2002 Mazda 626
Should You Buy a 2002 Mazda 626?
The 2002 Mazda 626 is a reliable sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort, making it suitable for daily commuting and family use. With a 2.5L V6 engine producing 165 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a decent driving experience, especially with its 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle's combined fuel efficiency of 21.0 MPG is reasonable for its class, although it requires premium unleaded fuel, which can add to ownership costs. The MSRP of $21,885 positions it as an affordable option for those seeking a dependable vehicle without breaking the bank.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the NHTSA complaint data, which indicates a significant number of issues related to the automatic transmission, particularly between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. While the reliability score of 98.7/100 suggests that the 626 is generally dependable, the concentration of complaints in the powertrain category warrants caution. Overall, the Mazda 626 is a solid choice for individuals looking for a practical sedan with a sporty edge.
The 2002 Mazda 626 is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a reliable and sporty sedan for daily commuting and occasional road trips.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 98.7/100
- +Decent performance with 165 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque
- +Comfortable seating for five passengers
- +Affordable price point for a mid-size sedan
- +Sporty design and driving dynamics
Weaknesses
- -Requires premium unleaded fuel, increasing ownership costs
- -High number of complaints related to automatic transmission
- -Limited rear-seat legroom compared to competitors
- -Less fuel-efficient than some rivals in the same class
- -Aging design may not appeal to all buyers
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Mazda 626 has a notable number of complaints, primarily concerning the automatic transmission, which has been reported to fail at various mileage intervals. While there are no fire incidents or fatalities associated with these complaints, the six reported injuries highlight the importance of addressing potential powertrain issues. No significant NHTSA complaints on record regarding other major components.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 22
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 187.4 in
- Width
- 69.3 in
- Height
- 55.1 in
- Wheelbase
- 105.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,864 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –