2002 MAZDA 626 Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Its the only killer of this car. I bought it used and had the timing belt changed out($525). Drove it all over and out of town and got great gas mileage. The only downfall I found so far is a major one is that Mazda let Ford do the transmission. Now its not wanting to hit OD. I found out on the web if you own this car and are not having any trans problems get a trans cooler asap. The transmission was too small for this car and over heats. They can be had for less than $50 and can save a ton of money in parts and labor. As we all know if the transmission is broke, your looking at anywhere from $500-$850 and most of that is labor at $65-$75 an hour,maybe more with todays crooked repair shops since everything cost a suspiciously minimum of $500.
VS
Critical Review
This car has had so many issues in the six years my dad and I have owned it. First off, the coolant system leaks, so you get overheating issues. We have replaced the water pump four times in six years, and it has had electrical problems the whole time. When I want headlights I have to pop the hood, get out, and actually wiggle the bulb around to make the driver's side turn on. We've dropped more money than the car is worth thinking this problem will be the last, then 300 miles later theres another major issue. In the past six months we've had to replace the water pump, both drive shafts, fix three different leaks in the coolant system and now replace the fuel pump. It's been towed three times since I started school in the fall, and unless you have AAA this would be very costly. It's just not worth it.
2002 626 Reviews
Showing 8 of 363 reviews.
Engine last forever, inexpensive to own.
Body rust after 24 years.
I have owned the 1999 Mazda 626 for 21 years. It has served me very well. Over 200,000 miles and climbed Mt Washington many many times in it's life time. I change the spark plugs, wires, and air filter just once in 200,000 miles. The motor still runs like new, oils changed every 3000. The only thing is age has caught up with the body of the car.It is 24 years old now, and the only reason I will part with it is the body is rusting away.
Great gas mill age, a wonderful deal for someone
Needs TLC
This car is a steal for the person who like to restore and do minor auto upgrades. No title but can be recovered
Its old but reliable ..
It's an old car so it makes noises like an old car
I've had this car for about 2yrs and it's never given me any problems it's a good gas saver and reliable..
Affordable
Big, roomy, fuel efficient
Transmission problems
My mom had bought this car for me as my first car it had 115,000 miles on it or something like that. The first thing I noticed about the car was the slipping of transmission. It wasn't until around 5,000 miles later that it became a huge problem. I wish I had read reviews before my mom had bought it. I also had to replace the starter. It's a big, nice comfortable car but it's just not worth it.
Confortable
I got 264000 miles with a stick 5 speeds. I just do the regular maintenance, timing belt, changed oil every 3000 miles etc... Fantastic car, just do the maintenance. Japanese car from nineties are the best.
Reliable, acceptable fuel use, fun to work on.
Crummy radio, pricey parts
Must be maintained "by the book". I do the light maintenance myself. Minor delays to get parts. the radio/ cd player that came with the car sucked!. i replaced the radio for $200 and am happy. Minor issue with the cruise control not working -- but making sure everything plugged in and grounded seems to have solved problem. Don't even think about towing or going off road (not an issue for me). Ten years of driving this car (it was a rental before I got it) and I quite happy.
I own this car and I love it. It handles well, good on gas millage, it looks sharp, and had lots of options.
