GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Car reviews - Mazda - 626 - range

Our Opinion

We like
Looks, cabin space, build quality, handling and ride finesse, eager engines
Room for improvement
Some road noise

18 Jun 2003

THE fourth generation Mazda 626 was launched onto the Australian market in December, 1991.

It was longer and wider than previous models with conservative, rounded, jelly-mould styling.

There were two body styles - four-door sedan and five-door hatchback - with four-cylinder or 2.5-litre V6 engines.

The Ford/Mazda successful model-sharing arrangement continued and the 626 was also sold as the Ford Telstar. Front and rear-end styling differences were used to differentiate each make but they were both manufactured in Japan by Mazda.

The automotive press at the time thought highly enough of the 626/Telstar twins to award them the 1992 car of the year title.

But they were not on the pedestal for long. The new Bluebird from Nissan and an updated Honda Accord gave buyers plenty of choice in this sector.

The 626 2.0-litre sedan was well equipped by the standards of the day. Air-conditioning, central locking, cruise control, electric windows and remote adjustable mirrors were standard while the security-coded AM/FM radio/cassette has six speakers and an electric antenna with automatic retraction when the ignition is switched off.

The Mazda's package of equipment, looks and high quality was attractive to mid-size car buyers and it was quite successful.

The increasing awareness of occupant safety prompted Mazda to make a driver's side airbag standard equipment for the 626 in late 1994.

The engine size was smaller than the previous model 626 but the more efficient twin cam, 16-valve cylinder head resulted in an identical power output of 85kW at 5500rpm with only a small drop in torque to 170Nm at 4500rpm.

Good fuel economy, helped by the slippery body shape and light weight of the 626, is one of the engine's strong points.

Transmissions are either a five-speed manual or an optional four- speed automatic with electronic control, but no power or economy modes.

The Mazda's steering, ride and handling were a significant improvement over the previous model.

The handling is well balanced with moderate understeer and the ride is generally good although some road noise is transmitted to the cabin.

Mazda's reputation means used car prices are strong so it is worth comparing the equivalent Ford, the Telstar GLX.

They are usually slightly cheaper even though there is little difference in the equipment and they were assembled in the same factory. The quality and finish are equally good.

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

GoAuto can help you buy a new 626

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here