1990-1992 Mazda 626: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Mazda 626
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
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.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
