12 05 2008

Mazda 626 GXI

Posted by: UK Car Reviews in Mazda Reviews

Good points
Lots of boot space, lots of interior space. Comfortable car on both short and long journeys. 1.8 engine is both powerful and economical, (more so than larger engines). Good suspension. Good specs, with the slide and tilt sunroof, electric mirrors, etc.

Bad points
In view of the fact that my car has a lot of small bumps and dings on it, I get the impression that some drivers can’t handle either the size or the shape. Although the boot is quite large area-wise, the fact that it is a hatchback means you lose something in the height, but it is not painfully so.

Other comments
I swapped my 1997 Ford Mondeo Estate 2.5 V6 Ghia X for this car. (No money changed hands). I needed a car with a smaller engine. The Mondeo was a more beautiful car, (partly because of the luxury specs), but the ride in the 626 is much better, especially on the motorway. It has a gliding effect, much like that of a Citroen XM I once possessed. That was rather an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Parker’s car price guide (and others) describe the 626 as a bit bland, but they are not right about everything, and in any case, it depends on your own taste. Having looked at one or two Mazda 6’s, which I liked the look of, and which PCPG describes as an improvement on the 626, I think I know what they mean. On the face of it, the 6 seems to be a prettier car, but that is partly due to the silver paint effects on the interior, (such as on the gear lever knob, bits of the dash, etc.) Other than that, the new body shape is quite pleasing, as is the change in the light cluster designs both back and front. However, the old 626 has its appeal to me, and I certainly felt it was criticised somewhat unfairly. Essentially a Ford (apparently), it is a nicer ride than some Fords – especially the smaller ones. Some little niceties are missing, such as the heated front seats of the Mondeo Ghia, and the wood effect dash, but these are nothing to need to get your handkerchief out for. I do miss the Mondeo for its sheer beauty, (including the rather special quality of the leather interior,) but the better ride of the 626 more than makes up for the loss. So far, I have not only found the 1.8 626 more than adequate for the job, but it has been 100% reliable for a 10 year old car. I would have another one tomorrow, and I\’m sure enthusiasts could tell me of ways of “pimping up” (as they say) my vehicle. If I were to change it, (I could not yet afford a 6!) – I would go for an estate version, but I did not get the impression that they did an estate in a 1.8. Also, in later years I have come to prefer automatic transmission. These would seem to be non-existent, or in short supply for the 626. I\’m not disappointed with the car in any way. I would certainly recommend them.

Rating: 5/5
This Mazda 626 GXI review was contributed by Vincent Smith