1992-1995 Mazda 929 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mazda 929. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mazda 929.

1992-1995 Mazda 929 Review

Restyled for 1992, the 929 premium sedan remained Mazda's luxury flagship. This new 929 bore little resemblance to its predecessor of the same number, which had been boxier in shape. The redesign yielded a more-rounded, flowing body on a wheelbase that was 5 1/2 inches longer. Mazda also added dual airbags. Despite being nearly as long as before and close to three inches wider, trunk space shrunk. The 24-valve, twin-cam 3.0-liter V6 and standard antilock brakes of the previous S model were carried over, though the engine was revised a bit and gained five horsepower. A 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission, with "power" and "normal" shift modes.

Year to Year Changes

1993 Mazda 929: A glass moonroof replaced the former metal unit. The Premium Package now included wood console trim and a rear-armrest-storage compartment. Alloy wheels were restyled, and a 4-way power front passenger seat joined the optional Leather Package.

1994 Mazda 929: The V6 dropped by two horsepower, to 193, as a result of emissions modifications. A cupholder was added to the central console, and front shoulder belts now were height adjustable.

1995 Mazda 929: Additional standard equipment went into the 1995 model, including leather upholstery, a remote keyless entry system, and wood interior trim. Only leftover 1995 models headed to dealerships for '96.

1992-1995 Mazda 929 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Driving position

Steering/handling	Passenger and cargo room

Quietness	Wet-weather traction

Braking ability

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Not quite as lively or silky as the Lexus ES 300 or Nissan Maxima, a 929 isn't quite as nimble either. You can expect a bit more body lean in corners, though the car is generally well-controlled. Steering feels tight and responsive, but is a shade light for best high-speed control. Braking prowess ranks among the best in its class. The 929's V6 engine delivers more than adequate acceleration, capable of reaching 60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Smooth and quiet on the road, the engine sounds harsh when it's cold and feels a little rough. We averaged 19 mpg, and the 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and promptly. Interior noise levels are low, and slim roof pillars permit good visibility. A bumper-height opening allows easy access to the trunk, but space is somewhat limited. The interior is also less roomy than might be expected. Front seats aren't that spacious, and the driver's seat doesn't have enough rearward travel. In addition, tall people are likely to find their heads against the ceiling, and the steering wheel lacks a tilt feature. Rear leg room is good, but head room is limited and a center person must straddle the driveline hump. Conveniently positioned controls and large, clear analog gauges sit on an attractive dashboard.

Value for the Money
Overall, the 929 pales when compared to the Acura Legend, Lexus ES 300, or Nissan Maxima. Its V6 lacks the refinement and verve and the 929 comes up short in too many areas to be a prime choice among used luxury cars.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Mazda 929	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	4

Total:	50

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.

1992-1995 Mazda 929 Reliability

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.

Engine misfire: Fuel-injector seals may leak causing an electrical problem resulting in an engine miss. (1993)

Engine misfire: Using a replacement distributor cap can cause high idle with erroneous trouble codes blaming the crankshaft sensor and/or distributor. (1992-95)

Engine temperature: Overheating may be due to plastic water-pump impeller coming loose or breaking. (1992)

Oil leak: A crack in the oil gallery in the 3.0-liter cylinder head allows oil to seep into the coolant. (1992-95)

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	$1,535

Alternator	$250

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$780

Brakes	$260

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$500

Constant Velocity Joints	$705

Exhaust System	$680

Radiator	$540

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,040

Timing Chain or Belt	$315

NHTSA Recall History

: None

1992-1995 Mazda 929 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
929	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200

1993
929	$1,500-2,100	$1,000-1,400	$200-300

1994
929	$1,700-2,300	$1,100-1,500	$300

1995
929	$2,000-2,700	$1,400-1,900	$300-500

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.

1992-1995 Mazda 929 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	112.2

Overall Length, in.	193.7

Overall Width, in.	70.7

Overall Height, in.	54.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3627

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.0

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain was available through the 929's lifespan: a dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V6	3.0 / 180	193-195	200	4-speed automatic: 19/24	4-speed automatic: 19.2

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

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-1995 Mazda 929 Review:

Mazda 929

Mazda 929 Road Test

Mazda 929 Reliability

Mazda 929 Prices

Mazda 929 Specs & Safety

Mazda 929 Photos

Mazda 929 Full Review