1990-1992 Mazda 626: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1991 Mazda 626 LE 4-door sedan
1992 Mazda 626
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1990-1992 Mazda 626 

  • Price Range:  $0 - $900
CG Rating

44

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Mazda 626 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Antilock brakes (optional)
  • Acceleration (GT)
  • Fuel economy

Cons

  • Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Torque steer (GT)

Vehicle Highlights

The third generation of Mazda's compact sedan had been introduced in 1988. The 4-door (notchback or hatchback) was still called 626, but the related coupe, named MX-6, now rode a shorter wheelbase. For 1990, antilock braking was newly optional on the mid-range 626 LX model, and also on the more costly hatchback GT Touring Sedan. Also new was a fresh grille and new taillamps. DX and LX sedans carried a 110-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. A turbocharged rendition of that 2.2-liter was installed in the GT model, developing 145 horsepower.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Mazda 626 LX 4-cylinder Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 44
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Mazda 626. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Mazda 626.

Year to Year Changes


1991 Mazda 626: Nothing was changed mechanically for 1991.
1992 Mazda 626: By 1992, the slow-selling hatchback Touring Sedan was dropped. Otherwise, the 626 continued for its final season in this form virtually unaltered.

Our road test for the 1990-1992 Mazda 626 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Mazda 626 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Mazda 626 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The basic 110-horsepower engine provides fairly brisk acceleration and lively passing power. With 5-speed manual shift, even a base model will provide some excitement. Unfortunately, the automatic transmission shifts harshly in hard acceleration, and also balks at downshifting to a lower gear to furnish additional power. Mazda's Turbo four packs quite a wallop, delivering ferocious acceleration, but coupled with excessive "torque steer." Though stiffer than typical family cars, the ride is soft and supple. Handling and roadholding are more than competent, even in DX trim, suffering only moderate body lean in turns. Road and engine noise are stronger than in some Japanese rivals. Wind and tire sounds can grow annoying, but gas mileage is good with either engine. An LX averaged nearly 25 mpg overall. Turbo models and recent LX/GT editions may have optional antilock brakes, which we recommend. Interiors feel roomier than in the prior generation. A 626 holds four adults without serious cramping. Still, because the wheelbase of a 626 is shorter than that of a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, you can expect less leg room. Split rear seatbacks fold down for more cargo capacity.
Value for the Money
All in all, this is a refined rival to the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. In addition to a selection of practical virtues, you get Mazda's reputation for above-average reliability.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Mazda 626 LX 4-cylinder Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda 626 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda 626 .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The air-conditioning refrigerant may leak out because the steel clamp holding the aluminum pipe for the receiver/drier creates galvanic corrosion resulting in pin holes. After the pipe is replaced, the problem will recur unless vinyl tape is wrapped around the pipe before installing the clamp. (1990)

Suspension noise: A knocking noise from the front suspension during sharp turns or driving over a bump is likely due to a missing rubber spring seat. (1990-92)

Water leak: Water may leak into the taillight/brake-light housing and into the trunk because of a bad seal in the housing. (1990-92)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $550
Alternator $230
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,005
Brakes $235
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $610
Constant Velocity Joints $565
Exhaust System $915
Radiator $520
Shocks and/or Struts $715
Timing Chain or Belt $170
Our price chart for this generation Mazda 626 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
1992
626 sedan $1,100-1,400 $700-900 $100-200
1991
626 hatchback $1,100-1,400 $700-900 $100-200
626 sedan $1,000-1,300 $600-800 $100
1990
626 hatchback $1,000-1,300 $600-800 $100
626 sedan $0 $0 $0
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda 626 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 101.4 101.4
Overall Length, in. 179.3 179.3
Overall Width, in. 66.5 66.5
Overall Height, in. 54.1 55.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 2710 2610
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 22.4 15.9
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9 15.9
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.7 39.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.6 43.7
Rear Head Room, in. 37.2 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 32.9 36.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.


Powertrain Options and Availability

Two engines and two transmissions were available to the 626 buyer. An overhead-cam 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine went into the DX and LX, making 110 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. The GT Touring Sedan took advantage of a turbocharged 2.2-liter, rated at 145 horsepower and 190 pound-feet. Either 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed automatic transmission might be installed in any 626 model.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc I4 2.2 / 133 110 130 5-speed manual: 24/31
4-speed automatic: 22/28
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: 23.7
Turbocharged ohc I4 2.2 / 133 145 190 5-speed manual: 21/28
4-speed automatic: 19/25
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Built In:  Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda 626 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Mazda 626 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

1990-91: Molded door-latch handles may fail, permitting rod to fall inside frame; lowering of window could then release latch, allowing door to inadvertently open.

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