Mazda 626 road tests and consumer car reviews

Mazda 626 626 Gls 1.8 1998

Bombproof, 170k miles and nothing more than a set of pads and a new battery. The most reliable machine I’ve ever owned.

Mazda 626 Wagon and Hatchback 1997

I do own 2 Mazda 626 cars. One is 13 years old and still going strong. Interior looks like new although it has eaten many miles. Maintenance is cheap and within the past 8 years nothing serious had to be replaced, only oil, tires etc. Amazing. Every year I say to myself: another 5 year to go! I like this car. I like the robustness of it. So I bought another one which is a bit newer and has the stronger 2.0 liter engine. That one is in brand condition and I hope to ride it for at least 10 more years. No, I’m not a Mazda freak. I just want to ride in comfort and as reliable and cheap as possible. And that is what they do.

Responses to this review

A great car, my first Japanese car and I’m now converted - Gordon Gordons from England

Mazda 626 1999

I bought my 626 some 6 years ago and it now has 110k on the clock with a total maintenance bill comprising of break discs a battery...oh i forgot it needed a bulb for the last mot. These cars do look dull but if you want cheap, reliable, comforable, safe motoring get a 626 because now on the second hand market they are so cheap. Last sumer we went to France and covered 3k miles without a hitch @45 to the gallon, not bad for a 2litre.

Mazda 626 GXi 2000

I have been running my 626 since 2003 without any trouble whatsoever. MOT’s are no problem, I’ve had to replace tyres twice and a headlight bulb once but she just keeps going. In my time I have had a Singer Chamois; Skoda Rapide; Nissan Bluebird; Vauxhall Cavalier and a Ford Escort with cc’s ranging from 995 to 1.6 and ’Maz’, a 2.0, knocks spots off them all, she is the best car I have ever driven, including a few hired cars, and I have NO intentions of parting company with her. She is a beautifully comfortable and safe car and, unless you’re really stupid or careless, she will stay on the road even if you have to ’stand’ on your brakes - and believe me - she will stop, she is as sure-footed as any cat. I cannot sing her praises enough.

Mazda 626 SE 2002

This is the third 626 that my wife and I have owned. I gave in my company car and converted the second 1996 car to run on LPG. It did 220k before the LPG packed up and it went to auction. My current 626 is an SE Sport, one of the last manufactured in 2002. It is a 5 speed manual with cruise control, traction control and climate control. I bought is for £4400 in 2006 with 29,000 on the clock. It has now done 106k without missing a beat. Keep them serviced properly and they will never let you down. No great street cred - but so what!

Mazda 626 1996

This car is amazing. It goes as well today as the day I bought it five years ago. It’s smooth, incredibly comfortable. It’s used every day in heavy London traffic, plus many long journeys to Wales, and also France. It’s done 100,000 miles. Uses virtually no oil. Can it go on forever?!

Mazda 626 1996

I acquired The Mazda 626 Automatic 2.0 i Executive in 1998. It was an ex-company car. It had done 85,000 miles at that time. It has all the usual refinements including cruise control which seemed a bit surreal when used, in that it would change gear if it dropped below a certain rev. The car now has done 180,000 miles with no major repairs, goes through the MOT with minimal expense - ie light bulbs, tyre etc... The engine goes from one service to the next without requiring oil, amazing. This car is definitely the best car I have ever had and I will be loath to get rid of it finally.

Mazda 626 Saloon 2.0 GXi 4dr

Great family car. Bought mine 3 years ago on a 51 plate and a reasonable amount of milage. It’s taken a fair battering and just keeps on going. Very reliable and inexpensive to run. The only down side is its looks - very boring. Good car if you can get your hands on one in good condition.