1998 Mazda 626 Review
1998 Mazda 626 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exceptionally fun to drive. Distinctive sports sedan in a sea of look-alike mid-sized four-doors.
Cons
- High beltline. Unsettled rear suspension. Rear end looks like a Toyota Avalon. Prices climb quickly.
What’s new
Mazda redesigns the 626, giving it more upscale styling, more powerful engines, a tighter body and increased cargo and people space while retaining the sedan's distinctive sporting nature.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Mazda 626 LX 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$167/mo for 626 LX
626 LX
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize 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 all-new 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. The 626 (built in Flat Rock, Mich.) 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 Altima after Accord after Camry roll out of neighboring dealerships.
We think things are about to change. Ford now owns a controlling interest in Mazda, and they won't stand to see their investment frittered away. The first volley of several new products you'll see hit Mazda showrooms in coming years is the redesigned 626. Larger, more powerful, and with a stiffer structure than ever, the new 626 remains a sensible selection for buyers who like to have a bit of fun carving corners when carpool pals or the kids aren't occupying the rear seat.
The new 626 has a smoother-shifting transmission, a larger fuel tank for extended range, and a new traction control system that comes standard on V6 models. Select from four trim levels: value-leader DX, mid-line LX, uplevel LX V6, or upscale ES. A 125-horsepower four-banger motivates the DX and LX, while higher trims get a 170-horsepower V6 engine. Either motor can be mated to your choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
A CD player is standard on all models except the DX. Other goodies include antilock brakes (optional on LX and standard on V6 models), fade-out interior lighting, and engine-speed sensing rack-and-pinion steering gear.
The new 626 imparts an upscale image but remains a nimble canyon runner at heart. Our favorite is the ES V6 with a five-speed manual. It's the perfect grocery getting/entry-luxury/sports sedan for those who like to drive, but require the talents of a mid-size car for day-to-day living.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Mazda 626.
5 star(41%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(3%)
68 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
AWESOME CAR
theyrmom, 06/23/2011
1998 Mazda 626 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!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Car
Carbide, 06/27/2010
1998 Mazda 626 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!
5 out of 5 stars
233K mile on it
leezhao, 10/30/2014
1998 Mazda 626 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.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Weak transmissions
Fenderroads, 10/18/2008
1998 Mazda 626 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.
1998 626 Highlights
LX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $167/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 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 RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- 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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