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Mazda 626

2018 messages,  Last post on Oct 09, 2009 at 1:07 PM

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#830 of 2018 Is Mazda Brain Dead or just slow? by felixdacat13 Sep 19, 2001 (1:39 pm)
I have owned Mazda's in the past and until recently, have had nothing against this company. However in the last few months I have had almost identical negative experiences in taking test drives of their vehicles. Last winter, I went to a car show and was generally impressed with the looks of both the MPV and the 626. Then in May I took a test drive of the MPV. I ended up getting an Odyssey because the engine was just too small. I know they're upgrading to the Tribute engine in 2002, but I couldn't wait that long. Yesterday I test drove a 626 V6. And again the engine is just way too underpowered. This company will not be competitive until they can put something under the hood. And they're losing ground when Nissan has a 175 HP V4 and a 255 V6.
#831 of 2018 V-4 by maltb Sep 19, 2001 (3:39 pm)
enough said
#832 of 2018 Re: Is Mazda brain dead.... by dayokayode Sep 19, 2001 (3:45 pm)
Although Mazda has typically stressed handling over hp, I don't agree that the 626v6 (which I own) and the MPV are underpowered. Even with the automatic, the 626v6 is quick, fun to drive and handles like a dream; the manual v6 is quicker and even more fun to drive. Mazdas are quirky autos that drive differently than the competition; they (at least the Protege and 626) demand to be driven hard to coax the required performance out of them (this has been my experience).   Although the Odyssey has more 'power', it looks like a tank and is probably more difficult to manoeuvre (no offence intended); handling is probably not up to the MPV's level. Whilst Nissan offers excellent v6 engines, I don't particularly care for their looks and/or handling.   To satisfy people who only care about numbers, the company is upgrading the engines in the 626, MPV etc. If you scroll through old messages, you'll see some of the planned changes for the 626's replacement.
#833 of 2018 Nissan Altima v Mazda 626 by csuftitans Sep 19, 2001 (5:09 pm)
It's not fair to compare Nissan Altima's 2002 model with the current 626. The altima just came out barely a month and its totally new. Their 2001 model only has 155HP max and no V6 compared to 170HP on Mazda's V6; DOH. When Mazda release their new 626 next year, it's going to have a 3.0V6 with roughly 210-220HP. Yes, it's not 255HP like the Altima has, but it would be more than enough to power the 626 to be a fun "drivers" car.
#834 of 2018 Too few ponies by windowphobe6 Sep 19, 2001 (7:08 pm)
On the other hand, the 626 weighs less than the competition - by 100 to 400 lb - so the power deficit is somewhat offset. Even with the, um, V4.   (I wonder how Volkswagen's W8 is going to play in Passatland?)
#835 of 2018 by ateixeira Sep 20, 2001 (5:06 am)
A V6 5-speed 626 is definitely not "slow", not by any stretch of the imagination. Despite the power ratings, a V6 will easily outrun an Altima with the new 4 banger.   Also, note that Nissan originally called it 180hp, but had to back off when the cars were much slower than expected. They now claim 175hp.   I agree that the MPV really could use a boost, but I mean c'mon, it's a minivan. It's also several thousand dollars cheaper than an Odyssey. I've looked at both and one big difference is that the MPV's rear windows open. It makes other minivans seem like jail cells in comparison. I was also surprised to see a rather significant advantage in reliability for the Mazda, usually a Honda strong point.   Sorry to break your heart, but the Odyssey just got a 30hp boost itself, for 2002, plus rear disc brakes. Someone like you (who desires big HP) should have waited. Major bummer.   -juice
#836 of 2018 Minivan Performance? by jstandefer Sep 20, 2001 (10:01 am)
I guess if you really wanted a performance minivan, then you would have bought a Dodge Grand Caravan ES with all-wheel drive, 3.8L V6, and AutoStick transmission. Not only will it outrun the Odyssey, but it will outhandle it as well. Reliabiltiy? Not an Odyssey strong point, which is strange for Honda. But once the 200hp 3.0L DOHC Duratec is placed in the MPV, I think it will easily outrun the Odyssey, since it is 800 pounds lighter!   The Mazda 2.5L DOHC V6 looks weak on paper but is a blast to drive and a model of smoothness. At least Mazda will allow you to mate it with a manual transmission, unlike most of its competitors who claim to be performance oriented but then fail to offer a proper transmission. The Maxima is the exception, but it is easily much more expensive than the 626. Nissan is doing a Ride and Drive next door while I am typing this. I was out watching them run Accord's and the new Altima around some cones. The Altima sure accelerates quickly, but handling is certainly not a strong point as I watch it slide through cones and cover my ears as the tires squealed everytime there was a slight deviation from straight in the cone course. Meanwhile, the 4-cyl Accord (yes, they're comparing a loaded V6 Altima against a base model 4-cyl Accord) isn't as quick, but handles much better through the cones and probably completes the course in the same amount of time.
#837 of 2018 should I buy? by janeok Sep 21, 2001 (5:12 pm)
I would appreciate any advice. I am interested in buying a 98 626 ES V6 w/ 30000 miles. Price before haggling is 13990. Is this a good deal? What does the 30000 mile service entail/cost? Mazda has a certified used car program but dealers in my area do not advertise this and act cagey when questioned about it. I would like to get a 12/12000 warranty as I would get w/ a certified used Honda or Toyota. Does anyone have any experience w/ Mazda certifed used cars? One of the primary appeals of this car is the price, significantly lower than the V6 Accords and Camrys I have looked at. I feel hesitant about no extended warranty though. Thanks for any help!
#838 of 2018 should I buy by scooti Sep 22, 2001 (4:26 am)
You didn't say whether this car is a 5 speed or automatic. We have a loaded 2000 ES 5 speed with 30,000 mi. and have been only offered $13,500 on a trade. Our car has 6 disc changer, leather, roof, abs, traction control. It is a very nice car though. Mazda vehicles come with a 3 year/ 50,000 mi. warranty. Possibly the vehicle you are looking at would still fall under this warranty (if it has been less than 3 years since the vehicle was originally titled). I am not sure what the certified used car program is about. We haven't taken our car in for 30,000 mi. service yet. Hope this helps you a little bit.   Bill
#839 of 2018 New Mazda 626 for 2002? by jenny33 Sep 22, 2001 (8:37 am)
Brand new to this discussion board... getting lots of good advice here. I've been thinking about buying a new 626 and saw here that there's a major overhaul for 2002. But I still don't fully understand what's happening with the 626 for 2002? When is the new model supposed to be available and is it worth waiting until then? Also, what changes will be made? Is there a place I can go to get all this info or does one of you already know? Thanks!

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