1997 Mazda 626
Should You Buy a 1997 Mazda 626?
The 1997 Mazda 626 is a compact sedan that offers a blend of reliability and efficiency, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. With a 2.0L I4 engine producing 114 hp and 124 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a respectable 26 MPG combined, ideal for daily commuting. The 5-speed manual transmission enhances the driving experience, providing a more engaging connection to the road. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, particularly concerning its automatic transmission, which has been a common source of complaints among owners.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for a reliable and economical daily driver.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 95.2/100
- +Good fuel economy at 26 MPG combined
- +Engaging 5-speed manual transmission option
- +Compact size suitable for urban driving
- +Affordable maintenance and parts availability
Weaknesses
- -Common automatic transmission issues reported
- -Limited horsepower may not satisfy performance enthusiasts
- -Unknown seating capacity could limit family use
- -Older model may lack modern safety features
- -Potential for higher repair costs if transmission fails
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
While the Mazda 626 has a strong reliability score of 95.2/100, there are notable concerns regarding the automatic transmission, with 210 complaints recorded in this area. Issues typically arise between 60,000 to 120,000 miles, indicating a potential need for careful inspection of the transmission before purchase. Other complaints involve airbag systems and engine cooling, but overall, no significant NHTSA complaints on record suggest major safety concerns.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 20
- Fuel Type
- Premium 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.