Used 1999 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews
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TRANSMISSION,TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION!
Tamika, 01/20/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yah, I KNOW that I have more than 90000 mi on a 1999 626, But does that mean that I should not be upset that my car has been in the shop more than I have had it in my possesion?! Not only did I change the transmission, but the enginge. Oh! And it gets better, the car is currently at the shop(Im still paying a car note monthly!) because the check engine light has been on forever. I am paying for the sensor to be changed, and was told if that doesn't work the dealership will have to order me a new chip! Basiclly I have replaced the entire car. If I decide to sell it, its not worth even close to what I've put into this.
mazda99
missy01, 01/22/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was a well running car until it reached 70,000 miles. Lots of problems after this point. I did not abuse this car, I had the oil changed and the car checked every 3,000 miles. Had to replace transmission. Every year the coolant bottle cracks, replaced twice under warranty and every year there after. Would recommend to lease this car, not to buy it-too many problems.
626 experience
Ken Jordan, 07/22/2006
1999 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 626 I bought new has performed well except for the air conditioning which I had problems with from week one. I experienced some belt trouble after 100,000 miles. It was caused by the harmonic balancer. Overall it has been a good car. The engine is a v6 and is a little loud.
Not a bad little car
undertaker, 04/18/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had pretty good luck with my 626. Car has very little pep, but continues to trot along. I can tell the transmission is going to go soon. I've not had anything go wrong with this car outside of very minor things (power antenna stays up, clock set button doesn't work, one dash light is out). No big deal. Fit and finish are pretty bad on the interior, but I'm a pretty big guy and admittedly rough on things.
makingasale
hays1ch, 05/29/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
overall not a bad vehicle but for me its to small, engine performance is really good,climbs mountains great,city driving could be better as far as milage, but highway milage is good.
Mazda Skinny
redhawk, 05/27/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the second new Mazda I have purchased in since 1996. I have had only good experience with the Mazda 626. It is affordable and DEPENDABLE. That is why I am in the market for another one. Stick with something good.
a good buy
Jim54, 06/16/2004
1999 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great college car for me until I recently plowed a deer and totalled the car and deer. Great for carrying 4-5 people with ample space. Nice pick up and smooth metal brakes. Lasted through many long hauls across the Nevada desert without the transmission problems that my 2000 626 had.
Wanna Be Honda/Toyota
nv888, 07/07/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car w/22K miles. Drove it from SF, to LA, San Diego, and back and forth from SF to Seattle 4 times. I never felt safe in this tin can. The fan belt broke on me, the pass.wind stopped working, the CD broke after 60K, and the transmission always made me nervous. I gave it to my sister 2 years ago and bought a LexusGS300 (which i've had problems) The car is reliable,cheap transportation, but I'd never concider it again.Turning radius SUCKS. Parking in dwntn Seattle and SF is embarassing. Go for the real thing. Accord or Camery This car leans so badly on turns, no ABS and brakes SUCK.Pwr Ant.broke. Problems after 60+K miles
Trouble from the beginning
Nambi, 09/13/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used from a cheat. Next month engine trouble; cost: $2800 3 months later transmission; cost:$2700 Few months later water pump and alternater belts-changed 3 time;cost:totally $1000. Always trouble with sensors; cost:$950 Overall disaster Thought it was from original Japanese company: turns out Ford bought it and ruined it.
we like our 626
C.A.M., 10/24/2004
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are very happy with this used car. It gives no trouble and is quiet. AC and heat are good. Handling excellent for a sedan. Really sticks to the road. Husband wasnt sure about car at first but he really likes it now that we have owned it for 2+ years. We do have to get the AC system worked on next Spring as it quit cooling. we plan to keep this car as long as possible.
Debs626
Bearair, 11/12/2004
1999 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A good car with extras for the price. It has been dependable and gets about 30 mpg. No major repairs in 5 years. The only issue is the alternator does not appear to put out enough juice in the summer with the air on. My 1998 626 was the same way.
buyer beware
Dave, 12/31/2004
1999 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning this car for almost 2 years, our 626 has been a decent vehicle for my wife until now. Suddenly the transmission has gone out and had to be replaced. The tranny shop told us that they see a LOT of these Ford transmissions and said most don't make it to 100k miles. I have a Honda and a Mitsubishi that both have over 165k and have had no problems whatsoever. No late model car should have transmission problems this soon (our 626 has about 105k on it). I am now finding that this is fairly common with the 626, so keep that in mind if you are considering buying one. If you do still buy one, go for the V6.
My sporty sedan
Let's Go, 07/29/2005
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The professional reviews are pretty accurate. If you need the comfort and roominess of a sedan but like to drive on windy curvy roads you won't be disappointed. While you wouldn't compare it with a Porsche for handling, I drive frequently on 1 lane roads and the performance is good. With the fold down seats I have room for my stuff when I am enjoying the great outdoors.
Worst car you could buy
A H, 11/02/2005
1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is by far the most unreliable car you could purchase. This car has racked up over $8 grand in repairs, every other month something goes wrong. The quality of the vehicle is beyond horrible. In addition to top it off Mazda USA headquarters are the rudest and most unprofessional people to ever work with. They don't back their vehicles at all and don't care what is going on. This car gives a new meaning to a lemon. I have had the steering rack, boots, oil leaks, hoses, fan, motor, radiator, thermostat, O2 sensor, EGR service, and much more done to this. Mazda is the worst company to do business with and this is the last Mazda I would ever purchase or recommend take your money elsewhere.
Good affordable car
shannon, 04/19/2006
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in 2001. Had 35K miles on it. It now has 125K miles on it. It's a good car to get you from point A to B, and it looks nice if you keep it cleaned up. But its life span probably won't exceed far past 150K. I haven't had a wreck, and I've kept up the maintenance. At 100K, a/c vents started spewing plastic filter pieces (just annoying, swivel still works, but slowly). CV boots cracked, twice (clicking when turns). At 120K, the oil started leaking, engine began vibrating, a/c pulled too much power (engine vibrates when it's on, computer timing is off). Lots of problems, but at 125K, what can you expect from this quality of car.
Transmission Problems on a 99'
Unhappy Mazda Driver, 03/19/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I should have been a smart buyer...I thought I was when I first fell in love with my 96' 626. I loved that car...but it was a lease and I wanted to try the newer 626, so I bought the 99'. Why at 60,000 miles I had to get a new transmission! 1,500 dollars!!! OUCH! With the way the economy is going...I had to use all I had and some...just finished paying on the stupid thing. My brain just could not understand why I was getting a new transmission...to what should have been a decent and new car and great condition. Oh well...now I know...and hopefully you will too before you think about purchasing a 626. Hopefully, they're making them better!
Reliable 626
Kevin Bartosz, 10/12/2006
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new when the dealership offered invoice price and Mazda had a $2,250 rebate, a no brainer to purchase a V6 sedan for $17,000. Now 120,000 mies and looking to double that. Terrific MPG's 28 to 30 with an automatic trans. commuting 50 miles one way through the southern NY roads (25 MPG with 4 snow tires). No major mechanical problems to mention. Minor problems- automatic antenna finally broke after 6 years and CD player needed to be replaced once. Very good handling and response. If still going strong at 200k with preventative maintainence and no more hit deer, I will replace the timing belt again (about $350) and shoot for 300K.
Great Car to Own
Tucker, 10/30/2006
1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had no problems with this car since I bought it three and 1/2 years ago. Just regular maintenance. It has been a very reliable car. I bought the car used and have put 60,000 miles on it. It still drives very smooth and handles great on the road.
I love my Mazda
cari's car, 09/18/2007
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car has over 110,000 miles on it; Yesterday I got almost 40 mpg, interstate driving @ 73 mph with AC, cruise when possible. My car needs a tune up too, but always gets regular oil changes. I added a spoiler, alloy wheels and a stripe at purchase giving the design a more finished look; people still remark at how sporty my car is. I would buy another same model or V6 when/if this one ever gives up. I have minor back problems and the seats are great even for long distances; the rotating fan is great for in between weather and saves AC. Good buy for my money.
I love it
stanley stoykov, 05/26/2007
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very reliable. Still running strong after 147000 miles. Around 27 mpg city, hwy 32 mpg. Broken AC at 130000. With good maintenance, gonna last til 200000.
Disappointed in 626 transmission issues
Disappointed 626er, 05/12/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 626 new and had no problems until recently. I only have 42,000 miles on a 4 year car and the dealership says I have to pay for an external cooler for my transmission to "preserve" the transmission because it WILL go out early.
Mazda 626
slinger, 01/19/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The overall car is a nice style and has a comfortable ride. We found the drivetrain to be unreliable. The head gasket blew at 72,000 miles because the coil pack went bad and check engine light came on. The transmission also went bad at 72,500 and had to be replaced twice (the first replacement kept leaking). We are very dissapointed in this vehicle for that.
1999 Mazada ES
Doug Turner, 05/29/2003
1999 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Liked the car. The 4 cyl lacked power. Main complaint is road noise at any speed.
Mazda lemon
BadgerXX3, 06/03/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since the date of purchase this car was in the shop. Built on a sunny Friday afternoon. Problems with the Climate control system and a noisy back end. Transmission repair due to excessive vibration. Drive belts were also an issue. Left me stranded twice, I would not recommend the 626.
Best Kept Secret
MAZDA Dude, 06/06/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my green 626 LX-V6 right off the showroom floor...traded out of a "Quality number 0" Ford Taurus. The car has been spot on reliable...all the time. Just replaced my timing belt (yes, you better go do this too) at ~ 74,000 and the mechanic reported the timing and engine were absolutely perfect as new. Good news. Can't wait to buy Mazda's little sports car, the Miata.
1999 Mazda 626 V6
Alicia Gutierrez, 03/13/2002
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good, solid car - no mechanical problems whatsoever - low mileage
1999 Mazda 626V6LX
Donaldavid, 06/19/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car, it has not cost one cent in repairs, handles very well, has plenty of power, and is very quiet. I am a Mazda fan, as this is my 3rd Mazda and I have no complaints about any of them. Just as good as an Accord or Camry for a lot less money (although the resale value is not as good). I can't wait to buy the new 6, but will have to wait till this one is paid for.
good car
chrissy, 07/04/2003
1999 Mazda 626 ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the ride and handleing is amazing
Please dont buy
Cobie, 03/15/2002
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car as a gift, though it has been reliable I DO NOT recommend anyone buying it. I wouldn't have bought this car for myself.
Still my favorite car
Courtney K, 03/03/2016
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my very first car at the age of 15 with my driver's permit. I learned how to drive in this car so you could say I have a biased opinion towards it but after driving many different models and owning a 2001 Chevy Lumina and a 2012 Ford Focus (absolute garbage, never buy a Focus or a Ford), this Mazda still wins hands down. For being over a decade old at the time of owning it, it felt very sporty and aesthetic compared to my peers' vehicles. It still looks nice compared to boxier models in the 90's and even early 2000's. My 2001 Chevy Lumina looks like an old granny car compared to the 1999 Mazda 626. It's a stunning car in candy apple red. The interior was also pleasing to the eye. Lots of plastic but it didn't feel cheap like my 2012 Ford Focus does. The controls were easy to change while driving. I can't comment on the stock radio because mine had a custom Pioneer installed when I got the car, but the sound from the stock speakers was much more "tinny" than my Lumina. If that isn't as important to you as the performance then I would absolutely still recommend this car. With a V6 I had no problems getting up to speed and maintaining that speed. I've yet to drive a car that could match my Mazda's power. And it still got pretty decent gas mileage, I averaged 20-22 on the highway and 15-18 in the city. The only downside to this car is its issue with belts and the transmission. I replaced the serpentine belt twice in one month and the alternator belt broke while I was driving home and I had no idea until the battery light came on and I literally rolled to a dead stop in my driveway. The alternator belt was only a couple months old when it snapped. The other issue is the transmission, Mazdas are notorious for trannys having short lifespans. Towards the end of my ownership, the transmission would buckle and jerk when upshifting. If I'd had the money at the time, I would have repaired it because I loved the car, but unfortunately I had to sell it as is and get a more reliable car. My 2001 Chevy Lumina gets great mileage and I have not spent a single dime on repairs in the 4 years I've owned it (WOW!) but I still miss my Mazda 626.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Power, economy, reliable & fun
Anita, 03/24/2002
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 2.5 yrs, 45K miles, have had not a single problem. Zippy 4cyl engine passes anything on the road with power to spare. Fold down rear seats with access to trunk space gives this car unusual versatility. Heat & AC temp adjustments very responsive.
Best car I've owned.
CJE, 06/06/2016
1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great IF it's been taken care of and the maintenance has been done on it when scheduled. I bought the car from my grandma who bought it from brand new and only had 30,000 miles on the odometer. Now I've doubled it plus some. It's been great on trips and has never let me down. Drives very smoothly for the most part, and is really comfortable this side of a luxury car. The seats are amazing (I have the leather seats) both front and back, though weirdly the back seat does not have cup holders at all. Interior is nice enough for a high end mainstream brand, but nothing that is extravagant. The power is fine... just have to tap into it. Compared to similar cars (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc) it is less power, but for normal drivers who just commute and don't speed all over it does the job just fine. Transmission works well enough, though it's not the smoothest transmission it's still working. I'm not sure if the transmission issues affect the V6 versions compared to the I4 cars. Gas mileage is only so-so, I get about 20 in the city off a tank, and 25 with a small bit of city and mostly highway. I did see close to 29 mpg driving across country to visit a friend several states away, on interstate going 75. It does recommend premium fuel (which these mileage figures are based on) however it is not REQUIRED. The ignition system can adjust itself to take advantage of higher octane fuel or run on regular. Does great in the snow though! Plows through snow great and doesn't get stuck unless it's a lot of snow. Like I said before nothing really to leave me stranded. I've had the valve cover gasket replaced once due to leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold, a small leak fixed in the coolant system, some light bulbs in the dash, the drive belts replace (not the timing belt), and the negative battery terminal that had rusted to the breaking point. I don't see these as a reliability issue (besides the gasket which is but its a common problem with this engine; also the gasket isn't cheap according to my mechanic,) but as normal wear on cars of this age. I am taking care of this car the best I can and doing regular maintenance when it's called for in the owners manual. I know there were some things done before I got the car but as far as I am aware the work done was due to the low mileage it had seen (radiator was replaced, front rotors replaced though this was due to my grandma's driving style). TL;DR: It's a great car if it's taken care of and properly treated, gets decent/ ok gas mileage depending on driving style, and is extremely comfortable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1999 Mazda 626
Lucas Magnum, 03/28/2002
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The vehicle has been nothing but reliable. The four cylinder automatic is adequate, but not fast. The cabin noise is more than it should be on rouch asphalt. The interior ergonomics and passenger comfort at excellent. The emergency handling is very good.
Fun to drive, plenty of power, reliable
Chuck W, 05/21/2008
1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 1990 Miata which has been bulletproof and a blast to drive. When looking for a family car, the 626 seemed like a logical choice. It's a great highway cruiser, the handling is fantastic for a mid priced 4 door sedan, and it's been reliable. The gas mileage could be a little better, but it is a v6. From the research I've done and the posts on this site, it looks like the Mazda made v6 engine and tranny are the way to go.
Manual transmission
D, 12/21/2024
1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Manual transmission is where you manually select each gear first through however, many gears there are with a clutch pedal meaning there are three pedals in the foot well on the driver side most manual transmissions have an H pattern set up so before you list your vehicles as manual transmission, make sure that the vacuous person making your listing knows the difference between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission and by the way, just so you’re awareand automatic transmission has D for drive or for reverse and for neutral and most of the times 12 and three which are your low gears not manual gears
Had to buy it, but not unhappy!
FourPanMan, 04/16/2002
1999 Mazda 626 LX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I leased this car back in 1999 - the only V6 5-speed in the entire state of Florida - and now it's time to turn it in. One problem, I have 87,000 miles on it and was only allowed 36k. However, I'm not unhappy about buying the car. It's fast, handles well, gets great mileage, and aside from basic maintenance, I've put a total of $25 into it. I've outrun more cars than I care to admit and survived one pretty serious accident.
Great Car - 103,000 Miles So Far
vramirez, 04/12/2003
1999 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new. It currently has 103,000 miles and so far I've only had to pay for routine maintenace..with the exception of the door seals. It did have a couple of repairs while under warranty: Clock spring in steering wheel and CV joints. Mazda auto shops were a pain to work with. Had to take car back several times with both problems before they were fixed. Different Mazda shops.