2001 Mazda 626 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

If I were out buying a new/used car today, this is NOT the kind of car I would seek out. Meant to compete against the other 2 extremely popular Japanese mid-size sedans (Honda Accord and Toyota Camry), the Mazda 626 tries so desperately to make every aspect of the driving experience as boring as possible, yet it does not surpass either of those two heavyweights in any major category. The decent interior is held back by its snugness and lack of legroom. When equipped with a 4-cylinder and an automatic (as mine is), it can hardly get out of its own way. You'd also think that with a 4-cylinder it'd at least get decent mileage, but it's almost impossible to crack 30 mpg's combined without driving solely on highways utilizing hypermiling techniques. The styling is completely anonymous, but does look somewhat more "sporty" (and I use the term very loosely) than the Camrys and Accords of the same era, though that's like saying wheat bread is more interesting to look at than white bread. Resale value is ABYSMAL, nowhere near '01 Accord or Camry levels. NVH levels also higher than I'd assume they'd be on Accords or Camrys. That all being said, this car has been faultlessly reliable since it's come into my hands, which is much more than I can say for my '92 Subaru. Aside from some minor maintenance (brake job, spark plug replacements) the car has run like a champ. I've taken it down roads in Moab and the Sierra Nevadas that some Jeepers wouldn't even go down, and it's survived intact each time (I don't recommend doing this however, know your driving limits!) The major Achille's heel in this car is its transmission. It's only a 4 speed, and the weak power that's coming from the engine means that even on the slightest of hill its always hunting for a lower gear. Also, if you drive it at speeds above 75 for several hours straight, the transmission overheating warning light comes on, and THAT'S BAD. It's common knowledge that the automatic transmissions in these cars are quite finnicky (and were supplied by Ford) and are prone to failure between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, and can prove to be a costly major repair. All in all, I really wish I had a vehicle that had more personality than the 626, and didn't have constant transmission worries, but the faultless reliability otherwise has just forced me to suck it up and keep it until I can afford to buy another car that has both personality AND reliability.Jun 12, 2009

My name is Josh McMurtry and I own a 2001 mazda 626 LX V6. I have owned this car for all most 3 years and i am highlt upset with mazda company. I have always loved mazda cars since i was young. Two years my vehicle transmission failed on my way to school while it was snowing heavly and raining, with no one to contact of a mazda dealer. i finally found out that it was my transmission after 3 months of NO!!! transportion to work or school. My grandfather took it to the neariest repair shop. I waited 6 MONTHS for the transmission to come in that cost 1,800$ to have it fixed plus well money in saying thank you for fixing it. 2 MONTHS later started haveing problems. When i come to a stop my car jerks and jerks rapidly. When i take off it fills like my car is grinding on something till my engine light comes on. I am highly upset with the mazda company. Not only cause of my transmission but the way mazda has treated the car buyers after the money$$$ is spent to pull the car off THE LOT. I had a freind that i work with that had problems with her car. she told me her transmission went out last year. she asked if I would take her car for a ride casue she stated she is haveing the same problems I am. We called, called and called to get a hold of someone. We nicely stated what the problems we are having after we heard the 626 transmission was recalled. The GENTELMEN?? that answered the phone responded IT IS YOUR FAULT FOR THE WAY YOU DRIVE!!!!!! How in the world would KNOW how i drive while being a fan and a buyer of mazda. I do not belive i would miss treat a vehicle that i spent almost 10,000 on a the car after i took it to the most trust worthy shops in the state of Kentucky to see how the car looked. MAZDA COMPANY YOU HAVE HIGHLY TICKED ME OFF!!!!!!!!Mar 22, 2009