Best Car Reviews - 1994 Mazda 626

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Introduction

The 1994 Mazda 626 is a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan aimed at buyers who wanted practical family-car space with more responsive road manners than many mainstream rivals. This four-cylinder automatic version uses a 2.0-litre DOHC engine and regular gasoline. Its clean, low-slung styling, useful cabin and balanced chassis gave it a more driver-focused character than the typical early-1990s sedan.

Design and Exterior Features

The 626 has a smooth, rounded four-door body with a relatively low roofline, a long 102.8-inch wheelbase and compact midsize proportions. It measures about 184.4 inches long, making it manageable in town while retaining proper family-sedan presence. The 1994 model carried forward the generation introduced for 1993, so changes were evolutionary rather than a major exterior redesign. Its restrained grille, slim lamps and uncluttered sides have aged more gracefully than some heavily styled competitors of the period.

Four-door sedan body with seating for five.
Front-wheel-drive packaging for a roomy passenger compartment.
Approximate 184.4-inch overall length and 13.8-cubic-foot trunk.
Available 14-inch wheels, body-color details and trim-dependent exterior upgrades.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is straightforward and driver-oriented, with clear analogue instruments and controls that are generally easy to learn. Cloth upholstery was typical on four-cylinder models, while equipment increased through the DX and LX range. Front occupants benefit from generous legroom, and the rear seat is suitable for children or average-size adults, though the sloping roofline limits rear headroom compared with some boxier rivals. By modern standards, the materials and insulation feel basic, but the layout remains sensible and usable.

Supportive front bucket seats and a practical centre console.
Tilt steering wheel, tachometer and rear-window defogger.
Power steering and power brakes.
Power windows, locks, air conditioning and cruise control varied by trim and options.

Performance and Handling

This specification uses Mazda’s 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve inline-four, rated at 118 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. It is adequate rather than quick, with relaxed everyday acceleration and better responses when the engine is kept in its mid-range. Precise verified acceleration data for this exact automatic configuration is limited, so no exact 0-60 mph claim should be assumed. Period EPA figures for the four-cylinder automatic were 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, equivalent to roughly 11.8 and 8.4 L/100 km; combined economy is about 10.2 L/100 km. A supplied figure of 12.94 L/100 km is more representative of a heavier real-world driving pattern than the period combined rating.

2.0-litre DOHC inline-four with 118 horsepower.
Four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Comfortable highway stability with more willing cornering than many period family sedans.
Regular gasoline capability and period combined economy of about 10.2 L/100 km.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is firmly of its era. The 626 offered conventional AM/FM audio equipment, with cassette playback available depending on trim and options, but it has no factory Bluetooth, USB integration, touchscreen navigation or smartphone connectivity. Driver-assistance technology was also not part of the package; the focus was on conventional controls and mechanical simplicity.

AM/FM audio system, with cassette equipment depending on specification.
Clear analogue gauges and simple climate controls.
No factory smartphone integration or modern navigation.
No lane support, automatic emergency braking or parking-camera technology.

Safety Features

Dual front airbags were standard for 1994, including the newly added passenger-side airbag. Anti-lock brakes were optional on some four-cylinder models and standard on the higher ES trim, so buyers should confirm the equipment on any individual car. NHTSA frontal-test information lists four stars for the driver and five stars for the front passenger; no comparable modern side-impact, rollover or IIHS rating should be inferred for this car.

Driver and front-passenger airbags.
Three-point front seat belts.
Available anti-lock braking system on selected versions.
Power-assisted braking and front disc brakes.

Pricing and Variants

The 1994 Mazda 626 range began at approximately $14,500 USD when new for the DX sedan. The lineup included DX, LX, LX V6 and ES V6 models; the four-cylinder DX and LX were the closest matches for this automatic configuration, while the V6 versions added power and equipment at a higher price. Against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Ford Taurus, the 626 was competitively priced and more engaging to drive, although its long-term automatic-transmission reputation is a major consideration today.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Attractive, understated midsize-sedan styling.
Responsive handling for its class and era.
Useful interior space and practical trunk.
Simple controls and good outward everyday usability.
Regular-gasoline four-cylinder engine with reasonable period fuel economy.

Cons

Automatic-transmission reliability is the most serious ownership concern.
Performance is modest with the four-cylinder and automatic combination.
Modern safety and connectivity equipment is absent.
Cabin materials and sound insulation now feel dated.
Age-related rust, electrical faults and neglected maintenance can be costly.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A model-wide maintenance estimate is about $343 per year, but a 1994 example can cost substantially more because condition, rust exposure, mileage, transmission history and parts availability matter far more than the average. A pre-purchase inspection should include a cold start, a full transmission road test, cooling-system checks and inspection for corrosion. The five most frequently discussed owner concerns are:

Automatic-transmission slipping, harsh shifting, delayed engagement or flashing warning lights.
No-start or intermittent-running faults linked to ignition and distributor-related components.
Air-conditioning compressor noise or compressor failure.
Engine-management or emissions faults, including EGR-related warning issues.
Age-related corrosion, worn suspension components and deteriorated rubber mounts or seals.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.4/10. Design: 7.5/10; comfort: 6.5/10; performance: 6.5/10; technology: 3.0/10; safety: 5.5/10. The 626 earns credit for its design, space and driving character, but its age and automatic-transmission risk keep it from being an easy recommendation.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly describes the 626 as a comfortable, practical and surprisingly enjoyable older sedan when it has been maintained carefully. Many positive experiences involve manual-transmission cars or automatic examples with documented service history, while negative reports often centre on expensive transmission and age-related repairs.

Owners often appreciate the composed ride and more engaging steering than expected.
The four-cylinder engine is generally viewed as adequate for commuting rather than fast driving.
Many owners value the practical cabin, large doors and usable trunk.
Transmission condition is repeatedly identified as the key buying decision.
Well-kept examples can remain serviceable, but neglected cars can quickly exceed their purchase price in repairs.

Best Cars in This Category

1994 Honda Accord
1994 Toyota Camry
1994 Nissan Altima
1994 Ford Taurus
1994 Mitsubishi Galant

Summary

The 1994 Mazda 626 is best suited to an enthusiast of affordable 1990s Japanese sedans or a buyer who finds a clean, well-documented example at a sensible price. Its attractive shape, practical packaging and competent handling remain appealing, but the four-speed automatic must be evaluated with exceptional care. A thoroughly inspected car with strong maintenance records can be an interesting budget classic; an unverified automatic example is a higher-risk purchase.