it. Drove it for approximately three months, then got into an accident and the car was totaled. All in all it was an extremely fun car to drive. It handled exceptionally well. When we received it, it had over 140,000 miles on it but we put an engine in it with only 50,000 miles on it. It ran perfectly flawless with the exception of a squeaky belt. I give mazda credit for building an excellent gas miser. I got close to 30 mpg. That is excellent considering how hard it was used and it was close to 10 years old. It isn't a real head turner, but if you are looking for an every day driver, it is a steal.
very reliable
DM, 02/27/2003
1998 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the 626 to be different than all my neighbors who were driving Camry's. Opted for the 5 speed manual. Never had any problems with this car for the first 100,000 miles. After that...just normal wear and tear. (fuel filter, brakes, plugs) Love the car and would consider buying the new "6" that just came out
My 1998 626
Greg Sigelmier, 01/15/2003
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It has been the best car I have ever owned. It's hard to believe it was built as a joint venture with FORD.
Piece of Crap
Chris in Austin, 06/08/2003
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since buying this marvel of technology we've had the transmission die at 60,000, the front axel brake, the drive chain fall off, the fuel sensor die causing us to loose all acceleration power while driving on the highway, and a recent intermittent ABS failure. If it weren't for an extended warranty, we would have cut our loses long ago. I would like to add that the many other cars we've owned in our lives (no other mazdas) have not had these problems.
very reliable
dm, 02/27/2003
1998 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the 626 to be different than all my neighbors who were driving Camry's. Opted for the 5 speed manual. Never had any problems with this car for the first 100,000 miles. After that...just normal wear and tear. (fuel filter, brakes, plugs) Love the car and would consider buying the new "6" that just came out
MAZDA SHOULD DEEP SIX FORD!
GALLOWAY, NJ, 03/17/2002
1998 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 50K, SINCE I BOUGHT IT AS A PROGRAM CAR, I HAD THE 100K 7 YR WARRANTY. REBUILT TRANNY WORKS VERY WELL THOUGH A BIT CRUDE COMPARED WITH TOYOTA. CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE, PRETTY QUICK FOR A FOUR. HEADLIGHTS ARE A FAVORITE; THEY REALLY LIGHT UP THE ROADSIDE (GREAT FOR DEER AREAS). INTERIOR COMFORTABLE; CONTROLS INTUITIVE, GOOD BUILD QUALITY, FEELS HEAVY AND SOLID.
Excellent.
mrwildwood, 03/23/2002
1998 Mazda 626 DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love it. The only quirks it has is the auto tranmission, it's alittle jerky untill you get used to how to let off on the gas, but other than that it's great. Very smooth, good fit and finish, and one of the best factory sound systems in the industry. The only other thing thing about this car is the oil filter location...why? The instruction manual says to get the oil changed at a dealer because of the "special tool" needed to change it. Again I ask....why?
Love my Mazda
Boo, 05/24/2008
1998 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mazda drives like a dream. I have a 97 automatic and should have blown up by now and OD out but won't quit . My 98 manual drives like a dream, interior is grey and sharp. It is a comfortable ride and with regular tune up gas mileage is still good. Love to just go for a ride or drive on pretty days.
Good Car
len, 03/14/2002
1998 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Too much vibration when car exceed 70 mph. Driver seat too low.