2000 Mazda 626 Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 25 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A bland, bread-and-butter sedan that's not big enough for families and not sporty enough for enthusiasts.
Pros
Sharp steering and handling, improved content and options.
Cons
Styling that is still bland, shortage of horsepower.
What's New for 2000
Improvements in styling, handling, steering, interior content and options are the highlights of the 2000 626.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
my first car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
This was my first car. My dad bought it new at the dealership and when he got a altima he gave this car to me. It is a very solid car. It has solid acceleration and good handling. I like to push this car to its limits. I have hit 120 in this car! Anyway the seats are very comfortable and supportive. The air conditioning works well and I think every single person that has been in my car has commented on the rotating air vents! The transmission is ok (I wish I had a manual). The design of this car is ok, I think its a little too round. The newer sixes look a lot nicer, but obviously this car is nine yrs old. Overall this is a good car
Favorite Features
rotating air vents, reliability, seats, engine noise above 4k
Suggested Improvements
more hp and torque!! obviously they did that in the new ones. i like the new design better too
Almost 120,000 miles in 6 years!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
I've driven this car A LOT -- long road trips, extended periods of stop & go local driving, and commuting up a mountain and back 6 days a week for almost 2 years. It is very comfortable. The only downside is the tiny engine. I've maintained my car well and it now has 163,000+ miles. I am finally in need of a new one. The struts are shot and so are my motor mounts. I think these issues may have been caused, in part, by my driving around for a month with a broken sway-bar link (part of the suspension). I've never had a problem with my transmission, or engine. I'd get my car fixed, but with 163,000+ miles it is hard to say how much longer the transmission will last...I'll miss my car :-/
Favorite Features
The interior design is fabulous -- comfortable seats, lots of storage spaces, a huge trunk, good cup holders, and oscillating air vents! I love that the radio antenna is built into the back window. I can listen to music while in the car wash :-)
Suggested Improvements
All cars should have radio controls in the steering wheel! This car could use a better sound system. It could also use a more powerful engine. It's reliable, but not very spunky! Also, it's seats fold down, but there's only a small space in the middle that extends all the way to the truck.
206,000 miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
Replaced transmission (about $800.00 used) but bought car for $500.00, great exterior condition, black with excellent paint. Will install a tranny cooler since none on car from factory. I drive about 50-60 miles a day and get satisfactory mpg. Best used car I ever bought. Need to fix A/C. Looks like a slow leak. Transmissions are hard to come by used, expect about $900-$1400 rebuilt with warranty. Shifts hard into 2nd gear, also hard on the downshift to 1st. Most gear heads i speak to say this is fine. If motor goes I will replace with 6 cyl.
Favorite Features
Styling, easy reach of all features on dash. (6' 1" tall).
Suggested Improvements
Better suspension, feels like it drifts on high speed gradual turns. Get a tranny cooler if you get this car used.
Best daily grind car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 1 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
Very comfortable, engine buzzy at 75 mph, slow pick up - don't even bother to rev it past 3500 rpms, handles great, avg. 27.5 mpg mostly city driving. Awesome car for a practical lifestyle. I love it - best beater, daily grind car!
Favorite Features
More power!
Suggested Improvements
Buzzy engine, not rev happy
Just bought
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda 626 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
I just bought my 626, used of course, but I think it's going to be a good investment. I love the body style and its running great except for the hiccup with first gear. Ive read some of the previous reviews and am worried about the transmission, but my dealer offers a warranty on it for 2 years. I think I will take one persons advice and install a tranny cooler as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for their great reviews and heads up! I hope this car will take me pretty far.
Favorite Features
The body looks sharp, and the interior is amazing.
Suggested Improvements
No get up and go on hills, getting out of first gear causes a jolt, and it floats all over the lane- hold on tight!!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 Mazda 626
- 2001 Mazda 626
- 2000 Mazda 626
- 1999 Mazda 626
- 1998 Mazda 626
- 1997 Mazda 626
Research the 2000 Mazda 626
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
