1998-2002 Mazda 626: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2002 Mazda 626 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Build quality
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Road noise
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda redesigned its long-time top seller for 1998. This was the first 626 sedan to have no coupe counterpart, as the Mazda MX-6 and related Ford Probe were discontinued. Four models again went on sale: DX, LX, LX-V6, and ES-V6. DX and LX versions again used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but with 9 extra horsepower (now 125). Output of the available 2.5-liter V6 rose by 6 horsepower, to 170. All models could have either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Wheelbase grew by 2 inches, and the sedan measured 2.4 inches longer overall and about half an inch wider. Curb weight rose modestly. Sedans with the V6 engine included traction control and an engine immobilizer. All-disc antilock braking was optional with V6 power.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda 626 LX 4-cylinder Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2002 Mazda 626. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2002 Mazda 626.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Mazda 626:
Mazda shuffled equipment and models for 1999, dropping the base DX sedan and adding a four-cylinder version of the top-line, leather-trimmed ES. The four-cylinder LX, LX-V6 and ES-V6 continued. Keyless entry now was standard on all models, as were variable-intermittent wipers and a power antenna. A manual driver's-seat height adjuster was newly standard for all but the ES-V6, which had a power driver's seat.
2000 Mazda 626:
Front side airbags joined the option list for 2000, included in an ABS option group, and the four-cylinder engine gained 5 horsepower. All but the four-cylinder LX had all-disc brakes. Antilock braking was optional across the board, including traction control when installed in a V6 sedan. The four-cylinder LX gained 15-inch wheels, while 16-inch alloy wheels replaced 15-inchers on the ES-V6 (and were optional for the LX-V6). All models added rear-seat heater ducts. Heated mirrors now were standard on the ES-V6, optional on others.
2001 Mazda 626:
Mazda's family sedan was essentially unchanged for 2001.
2002 Mazda 626:
There were no significant changes for 2002, the 626's final year before being replaced by the new Mazda 6.
Our road test for the 1998-2002 Mazda 626 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2002 Mazda 626 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2002 Mazda 626 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Mazda wanted a quiet, refined compact for the next generation--and mostly succeeded in that quest. Engine and wind noise are well-muffled, though tire roar is too audible over coarse pavement. Ride quality is firm, but absorbent. The longer wheelbase helps reduce pitch and hop on scalloped freeways, though high-speed dips induce some floatiness. Cornering is still decisive and sporty, with only mild body lean and stable front-drive responses. Quick, precise steering is helpful, but directional changes aren't really sport-sedan crisp. Braking is good, with little nosedive and steady tracking in hard stops. Four-cylinder performance is at least adequate with manual shift, but sluggish with automatic, whereas V6 models are lively either way. With either engine, though, the automatic can downshift with a jerk at times. A manual-shift model averaged a pleasing 22.5 mpg. Though a compact, the 626 rivals some midsize sedans, with space for 6-footers to sit in tandem without rear riders' knees digging into the front seats. Underseat foot room also is good. The cabin is still a bit narrow for uncrowded three-abreast grownup travel in back, but large doorways ease entry/exit. In terms of visibility, driving, seating, and dashboard layout; the 626 is competitive, but not terrific. Tall drivers might want a little more rearward seat travel to get further from the steering wheel. Interior decor has a tasteful, understated look. Small-items stowage is better than average, with roomy compartments in the dashboard and console, as well as map pockets. A 626 feels reassuringly stout on rough roads.
Value for the Money
A competent family 4-door, more mainstream than its predecessor, the 626 lost some of its sporting flair but still tops most rivals--especially with the V6 engine. LX versions offer the best combination of features and value in this competitive segment. Because it's often overlooked, prices are appealing.
A competent family 4-door, more mainstream than its predecessor, the 626 lost some of its sporting flair but still tops most rivals--especially with the V6 engine. LX versions offer the best combination of features and value in this competitive segment. Because it's often overlooked, prices are appealing.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda 626 LX 4-cylinder Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
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.
Brake noise:
New rear brake shoes with revised lining material help quiet brake squeal. (1998-99)
Coolant leak:
Early production models with the 4-cylinder engine may leak coolant from the optional block heater. A redesigned heater, made of cast brass, can be retrofitted. (1998-99)
Sunroof/moonroof:
A variety of sunroof problems may be due to broken or missing panel-bumper clips, loose guides, or motor and cable problems. (1999)
Vehicle noise:
The vapor-emission control valve makes a clicking or tapping noise in the rear of the vehicle and can be quieted with a redesigned bracket. (1998-2000)
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 | $405 |
| Alternator | $305 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,030 |
| Brakes | $260 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $670 |
| Exhaust System | $270 |
| Radiator | $505 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $440 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $280 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| 626 4-cylinder | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| 626 V6 | $4,800-5,700 | $4,000-4,800 | $1,800-2,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| 626 4-cylinder | $3,400-4,000 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,000 |
| 626 V6 | $4,000-4,900 | $3,300-4,000 | $1,300-1,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| 626 4-cylinder | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 626 V6 | $3,400-4,200 | $2,700-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| 1999 | |||
| 626 4-cylinder | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 626 V6 | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1998 | |||
| 626 4-cylinder | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 626 V6 | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
|
|
|||
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 sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2798 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines were available. The 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder initially produced 125 horsepower, but grew to 130 hp in 2000. The twin-cam 2.5-liter V6 made 170 horsepower. Both engines could drive either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 125-130 | 127-130 | 5-speed manual: 26/33 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 2.5 / 152 | 170 | 163 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: 22.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: 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
| Test | 1999 626 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 1998-2002 Mazda 626 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993-01:
Certain SPX Filtran fuel filters may leak.
1999-00:
Certain reservoir tank caps on brake master cylinder lack ventilation holes; as a result, pressure in tank can drop gradually as brake pad or shoe wears and ambient temperature drops. Also, pressure could reach a point where brake caliper and drum cylinder are pulled back by vacuum when vehicle is parked for a long time.
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