1998 Mazda 626 Review
Pros & Cons
- Exceptionally fun to drive. Distinctive sports sedan in a sea of look-alike mid-sized four-doors.
- High beltline. Unsettled rear suspension. Rear end looks like a Toyota Avalon. Prices climb quickly.
Other years
Get More For Your Trade-In
1998 Mazda 626 appraisal values can range from $302 - $1,391.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Mazda 626.
Most helpful consumer reviews
theyrmom,06/23/2011
LX V6 4dr Sedan
I bought this car new at the end of 1997 and I have almost 130,000 miles on it.
I have the services done and the oil changed - that's it.
I have had no major problems with this jewel.
I have the automatic transmission, so I don't understand those who have had problems.
Are they having their car serviced and oil changed?
Anyway, I finally had to get a new battery after 8 years and the guy at my local service center was amazed that it was the original battery.
I have had to finally get new tires.
This is just a great car, I think I will keep it until it stops and it is not showing any signs of that anytime soon.
It still drives like a new car.
WOW!
Carbide,06/27/2010
LX 4dr Sedan
We have been driving this car for 9 years, now, and this was the best car decision we ever made. The car is now 12 years old, and most of the original parts still work fine, including alternator, power options, rad, water pump, steering components, etc. The only unexpected problems were with some replacement wheel bearings which didn't last as long as they should have. We live in a very wintry area with lots of road salt, and the body has held up well. I did a bit of research before we bought the car, so I avoided the automatic (Ford built) transmission of the 90's. Ours is a manual transmission, and it is still smooth as silk ; and the gas mileage is amazing. Basically, I love it!
leezhao,10/30/2014
LX 4dr Sedan
I bought this 98 mazda 626 about three weeks ago with 232k mile on it, so far, I feel It is a new car, interior, exterior, engine, etc, the engine is so quiet that when I stopped at traffic light, I thought the engine had stopped running. the gas mileage is excellent, the build quality is superb. the clutch is bit stiff, I do not know if it needs to be replaced or it is way it is.
Two years later, lubricated the clutch, $130 replaced the engine seal. Now it has 265k on it. Runs like a new.
Fenderroads,10/18/2008
DX 4dr Sedan
I bought the car for my daughter in 1998 for her to finish high school and go off to college in. The car has never left her stranded, but the automatic transmission has greatly increased the cost of a higher education. I've had the transmission replaced twice, once at 55K miles, and again at 120K. The clutch packs appear to be the weak link in the transmission. I had to change the heater coil in 2000. I made the repairs myself one week end. I'll never do that again.