626: A truly sporting alternative.

2001 Mazda 626 LX

The first Mazda 626 landed on U.S. shores in 1979 as a rear drive coupe or sedan. That car, powered by a 2.0-liter pushrod four lifted out of its contemporary Mazda pickup soon became a favorite amongst auto enthusiasts. Car and Driver magazine summed it up by saying the 626 was "What to do when your dealer says he's out of RX-7s". Road and Track praised the cars competence and its blend of Italian and German styling elements. The 626 evolved converting to front wheel drive in 1983 and building upon its reputation as a sporting sedan. Turbocharged models were offered along with an expanded variety of luxury and sporty trim levels. As good as these cars were the Honda Accord as well as a new entry for 1982, the Toyota Camry eclipsed them in popularity. Eventually Mazda spun off the 626 coupe as the MX-6 leaving a progression of increasingly luke warm 626 sedans to do battle in the mid sized family car market.

Times have changed. After allowing the 626 to languish in obscurity for too long Mazda has become serious about restoring some of the 626's past luster. Recently haven taken delivery of a 2001 model I can say the good news carries over into the present year. Changes for 2000 included a stiffer body structure along with fatter front and rear anti-roll bars. These changes,combined with Mazda's unique twin trapezoid design rear suspension and independent front struts, have transformed the 626. Cornering is flat with virtually no body roll. Pour it into a bumpy turn and it keeps it's line. The Bridgestone Turanza 205/60R15 tires simply put, stick, are great in wet weather, and well suited to the 626. It isn't perfect. Throw it imprudently fast into a switchback and there's enough understeer to remind you this is a front wheel drive car. No matter, you'll find yourself seeking out the twisties and taking the long way home from work. Something I couldn't imagine doing in a Camry or Taurus.

The trade off is ride quality. Stiff springs and fat anti-sway bars make for a firm but controlled ride. It's very coupe like and not uncomfortable but those whose preference leans towards silken isolation should try before they buy.

Consider that the original 626 offered a mere 80 horses from its 2 liters and the '01 626's 125 h.p. should make it a rocket. But this is the day of hulking steroid powered SUVs. By today’s standard the 626 is underpowered. In practice it feels fast enough suffering only on very long steep grades. To Mazda's credit it heavily markets the stick (offering it with both engines and all trim levels) and you'll want it to make the best of this engine. It's easy to do. The D.O.H.C 16 valve 4 banger makes it's peak torque at 3000 RPM. Peak Horsepower is made at 5500. Keep the revs up and the car rewards you greatly. The shifter's throw is long but precise enough to never leave you wondering if you've accidentally selected third instead of fifth. The clutch seems to engage rather abruptly at the end of it's travel but you'll learn to do it smoothly as you'll be stirring the ratios frequently learning to match the 626's RPM to it's gears. It's an engaging process. The 626 isn't a cell phone users car. It demands driver involvement to get the best from it the way all sports sedans used to. The engine is smooth too. It's no Honda V-TEC but then no one else’s four is either. At idle the engine is silent enough you'll need to look at the tach to assure yourself it hasn't stalled. The 626's real strong suit is it's great gas mileage. I regularly average over 30 m.p.g in spirited (enthusiastic as opposed to aggressive) driving.

The standard power front disks and rear drums are strong and well modulated. Unfortunately they lack an anti-lock feature. Mazda offers anti-lock brakes as an expensive option on the LX lumped together with traction control. There's no excuse for not offering anti-lock braking as standard equipment.

The 626's is one of the better looking sedans on offer today. Immediately apparent is the intended similarity to Mazda's own Millenia but the 626 also pays subconcience homage to some other great sedans. Take the low and rounded roof or the elegant sweep of its rounded beltline. There's a bit of early 1960's Alfa Romeo or Lancia there. The grill and headlights, revised last year, are Acura like and handsome. There's just enough bright work to lend the car an upscale look without being overwrought. It's a classy aesthetic and one that should wear well.

For the enthusiast the inside story is just as good. The 626LX presents a well thought out drivers environment with an absence of superfluous ornamentation such as artificial wood or aluminum. (Simulated wood is standard on the ES and if you must have it, may be ordered as a dealer installed accessory for the LX). There's a full supply of guages and the various controls are simple to use, clearly marked, and of typical of the high quality expected in an Asian sedan. The 626's trademark power osculating panel vents are still present and supply some gee-wiz factor. As with the exterior, chrome is used inside to good effect decorating the door handles ,the attractive oval shaped door courtesy lamps, and other bits and pieces. It's just enough to lend something extra without being vulgar.

The seats are quite good offering excellent lateral and lumbar support. The 6-way power driver seat offers height adjustment though for persons at either extreme of height it may not be enough. This is a low car and the comely roofline does encroach on headroom. This is especially true with the power moon roof. At 5'10 I only have a 1/2" of headroom with the sunshade closed. Very short drivers may find the view out somewhat restricted by the 626's thick pillars and high beltline. Tilt wheel is standard along with a host of other convenience features like dual lighted vanity mirrors. Mazda isn't alone in leaving side airbags on the option list but even so they should be standard. Volkswagen manages to do this and its competitors should follow suit.

Three abreast seating is offered in the rear but the 626 is really a 4-passenger car. Leave the rear center armrest (containing a storage compartment and 2 cupholders) folded down for a four bucket seat look. As expected these days the rear seats may be folded to expand cargo capacity.

Interior noise levels are fairly high. There's a surprising degree of wind, road, and mechanical noise; the latter music to this enthusiasts ears but perhaps not to yours. The heat and AC systems are very effective though the air conditioning does cause the engine to stumble occasionally between 2500 and 3000 RPM and there's a slight though perceivable impact on available power.

If the 626 wasn't so much fun to drive it would be easy to dismiss it as a second rung Japanese sedan and head straight for the nearest Honda or Toyota dealer. Yes the Camry and Accord are the twin paragons of efficient reliability and no sane person would ever question your judgement if you took one home. If you love to drive though the 626 deserves your attention. Its flaws are few and for the most part easily corrected by judicious use of the option sheet. It offers endearing character; something even the most costly luxury cars are devoid of these days. I heartily recommend it.