2001Mazda626Mazda 6262001 Mazda 626 LXSedanSedanFWDFlat Rock, MIThe 626's interior gains a new modular audio system, a new rear deck with child safety-seat anchors, and an internal emergency trunk release. Mazda has also made EZ-Kool glass standard on all models and side airbags a stand-alone option on models with a V6 and automatic transmissions. All 626s are now 50-state emission compliant, though horsepower has been reduced slightly in the process.Sharp steering and handling, simple interior design, V6 engine can be ordered with manual transmission.Styling that could still use more excitement, shortage of horsepower when compared to other family sedans.The Mazda 626 has been somewhat of a wallflower these past few years, watching the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry receive the most attention from people looking to buy a four-door family sedan. That's a bit unfortunate, as the 626 exhibits some solid attributes. The Mazda comes in four trim levels: LX, LX-V6, ES and ES-V6. While by no means visually exciting, the 626 still manages to be an attractive sedan. LX and ES models have 15-inch wheels as standard, and the ES-V6 gets 16-inch wheels. The ES-V6 also comes with a sunroof, leather seating, an upgraded audio system, an eight-way driver's seat and heated side mirrors. Mazda prides itself on building cars that are fun to drive. Aiding the 626's cause is a sporty suspension. Equipped with MacPherson struts up front and Mazda's Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) suspension at the rear, the 626 grips confidently on twisty roads, while out on the highway, the suspension manages to soak up nearly every pothole without jolting passengers into instant kidney failure. The 626's steering and braking are also up to the task of providing a more rewarding experience than your average family sedan. For power, the LX and ES feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 125 horsepower and 127 foot-pounds of torque. LX and ES cars fitted with the 2.0-liter engine qualify as ultra-low-emission vehicles. The 2.5-liter V6 puts out 165 horsepower and 161 foot-pounds of torque. While both engines are competent, they are a bit down on power when compared to the engines found in the top competitors in this class. Mazda does offer a manual transmission for both engines, making the 626 one of few family sedans available with a V6 and a manual transmission. Inside, passengers are treated to a clean interior package. It's not exactly luxurious, but most of the controls are positioned for easy reach. HVAC controls are easy enough for a 4-year-old to use, with two large knobs for fan speed and temperature, and two rows of push buttons to control venting, air circulation and air conditioning. Seating is spacious for its class, but front passengers will be disappointed with the lack of lumbar support and headroom. Rear-seat occupants have a better deal, with good headroom and width for two, a set of cupholders, extra storage in the fold-down center armrest and magazine pockets in the back of the front seats. Overall, the 626 is a solid alternative in the family sedan market. Its strengths lie in its sporty nature and cult appeal (well, for a family sedan, anyway). If you are in the market to buy a new family sedan, the 626 deserves some of your attention. Ford TaurusHonda AccordMitsubishi GalantToyota Camry350,000350,000350,0005UnlimitedNANANA42 litersInline125 hp @ 5500 rpm127 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm187.4 in.69.3 in.55.1 in.2864 lbs.105.1 in.39.2 in.37 in.56.3 in.55.9 in.53.8 in.54.5 in.43.6 in.34.6 in.14.2 cu.ft.OptionalStandardOptionalOptionalNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = AverageRating = AverageGoodAverageAcceptableNot Tested16.9 gal.26 mpg / 32 mpg22 mpg / 28 mpg439 mi. / 541 mi.372 mi. / 473 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$17,281$18,7357.35%$480N/A2% of the Base MSRPLX (5M): 2L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 582-amp battery; 80-amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 4.11 axle ratio; partial stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine-speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes; 16.9 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto-off headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored outside mirrors; 15" x 6" steel wheels, P205/60SR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo w/clock, seek-scan feature, single-disc CD player, 4 speakers, amplifier, window grid antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keylessentry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, remote fuel door release; 2 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, trunk ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 6-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests, center armrest with storage; height-adjustable front seatbelts; premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering, chrome interioraccents; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, door curb lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
LX V6 (5M) (in addition to or instead of LX (5M) equipment): 2.5L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 90-amp alternator; 4-wheel disc brakes; P205/60HR15 BSW A/S tires.
ES (4A) (in addition to or instead of LX (5M) equipment): 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up converter, 4.23 axle ratio; leather seats, vinyl door trim insert, simulated wood console insert; leather-wrapped steering wheel.
ES V6 (5M) (in addition to or instead of ES (4A) equipment): 2.5L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; front power sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; heated outside mirrors; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels, P205/55HR16 BSW A/S tires; cassette player, 4 premium speakers; ignition disable, security system; driver's seat includes 8-way adjustment, leather-wrapped gearshift knob.