Year of Mazda 626




The 626 is offered as a four-door sedan with 2 engine options; a 2.0-liter, 125-hp 4-cylinder or a 2.5-liter, 170-hp V-6. Also choose between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. ABS is standard.

Mazda 626 photos, specs - Car Pictures & Images

The Mazda 626 was an automobile produced by Mazda for the export market. It was based on the Japan-market Mazda Capella. The 626 replaced the 616/ 618 and RX-2 in 1979 and was sold through 2002, when the new Mazda6 took over as Mazda's large family car. 4,345,279 of the 626 and Ford Telstar models were sold worldwide.

The 626 was also sold as the Ford Telstar in Asia, Australasia and Southern Africa, but this has been replaced by the European-sourced Ford Mondeo. While in Europe it was always considered a large family car, in North America the first two generations of the 626 were compact cars, and the third, fourth and fifth were mid-size cars.

Used Mazda 626

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The 1971 model 616 and 1972 model 618 had been modest successes in the United States, each lasting just a single year. By 1980, the American public was ready for a compact piston-engined Mazda, and the 626 has been a top seller for the marque ever since.

The first Mazda 626 appeared in most markets in 1979. It was a front engined rear wheel drive compact, little changed from the Japan-market Mazda Capella on which it was based. With an 80hp (60kW) 2.0L SOHC straight-4 F/ MA engine, it performed well, with both Consumer Guide and Car and Driver magazines comparing it with a BMW. One innovative feature was a split-folding rear seat, which increased cargo capacity and flexibility tremendously. This first 626 was a hit, doubling Mazda's US sales.

The passenger cabin, and therefore the doors are shared with the contemporary 323, a design feature that lasted into the mid 1980's for both car designs.

The 626, like the Capella, used MacPherson struts in front with a four-link solid axle with coil springs in back. Five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmission versions were produced, but the recirculating ball steering was something of a throwback in the class. The twin barrel-carb engine was down to 75hp (56kW) in 1980, and a wide grille was introduced for 1981.

The front-wheel drive model appeared in 1983 with the GC platform. It was named Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine and Car of the Year by Wheels magazine for 1983. The new 2.0L FE engine was up to 83hp (62kW) for the North American market. In other regions including Finland, the 626 offered 101hp (75kW) with a twin barrel carburetor. The rear suspension was now independent, and though the wheelbase remained the same as the previous model, it was an entirely different car. A SOHC non-turbo diesel 2.0L RF 66hp (49kW) engine was made available; twenty examples were imported officially into Australia from 1983 to 1987.

A 626 GT (also called the Turbo) was introduced in 1986 using the 120hp (89kW) and 150lb·ft (203N?m) FET engine. The rest of the line got a new front clip with dual (rather than quad) headlights and an entirely new interior, and fuel injection on the base engine meant 93hp (69kW). A new four-speed automatic was introduced for 1987, the last year of this series.



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Mazda 626 Pictures by Years

1990
1990 mazda 626
1989
1989 mazda 626
1988
1988 mazda 626
1987
1987 mazda 626
1986
1986 mazda 626
1985
1985 mazda 626
1984
1984 mazda 626
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