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Sedans Mazda 626 Mazda 626
2018 messages, Last post on Oct 09, 2009 at 1:07 PM
You are in the Mazda 626 Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
| 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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Welcome! Try this page on Edmunds.com: New Mazda Vehicles. And keep checking back here for more conversation. Good luck. Pat Host Sedans Message Board |
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| The new 626 (it probably will be called something else) will debut in the Spring/Summer (??) of 2002 as a 2003 model. I think the 2002 626 is basically the same as the 2000 and 2001 models, with some minor modifications. | |
| Thanks Pat - for the suggestion of Edmunds's new Mazda section. I'd already been there and noticed that Edmunds doesn't have any specs or reviews of the new 626 so I was hoping that someone here might have details on whether the modifications will be minor or major. My real question is whether it's worth waiting for the new version in Spring/Summer or buy a 2001 626 now? | |
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My guess is the changes will be major. It'll move to an entirely new platform, and likely take on Ford engines. That's good and bad. The sketches I've seen show a gorgeous car, but reliability would be a concern. Also, the cars may get watered down if we just get handed down Ford powertrains. IMO it's hit or miss. The MPV is a hit and reliability scores are better than the Odyssey. The Tribute, on the other hand, kind of bombed (in terms of quality, not sales numbers) at its launch. -juice |
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For 2002, the 626 soldiers on basically unchanged for its final year. The only changes are the deletion of the ES 4-cyl model and a repackaging of the ES-V6. The LX will now be the only 4-cyl model available. The ES-V6 will no longer have the Bose audio system and moonroof as standard equipment. However, the base price will drop by $1,300. The Bose audio system, power moonroof, ABS, and side-impact airbags will now be availalbe as separate options or as part of the new ES Premium Package. For 2003, the 626 nameplate will be eliminated and replaced by a totally new vehicle. The platform is a brand new global mid-size platform designed by Mazda and will form the basis for Ford's global midsize vehicles such as the Taurus, Sable, Volvo midsize, Jaguar midsize, etc. The new platform is slightly longer and wider. It will be powered by the 2.3L DOHC Duratec I4 (designed by Mazda) which should produce about 150-160hp. The V6 will be the Ford 3.0L Duratec DOHC V6 fitted with Mazda's S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing, similar to Honda's iV-TEC, Toyota's VVTi-L, or BMW's VANOS) and other Mazda improvements. Its power output should be in the 210-220hp range. Both will be available with a 5-spd automatic transmission, and the 4-cyl will be available with a manual transmission (I have not heard about the V6). The 626-replacement will move slightly upscale to help fill in the slot left open when the Millenia is discontinued for 2003. The new vehicle should represent more luxury and performance than the Taurus and Sable. |
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| The Tribute should prove to be quite reliable. The 3.0L Duratec V6 is an excellent engine and has seen use for years in the Taurus/Sable, Lincoln LS, and Jaguar S-Type. The Tribute was plagued by initial recall problems. The only engine recall involved faulty fuel-injectors that may leak. The MPV had that same problem in its first month of sales. Remember, the Tribute is an all-new design built in an all-new factory. Now that the initial "teething" problems have passes, I think the Tribute will show a reliability rating as high as the MPV. | |
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I respectfully disagree. One peek at the Escape/Tribute Problems boards tells you the problems were more than just the initial recalls. I thought the CD4E would be the sore spot, but it actually seems that the engine itself is, if you read the owners' experiences. The LS has had its share of problems, and Jaguar is no longer at the top of the charts (that was very short lived). I was a bit surprised to see how well the MPV scored. It has the engine from the Contour, yet scored much higher than that model, or the Taurus. I don't like to see Mazda watered down like that. If Ford lets Mazda take the platform and engine development lead, then maybe. -juice |
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| I am a first time poster. This board has a lot of useful information. However, I couldn't find an answer to the problem I am having. I have a 95 Mazda 626 ES with 108000 miles on it. Runs real smooth with great gas mileage (25 mpg). However, in cool weather (under 70F), I have noticed that the car shudders violently when I accelerate from a cold start. It's sort of like going on the shoulder of a highway over those mini speed breakers. However, it goes away once the engine is at normal operating temperature for 10 minutes or so. Has anyone experienced this and could someone enlighten me? Thanks a bunch. BTW, I really like the car. Had it for 4 months now. | |
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Auto or manual? If it's a manual, it might be the clutch's pressure plate struggling to grab. That would mean a new clutch. On an auto I'd suspect a problem with the trans slipping. In either case, a fluid change is cheap and may help. The manual take 75w90 gear oil, and you could even go with synthetic. This is probably something you could do yourself. Check out the Miata.net garage; the 626 should be similar. The auto uses ATF. A full system flush isn't expensive, but I'd let a shop do it. -juice |
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