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1995
Mazda 626

Starts at:
$15,115
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New 1995 Mazda 626
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr DX Manual
    Starts at
    $15,115
    See all specs
  • 4dr DX Auto
    Starts at
    $15,115
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX Manual
    Starts at
    $17,895
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX Auto
    Starts at
    $17,895
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX V6 Manual
    Starts at
    $20,095
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $20,095
    See all specs
  • 4dr ES Auto
    Starts at
    $23,195
    See all specs
  • 4dr ES Manual
    Starts at
    $23,195
    See all specs

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Expert 1995 Mazda 626 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Shopping for a compact family sedan can be as confusing as sorting through the selections in the cereal aisle at your local grocery store. So many options, yet it all comes down to what gives you the most value for your money.

The 1995 Mazda 626 LX can boast about its V-6 engine and nimble handling, but it may not fit every family’s shopping list in other areas. And besides, it’s got one quirky little feature that may start some serious marital squabbles.

She: I couldn’t help but think about my sister you know, the one who subscribes to the Tightwad Gazette when we were testing the 626. She’s in the market for a compact family sedan, but I’m sure she’d X the Mazda off her list based on price alone. It costs more than $22,000! And the big question seems to be do you get $22,000 worth of car, especially when you compare its roominess and features to other entries like the Chevy Lumina?

He: Wait a minute. Is that the same sister who talks about saving dryer lint and making Halloween masks out of it for her kids? And don’t they already have a minivan with only 90,000 miles on it? For heaven’s sakes, why would they even consider buying a new car.

She: Well, she is and I think she’s very mainstream in the way she shops value is important to her. And she will buy new if the vehicle and the price are right. I can almost anticipate her questions about the Mazda. Do you get a lot for the money? Is it roomy enough for a family of four? Does it appeal to style-starved Moms who’ve been stuck in rather mundane-looking vehicles? And wait until I tell her about that awful feature I call the “marriage-buster.

He: The answers to her questions are no, no, and no. And don’t call me buster.

She: You’re so silly and if you’re not going to explain it, I will. It’s a swinging vent on the instrument panel that works like an oscillating fan. But it drove me crazy because I don’t like air blowing on me and you do. And it was always too cold. It reminded me of an old-fashioned electric blanket, one without dual controls. And you always had control of it, for some reason, just like you do with the TV remote. It made me angry.

He: I guess hyperbole is your strong suit, sweetie. So let’s get serious for a minute. For one thing, when was the last time I watched TV? Even more important, when was the last time I won an argument with you ? Leave me my small victories and my swinging vents. A Mazda exclusive, I might add.

She: I’m going to add one more complaint about the Mazda instrument panel and then I’ll say some nice things. The cupholders are a nice stationary design, but they aren’t big enough to hold a mug, a juice box or a Big Gulp. In addition, the cupholders block access to the 12-volt outlet, making it difficult to have a drink up front and talk on a cellular phone at the same time. Hey, these kinds of things are important to us spoiled American drivers.

He: That’s a nice mental picture you drinking your Big Gulp, gabbing on your cell phone and trying to shift the five-speed transmission. Your son Phil and I actually gave the 626 the acid test this past weekend when we dashed up north to do a little trout fishing. We were really impressed by how much junk we could stuff into the trunk, but less thrilled by how small the cabin feels, especially after you’ve driven 250 miles at a stretch. Our northern Michigan friend Uncle Jim, who is about my size, had a succinct observation about the Mazda’s size and features. He said: “Not much car for 22,000 bucks, huh?

She: I was disappointed to learn that items like antilock brakes are optional. But more importantly, I had the feeling that the 626 just hasn’t caught up with the rest of the market. Sure, it was a commendable car when the last redesign came out in mid-1992. At the time, the styling looked fresh and the V-6 engine put it a cut above other entries like the Honda Accord. But now we’ve got competitors like the new Taurus an e Dodge Intrepid, which raised the bar on styling, and the ’95 Lumina, which may not have the greatest looks, but gives you a lot of value for the money. You can get a comparably equipped Lumina for thousands less than the 626, and it’s way bigger and more powerful.

He: Let’s give the Mazda its due. I wouldn’t pitch this as your typical family sedan. It’s light and it’s nimble, with plenty of zip and the added bonus of great gas mileage. I see this more as a car for couples without kids, or with grown kids, who don’t need the extra space, but do like the convenience of the four-door design. The 626 looks and feels sportier than a Camry or an Accord.

You can read that two ways: On long trips, that sporty suspension can make for a rougher ride. A few more inches of wheelbase might help improve the ride quality, and give you more interior room to boot.

She: And they could have paid a bit more attention to quality little things like uneven seams around the passenger air bag door. Definitely things that a person who’d make a Halloween mask out of dryer lint would notice.

1995 Mazda 626 LX

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-passenger sport sedan.

Price: Base, $19,975; as tested, $22,420.

What’s new for ’95: Optional DX convenience package with air conditioning, AM/FM cassette and carpeted floor mats

Standard equipment: Variable assist power steering, power brakes, cruise control, tinted glass, intermittent wipers, full velour cloth upholstery, AM/FM stereo cassette with four speakers, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, tilt steering column, power windows, power locks, center console with covered storage and two cupholders, lighted passenger visor vanity mirror.

Safety features: Dual air bags, antilock brakes (optional), anti-theft alarm (optional).

Options on test vehicle: LX premium package with 8-way power driver seat, power sliding glass moonroof with sunshade and tilt, antilock brakes, anti-theft alarm, heated door mirrors, remote keyless entry system, passenger assist grips, 6-speaker audio upgrade, lighted driver visor vanity mirror and carpeted floor mats ($1,995)

EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Engine: 2.5-liter V-6; 164-hp at 5600 rpm; 160 lb-ft torque at 4800 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Competitors: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi Galant, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

Specifications: Wheelbase, 102.8 inches; overall length, 184.4 inches; curb weight, 2906 pounds; legroom, 43.5 inches front/35.8 inches rear; headroom, 38.2 inches front/37.2 inches rear; shoulder room, 55.1 inches front/54.7 inches rear.

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan: $1,029.

Rates based on an average family of four from the Livonia area whose primary driver is aged 40 with no tickets who drives 3-10 miles each way to work. Rates reflect multicar discount and, where appropriate, discounts for air bags and seat belts.

Where built: Flat Rock.

1995 Mazda 626 review: Our expert's take
By

Shopping for a compact family sedan can be as confusing as sorting through the selections in the cereal aisle at your local grocery store. So many options, yet it all comes down to what gives you the most value for your money.

The 1995 Mazda 626 LX can boast about its V-6 engine and nimble handling, but it may not fit every family’s shopping list in other areas. And besides, it’s got one quirky little feature that may start some serious marital squabbles.

She: I couldn’t help but think about my sister you know, the one who subscribes to the Tightwad Gazette when we were testing the 626. She’s in the market for a compact family sedan, but I’m sure she’d X the Mazda off her list based on price alone. It costs more than $22,000! And the big question seems to be do you get $22,000 worth of car, especially when you compare its roominess and features to other entries like the Chevy Lumina?

He: Wait a minute. Is that the same sister who talks about saving dryer lint and making Halloween masks out of it for her kids? And don’t they already have a minivan with only 90,000 miles on it? For heaven’s sakes, why would they even consider buying a new car.

She: Well, she is and I think she’s very mainstream in the way she shops value is important to her. And she will buy new if the vehicle and the price are right. I can almost anticipate her questions about the Mazda. Do you get a lot for the money? Is it roomy enough for a family of four? Does it appeal to style-starved Moms who’ve been stuck in rather mundane-looking vehicles? And wait until I tell her about that awful feature I call the “marriage-buster.

He: The answers to her questions are no, no, and no. And don’t call me buster.

She: You’re so silly and if you’re not going to explain it, I will. It’s a swinging vent on the instrument panel that works like an oscillating fan. But it drove me crazy because I don’t like air blowing on me and you do. And it was always too cold. It reminded me of an old-fashioned electric blanket, one without dual controls. And you always had control of it, for some reason, just like you do with the TV remote. It made me angry.

He: I guess hyperbole is your strong suit, sweetie. So let’s get serious for a minute. For one thing, when was the last time I watched TV? Even more important, when was the last time I won an argument with you ? Leave me my small victories and my swinging vents. A Mazda exclusive, I might add.

She: I’m going to add one more complaint about the Mazda instrument panel and then I’ll say some nice things. The cupholders are a nice stationary design, but they aren’t big enough to hold a mug, a juice box or a Big Gulp. In addition, the cupholders block access to the 12-volt outlet, making it difficult to have a drink up front and talk on a cellular phone at the same time. Hey, these kinds of things are important to us spoiled American drivers.

He: That’s a nice mental picture you drinking your Big Gulp, gabbing on your cell phone and trying to shift the five-speed transmission. Your son Phil and I actually gave the 626 the acid test this past weekend when we dashed up north to do a little trout fishing. We were really impressed by how much junk we could stuff into the trunk, but less thrilled by how small the cabin feels, especially after you’ve driven 250 miles at a stretch. Our northern Michigan friend Uncle Jim, who is about my size, had a succinct observation about the Mazda’s size and features. He said: “Not much car for 22,000 bucks, huh?

She: I was disappointed to learn that items like antilock brakes are optional. But more importantly, I had the feeling that the 626 just hasn’t caught up with the rest of the market. Sure, it was a commendable car when the last redesign came out in mid-1992. At the time, the styling looked fresh and the V-6 engine put it a cut above other entries like the Honda Accord. But now we’ve got competitors like the new Taurus an e Dodge Intrepid, which raised the bar on styling, and the ’95 Lumina, which may not have the greatest looks, but gives you a lot of value for the money. You can get a comparably equipped Lumina for thousands less than the 626, and it’s way bigger and more powerful.

He: Let’s give the Mazda its due. I wouldn’t pitch this as your typical family sedan. It’s light and it’s nimble, with plenty of zip and the added bonus of great gas mileage. I see this more as a car for couples without kids, or with grown kids, who don’t need the extra space, but do like the convenience of the four-door design. The 626 looks and feels sportier than a Camry or an Accord.

You can read that two ways: On long trips, that sporty suspension can make for a rougher ride. A few more inches of wheelbase might help improve the ride quality, and give you more interior room to boot.

She: And they could have paid a bit more attention to quality little things like uneven seams around the passenger air bag door. Definitely things that a person who’d make a Halloween mask out of dryer lint would notice.

1995 Mazda 626 LX

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-passenger sport sedan.

Price: Base, $19,975; as tested, $22,420.

What’s new for ’95: Optional DX convenience package with air conditioning, AM/FM cassette and carpeted floor mats

Standard equipment: Variable assist power steering, power brakes, cruise control, tinted glass, intermittent wipers, full velour cloth upholstery, AM/FM stereo cassette with four speakers, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, tilt steering column, power windows, power locks, center console with covered storage and two cupholders, lighted passenger visor vanity mirror.

Safety features: Dual air bags, antilock brakes (optional), anti-theft alarm (optional).

Options on test vehicle: LX premium package with 8-way power driver seat, power sliding glass moonroof with sunshade and tilt, antilock brakes, anti-theft alarm, heated door mirrors, remote keyless entry system, passenger assist grips, 6-speaker audio upgrade, lighted driver visor vanity mirror and carpeted floor mats ($1,995)

EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Engine: 2.5-liter V-6; 164-hp at 5600 rpm; 160 lb-ft torque at 4800 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Competitors: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi Galant, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

Specifications: Wheelbase, 102.8 inches; overall length, 184.4 inches; curb weight, 2906 pounds; legroom, 43.5 inches front/35.8 inches rear; headroom, 38.2 inches front/37.2 inches rear; shoulder room, 55.1 inches front/54.7 inches rear.

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan: $1,029.

Rates based on an average family of four from the Livonia area whose primary driver is aged 40 with no tickets who drives 3-10 miles each way to work. Rates reflect multicar discount and, where appropriate, discounts for air bags and seat belts.

Where built: Flat Rock.

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Consumer reviews

2.9 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.2
Interior 3.2
Performance 2.6
Value 3.5
Exterior 3.1
Reliability 2.9

Most recent

  • Worst car EVER!!

    Had mine a little over a year and a half and I'll NEVER own another one!! Biggest piece a trash I've ever owned!! Way to many problems to list!! Had it in the shop every time I turned around!! On it's way to the junkyard!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Still Kicking

    My wife bought this car when she totaled her truck just to get around in. She got it at 100,000 and now it's 5 years later and it's at 188,900 and still going strong. It's not the flyest car and you're not going to impres anyone but as far as gas mileage and reliability, we can't complain. It's perfect for a first time buyer or someone who just needs a car real quick to get around in.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • 1st 626 LX -5 Spd

    Purchased in 4/2002 (used) 75,000 mi. Have driven much myself/ been a school car. Been in a couple of accidents. Yet, Still going strong with 150K miles. Oldest has new car--so back in my "fleet". Fun.Zippy. Quick. Cheap. Reliable. 25/34 MPG. (80+ mph on Interstate). Easy to maintain. Love the car. Clean looks, easy start, runs all day. Good compression and shifting, still. ( Minnesota and back last Summer at 100 degrees--no problem during 1200 mi trip) Will keep it til it dies ?? 626's are a good buy with with Manual Trannys. Automatics are not good ?? (Never had one). Would recommend to anyone. Would also love to get a V6 5 spd --ZOOOM-Zoom !!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great bang for your buck

    I purchased a used 626 with 145K on the clock. I ran it without major issues until 220K before I retired it. I never had a major problem, just normal wear parts like breaks, tires, belts, a rusted out muffler and exhaust. It started up on the coldest Michigan winter mornings and never gave me problems. I would buy another in a heart beat. It isn't the most comfortable or stylish but as a DD I never averaged below 30 MPG and normally drove it very hard (redline shifting constantly).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • Won't buy another Mazda product.

    Car gets great gas mileage, 34 mpg consistently. Has been an ok commuter car but been having issues with the alternator belt that I can't seem to correct. Reading up on some forums this is a common issue with this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 2.0
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  • A Very Good Car For It's Price

    I've been driving this car for almost 2 months now, and I can say this car deserved every penny I put on. First of all it's a Mazda. Just like any other Japanese cars well known for their dependability, and quality this car makes you feel that it is a good car. Of course it is not like a brand new car, I had some minor issues since I bought, but none of them gave me a headache. I also can say it's very good on gas (26-27 MPG City, 33-34 MPG Highway). Bottom line is Mazda 626 is a reliable, good driving car that is a nice choice for it's price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most bad Car I've Owned

    never ever buy this car, accsept if you wont spand money every day on this car end never fix it realy...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1995 Mazda 626?

The 1995 Mazda 626 is available in 3 trim levels:

  • DX (2 styles)
  • ES (2 styles)
  • LX (4 styles)

Is the 1995 Mazda 626 reliable?

The 1995 Mazda 626 has an average reliability rating of 2.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1995 Mazda 626 owners.

Is the 1995 Mazda 626 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1995 Mazda 626. 57.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

2.9 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.2
  • Interior: 3.2
  • Performance: 2.6
  • Value: 3.5
  • Exterior: 3.1
  • Reliability: 2.9
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