Overview:
Let’s face it, this Mazda 626 has everything you need and presents it like it were a luxury class car. And although it is the best selling of the Mazda line, the Miata enjoys greater recognition and popularity. Mazda has likely done a poor job marketing the 626 relative to rivals such as Toyota, Ford and Honda. It will have to do better in its uphill battle with the competition that is not only abundant but also very capable in this class.
I\’ve tested all noted below. The first two that came to mind were the Buick Regal and the Olds Intrigue. They are a bit larger and thus roomier with more cargo space. They don’t however offer a sunroof or CD player as standard equipment as does the 626. As expected, both of these American contenders have much more muscle from larger displacement / horsepower engines. The Buick is supercharged and develops 240 HP compared to 170 for the 626, and although impressive it is not a major advantage in my view. The Intrigue is a 195 HP V-6 and both larger engine cars give up nothing in fuel economy, as they are equal or better than the 626.
The 1990‘s have proven to me to be a milestone in marketing for U.S. carmakers that resoundingly state that they are \”back\”. You can no longer ignore them and compare only import to import because you’d miss out on good old Americana as an option. Before the 1960’s there was little option. You bought U.S. made cars or nothing. From that time through the 1980’s, however, you could almost discount American cars completely because of what I call \”Detroit Backlash\”. Buyers left in droves to support foreign imports that were cheaper and more economical to drive. They were also fun to drive as they were smaller and offered lots of extras for less money. The 1990’s do indeed mark the return of the American automaker in a big way. They may have been finessed and out flanked by aggressive Japanese producers but have, in good old Yankee style shown their colors and come back with a vengeance. In the meantime all of the competitors are strong contenders and command your attention if you’re in the market for a compact sedan.
Mazda\’s 626 sedan is designed exclusively for North America and will be produced only in Flat Rock, Michigan, as a joint venture between Mazda and Ford Motor Company. The 626 has more than 75% domestic content, thus it is classified as a domestic car.
The 1998 Mazda 626 is available in four trims: DX, LX, LX V6 and ES V6 4-door sedans. The ES that I tested is smooth and comfortable. It handles well and the 170 HP V6 provides more than enough power. Styling is commonplace but \”in-the-swim\” with today’s look for sleek, clean lines. The shifting of the manual trans allows for a smooth transition between gears, albeit a little long on the travel distance required between gears. In this case you may want to consider the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Overall I liked the car a lot and found the redesigned 1998 a noticeable improvement over prior versions of the 626.
The Competition:
Buick Regal $21,045 – $23,790, Chevrolet Lumina $17,395 – $19,745, Dodge Stratus $14,965 – $17,790, Ford Contour $14,460 – $22,665, Honda Accord $15,100 – $24,150, Mitsubishi Galant $16,990 – $24,350, Nissan Altima $14,990 – $19,990, Oldsmobile Intrigue $20,890 – $24,110, Pontiac Grand Prix $18,795 – $20,665, Subaru Legacy $19,195 – $25,595, Volkswagen Jetta $14,595 – $20,955.
Good News:
Everything’s standard for the price, well detailed, well priced, nice ride.
Bad News:
Long travel shifter, cookie cutter styling.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter V-6 170 HP engine, 5-speed manual trans., front wheel drive, electronic traction control, 4-wheel power anti-locking disc braking system, power rack and pinion steering with tilt wheel, 4-wheel independent suspension, dual power mirrors, dual airbags, power glass sunroof, power windows & door locks, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player, leather, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, keyless entry, remote trunk and anti-theft system.
Gas Stats:
21 City/ 27 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP is $23,995
