Used 2002 Mazda 626 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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The most reliable car I ever owned
mazdamom6, 09/13/2011
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda 626 2002 used in 2003 with 1500 miles, ran the heck out of it from state to state for three years with no problems what so ever. It was such a great car that when my daughter needed a safe car I gave her my Mazda because it was safe, reliable and perfect for her. She is still driving it today with no problems other than regular maint. It has well over 100,000 and will likely last another ten years. I have looked and looked to purchase another one for myself and can not find one for sale (I suspect they have stayed in families, just like mine.) Excellent car! FYI mine was not a manual
Reliable all the way
mazdamontrealer, 08/10/2010
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This car was highly recommended by a consumer publication in Canada provided it did not come with the automatic transmission. My car is a 2002 with the 4 cylinder and manual transmission. The engine is definitely underpowered but if you dont mind shifting down and revving a bit, you can use the ample torque at about 3000 rpm to supply a fun driving experience. The car currently has 200,000 km (120,000 mi) on it. I keep it very well maintained, even changing the shocks and springs which give it a better ride than when new. This also helped preserve the suspension components, which take a pounding on the winter-ravaged streets in Montreal.
2002 626 LX - 4 cylinder / Automatic
Dan, 07/07/2006
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Purchased 2002 626 in May 2006 with 57,000 miles. Car is in good to excellent shape. Getting about 23 MPG in mixed driving. Car has been very reliable and is a good comfortable road trip car for 4 people and plenty of luggage. 4 cylinder motor isn't all that powerful (the 2002 Altima has a much more powerful motor) and road noise is sometimes very noticeable.
Much better than people think
RTG, 03/09/2002
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I have had several cars from compact to midsize cars not one of them could do what the 626 4 cylinder can do; drive from Raleigh NC to Philly Pa. on one tank of gas with gas to spare. I admit the car somewhat sluggish when pulling off but accelerates great after you are moving. The interior is nice but the seats could use lumbar support for longer drives.
good car
KKURT, 10/01/2004
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great car for the bucks. I purchased it new in 2002. Seats are comfortable, good head and leg room even at 6'3". V-6 has plenty of get up and go. In two years the 626 has been trouble free. I had a Mazda GLC 20+ years ago and it was a great car, oil changes, brakes and tires where about the extent of repairs. Two years with the 626 oil changes are all the service it has required Never will understand why the 626 did not compete better as far as number of units sold. The ES V6 with leather, CD, traction control, fog lights etc was a great bargin as compared to similar cars.
Very Good, Zoom Zoom Zoom
China Doll, 04/06/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm not a race car driver. I'm a working mother with 2 kids. I have received complements by others on how smooth it drives and how nice the interior looks. I have also had complements from people on the street on how they like the car and they wanted to know what kind of car it was. The car excelerates great for me and handles really well. When I travel with the kids from time to time to the beach it would be nice to have some lumbar support. Other than that I love my 626 Zoom Zoom Zoom.
Fun, affordable sedan
larzmac, 03/20/2009
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Still running like a champ at 130,000 miles. This car has (still) a nice pick-up. It's a blast to drive with its rigid chassis and sporty suspension. Fuel economy for me has always been just sub-30, which is great. I live in an extreme climate, and the climate controls are very impressive. It handles (very) sub-zero temperatures well, just as it cools well in over 100 temperatures.
A good generic sedan
F P, 03/25/2016
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Nothing fancy. Comfy, quiet, mostly reliable, except for those model years with the 626 transmission. Disappointing to have had to rebuild the transmission at only 70-80K miles. Most mazdas go 200K. Feeling jipped. Many interior plastic linings came loose. That was lousy fabrication/craftsmanship. Pity. Otherwise nice, simple car for short or long trips. Average mph.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mazda 626 - not worth the money
kristywahoo1, 07/26/2005
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda 626 because I've always thought of Mazda as a company like Toyota or Honda - a company that stands behind its quality cars. I was wrong. I bought my 626 a year ago, and already it needs a transmission. The interior is spacious and borderline elegant, and the exterior is solid and the exterior, sturdy. Mine is only 3 years old, and had a full inspect upon purchase. The car jerks when shifting gears, and it's unreliable. Mazda used the same transmission as the 2002 Ford Probe that year, which also was faulty. Beware....Mazda will not take responsibility and provide and extended warranty. They apparently don't want to pay for their mistakes, so their customers have to
2002 Mazda 626
Patrick Collins, 05/30/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It's a great car, and I have no complaints except that the A/C compressor had to be replaced a week after delivery due to a leaking seal. Also, the front bumper is misaligned and the dealership has no clue what is wrong with it.
My Mazda-ratti
Yvonne Baier, 06/29/2018
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The transmission went out at 70K miles but my extended warranty covered it. The radio had to be replaced twice. I had the cheap cloth seats replaced with leather. Road noise has always been an issue. Other than that, it's been a good, dependable car. I'm tall and have always had a lot of leg room in the front and back seat.
- Performance
- Value
Lots of extras
Mike from East Islip, 07/09/2010
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I like driving Mazda 626 and the dealer was good to deal with. This car has a zippy 4 cyl. engine and is good on gas. The car is comfortable and has some nice extras like the headlights turn off automatically. The engine is a bit loud for a sporty effect and I replaced the radio because the display wasn't work most of the time but the radio I put in it has a I-pod jack. I have 98,000 miles on her as is still running good. I hope to have this car for a while.
over 101000 miles and no breakdowns!
RLC, 08/06/2008
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My 02 626 (4 cyl) just reached its 101000 mile. I am writing a review only to say that I have owned this car since it had 20,000 miles and have NEVER been let down! the engine runs great and all mechanics have run normally. This would make a great used car if you are considering a purchase. Also, the swinging air vents are always a conversation piece.
comfortable mean machine
eyeguy590, 11/22/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I can't figure out why eveyone knocks this car. It's comfortable, fast and fun to drive. The best car I ever owned.Fabulous interior.
buy one
ski, 02/07/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
after two months of test driving the 2003 altima, accord, and camry i stumbled upon the 626. i love the ride and comfort of the car. the 4 cyl could use a couple extra ponies, but, i wasn't looking for a sports car. i also could not pass up the price. 2002 with 6K and 2.5 yrs left on warranty for 13,000. i believe this was due to two rental companies filing bankruptcy and sending inventory to auction.
good car for the price
hydro21, 09/22/2004
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
i bought this car 2 months ago and so far i love it. the v6 gives you a lot of power though it seems a little sluggish in city driving. the leather seats makes the car look and feel a lot more luxurious then it is. id get the V6 because the 4 cyclinder doesnt have any power. the ride is smooth but i wish the steering was a little tighter it has more of a big car feeling. its spacey and the interior looks plain but nice. This is a really good car.
Lots of band for the dollar
kawnow, 04/05/2003
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the 626 and a protege 5, which today I get rid of the protege 5. Stylish comfort. I see complaints about the leg room, which i could see if i was over 6 feet tall, but I'm not, so no complaints. Excellent stero. Tansmission is usually smooth, a little, and I mean just a little, rough on cold mornings. Average gas mileage. It's my thoughts that Mazda made basic seem cool.
Horrible Car
angelcls1, 08/19/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
At first I love my 626 I had no problems and it ran fine. I made sure I took care of getting my oil changed and any other items I needed to keep may car running. At my years date all of a sudden the car went down hill. Brakes and tranimission both went out and as you know niether are under warranty. Beware before you Buy!!!
great car
TeeGee22, 04/17/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd 626 and they get better every year. A great basic fun to drive vehicle with all the comforts you want.
Dull but very reliable
Dependable, 08/22/2008
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had the car since it had 25K miles. Now four years later and at 104K miles it has hardly any problems. Extremely reliable car. As others said, new passengers always find the swinging air vent interesting.
Needs Lumbar Support...otherwise, GREAT!
Kay, 04/27/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After more thatn 10 minutes of driving, my back becomes tired. other than that, I love the car. The sound system is great, and the car handles well. I was originally in the market for a Honda Accord, after I est drove the 626, I was sold!!!!
Mazda 626 2002 (4 Cyl. 5M)
e44, 06/24/2009
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have absolutely no problems with this car. I follow the maintenance schedule faithfully. I have read reviews that say the manual transmission is no good. I find it shifts like a dream. My car has +100 000 miles on it and it runs perfectly. The clutch has absolutely no wear on it. If you maintain these cars they will be dependable and very economical. I would advise staying away from the automatic transmission. This is a Ford product. The car is fun to drive, has responsive steering and connects the driver well to the road.
Like the luxury
Joseph-WWJD, 08/11/2002
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mazda 626 ES is a stylish and good- looking car. Good handling. Fair gas millage. Rough transmission. Excellent price. The swing fan is so cool. Heated mirrors are the standard. Good CD player. Radio has great reception. Hidden antenna. Trunk-open remote control. Two 12V outlets and one of them is under the front console for cell phone, MP3 player, or palm pilot.
Mazda 626
Richard Rose, 12/16/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ive owned MAXDA 626s since the 1970s and I have always felt they offered great value. One had 230,000 miles on it!
Japanise Version of 626 (NOT USA)
Marce002, 01/06/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
GREAT CAR very pleasant to drive and mantain. Good price and performance. The trans. problems I read about , seems to be for those USA MADE cars. I have tested 2 626 japanese version (for other countries) GB2D 2.0 AT - GE10S1 for 200.000 kms in one car an 70.000 km in another, and the transmission never caused a single problem. MAYBE FORD TRANSMISSION IS THE PROBLEM and only for the USA 626 models.
go with 6-cylinder
zymur, 01/14/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Originally had a 4-cylinder and traded up to a 6- cylinder.Lots of pep and STILL get 26+ miles per gallon! ( Even when driving at 80MPH!) Have over 63,000 miles and my wife has over 83,000 miles on her same model with no problems on either car.
V6 Rulez
vas, 08/01/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have 2002 626 LX V6 for about a year. Exterior look is very stylish, easy to recognize. Acceleration and handling are great, no need to slow down on highway turns. 626 V6 version has Japanese transmission, so go for it if you are afraid of Ford tranny. No mechanical problems so far (closing to 10K on it). The cost is 5-6 grand less than 6-liter Camry or Accord. Easy choice!
Fun for a first car
Dr. Frito, 01/12/2004
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased this new a year ago for $15,000. Being our first new car we wanted to be careful. We looked at the Accord and Camry and really would have liked an Accord, however for the V-6 model we would have shelled out an additional 6-8 grand. We've had no troubles with it and really have had fun. We took off on a 2500 mile road trip not too long after purchase. Interior is clean and simple. Exterior is also clean and simple. No qualms with anything.
Good for commuting
commuterdriver, 12/07/2004
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it when it was a year old and it has been a good commuter car. Nothing really bad about it. The horsepower is a little weak when going up big hills though. Last 10,000 miles or so, the engine has developed this buzz that has not gone away. Someday I will take it to the Mazda dealer to analyze.
Beats the Accord
montez, 06/05/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Looked at the Hondas and the Toyotas. The 626 came in with a lower price, more room and better warranty. Buying the car for a short two year run and overall its a winner.
Very reliable and fast for a v4
Evan Hachey, 08/29/2015
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For a v4 this car has some kick to it. Coming out of 1st and 2nd gear is pretty fast, but 3rd gear seems kind of sluggish. Overall this car has given me no problems besides the replacements of motor mounts upon purchasing the car and the transmission seems a little sketchy sometimes. Ironamicall the transmission is the only American part on this car so that'll tell you something about Japanese quality.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mazda 626
Juanita R, 05/10/2021
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got this car used with about 12k miles on it and for a long time it was a very good, comfortable car. I liked size and body style of this car it was a slate blue color with gray interior. I take care of my cars and keep the maintenance up on them so when the transmission started going it was time to say goodbye as this model would have costed me about 1800 to 2200 dollars to repair. Figured with about 145k miles I had gotten my money's worth out of it.
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Good value
gw0454, 12/22/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Took advantage of some dealer incentives such as $2500 rebate which made the deal! Nice styling, very clean, well laid out interior. Get's me where I want to go in comfort.
Pretty good little car for the money
Jason, 03/29/2006
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I like it; could use a little more power, but it is fun to drive and has decent acceleration. I only get about 22-25 miles/gallon with the 2.0 litre inline four so fuel economy is suffering a bit with age. All in all it is a good car for the money if you can get around the non-sporty looks of the outside. I added a K&N air filter, a tornado air management system and superflo exhaust system to my car so it is slightly peppier than some of the stock 626's around.
Needs work
RPG, 05/31/2002
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lack powers and is very sluggish around the city. Seats very uncomfortable, even with power seat adjustments.
My new car
Scott-Texas, 10/01/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good, for a vehicle, to drive to places. I was shopping for a car, and I found one!
Christy's Review...
Christy Hollenbeck, 12/21/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 1999 Mazda 626 LX that I traded in for this one this one is more comfortable.
Sport Performance Commuter
troyb, 04/10/2005
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used for $9,900 last June (2004). It had 10,800 miles on it then and currently has 22,500. I have had no mechanical problems. I am 6'4"+ so the vehicle gets a bit uncomfortable on 1-hour+ rides (leg room). There is not really ample room for adult passengers in the back seat, I think the '02 Protege has more space. The V-6/5-spd is quite peppy, especially on the highway. I average between 26-29 mpg. The interior is simple and functional. The exterior design is nice, but the paint scratches easier then other cars I have owned and the door molding paint is fading. The suspension is sporty, but can get uncomfortable on bumpy roads.
I like my 626 :-)
skeezers, 11/11/2004
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my 626 for about 6 months now. We bought the car used but I have to say that we have really enjoyed the car. Although the exterior is a little boring the performance and comfort more than makes up for it. The car is quiet and has a very sturdy feeling to it. It also has great get up and go. We've had no problems. We took the car on a long road trip and it was very comfortable and handled well on steep and mountainous roads. We love it!
Reliable and zippy family sedan
Carcrazy10, 06/08/2005
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 99 626 V6 as a preowned with 84K miles on it and have driven over 22k miles since then. No major repairs other than spark plug wires. Regular oil changes and fuel additives like injector cleaners and gas treatment keeps the engine running smooth.Very reliable and friends riding in the backseat love the comfortable seats.
Just don't like it
HateMazda, 07/08/2003
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have this car for a week now, highway ride is just awful if you exceed 75 mph. dificult to stear, and not comfortable, would recommend spending few more dollars and get the Toyota Camry.
Its cool
cool210, 03/22/2002
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 626lx I have is very fun, its very different, thats why I purchased it. When I went car shopping my first options were either honda accord or the 626, the 626 to me was more attractive even though honda and toyota get better publicity, I consider the 626 the best kept secret.
Nice beater
Habib Abanur , 04/14/2025
2002 Mazda 626 LX-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought for 1250 dollars with 152,000 miles, and not disappointed so far. The car is very reliable with no issues so far. The only problem is the AC needs recharging, and I am planning to recharge it in the summer. loving my beater with a heater.
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My black beauty
tefus, 06/18/2002
2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car, tranmission rough, and could use a little more leg room.
college students car
moodswinger, 03/16/2004
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
good for a second car
Good for a temporary car
Memphishold, 08/11/2004
2002 Mazda 626 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My girlfriend and I shopped around till she found this 626. She wanted something else, but nothing else seem to offer greater value for similar price. At first, we liked it a lot and she talked about keeping it for a lot longer. However, now there's a problem with the intake manifold, and three seperate repair shop can't seem to fix it. It's still running okay, but she can't help but wonder when the car would give her troubles. It's a good car, just that it disappointed us quite a bit after just two years. Getting this car at a low price allowed my girlfriend to save up for another car, so we'll be shopping for another Mazda, maybe Mazda 3 to replace this