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1996 Mazda 626

1996 Mazda 626

Sedan
FWD
Regular Gasoline
Horsepower
–
MPG Combined
26 mpg
MSRP
–
Torque
–
Reliability Score
94/ 100Excellent
Based on 426 NHTSA complaints

Should You Buy a 1996 Mazda 626?

The 1996 Mazda 626 is a front-wheel-drive sedan that combines practicality with a spirited driving experience. Powered by a 2.5L V6 engine, it delivers 160 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for daily commuting and occasional road trips. With a combined fuel efficiency of 20.0 MPG, it strikes a balance between performance and economy. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's reliability, as it has a notable history of complaints, particularly regarding the automatic transmission, which has been reported to fail around the 80,000-120,000 mile range. Despite these concerns, the 626 maintains a respectable reliability score of 93.5/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle overall.

Ideal For

This vehicle is best for budget-conscious individuals or families looking for a reliable sedan with decent performance for daily commuting and occasional road trips.

Strengths

  • +Strong reliability score of 93.5/100
  • +Decent fuel efficiency for a V6 sedan
  • +Spacious interior for a comfortable ride
  • +Good balance of power and handling
  • +Affordable maintenance costs

Weaknesses

  • -High number of complaints related to automatic transmission
  • -Limited safety features compared to modern vehicles
  • -Potential for high repair costs if transmission fails
  • -Unknown seating capacity may deter buyers
  • -Lack of advanced technology features

Known Issues (NHTSA Data)

The 1996 Mazda 626 has a total of 426 complaints filed with the NHTSA, with a significant number related to the powertrain, particularly the automatic transmission. While there are 43 crash incidents and 3 fire incidents reported, the most pressing issues seem to arise around the automatic transmission, especially between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. Potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the vehicle's long-term reliability.

Complaint Patterns by Mileage
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
80000-100000 mi
27 reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
100000-120000 mi
17 reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
60000-80000 mi
13 reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
120000-140000 mi
12 reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
40000-60000 mi
7 reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
140000-160000 mi
6 reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
160000-180000 mi
5 reports
Top Complaint Areas
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION52% of complaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL8% of complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3% of complaints
AIR BAGS3% of complaints
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2% of complaints

Performance

Horsepower
–
Torque
–
Engine
2 L
Cylinders
I4
Transmission
Manual 5-spd
Drive Type
FWD

Efficiency

MPG Combined
26
Fuel Type
Regular Gasoline

Dimensions

Length
184.6 in
Width
68.9 in
Height
55.1 in
Wheelbase
102.8 in
Curb Weight
2,743 lbs
Ground Clearance
–

Capacity

Doors
4
Seating
–
Cargo
–
Max Cargo
–
Max Towing
–
Max Payload
–

Estimated Value

Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Estimated Annual Cost
$4,725
Per Mile
$0.39
5-Year Total
$23,625
Fuel
$2,100/yr
Maintenance
$600/yr
Insurance
$2,025/yr
Based on industry-standard estimates for this vehicle class. Fuel cost assumes 12,000 mi/yr at national average gas prices. Maintenance uses class-based intervals, not manufacturer-specific schedules. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

Available Trims (8)

626
FWD
626
FWD
626
FWD
626
FWD
626
ES V6 4dr Sedan (4-speed automatic)
160 hp
front wheel drive
626
LX V6 4dr Sedan (4-speed automatic)
160 hp
front wheel drive
626
DX 4dr Sedan (4-speed automatic)
114 hp
front wheel drive
626
LX 4dr Sedan (4-speed automatic)
114 hp
front wheel drive

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