Segment:
Mid-size Station Wagon
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking to maintain their vehicle
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry Wagon, Honda Accord Wagon, Subaru Legacy Outback (later generations), Ford Mondeo Wagon, Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, comfortable ride, practical cargo space, good fuel economy for its class, engaging driving dynamics (for Mazda).
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate information to perform all levels of maintenance and repair, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine (mechanical, fuel, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical (lighting, wipers, windows, locks, mirrors), Instrumentation, Audio System, Cruise Control, Airbag System, Battery and Charging System, Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Sensors
Body:
Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seating, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical testing procedures, component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, HVAC system repair
Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment settings, diagnostic parameter values, fluid capacities, electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and bodywork procedures.
Engine Code 1:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4)
Engine Displacement 1:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 118-122 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tune)
Torque 1:
Approx. 128-130 lb-ft @ 3500-4500 rpm (depending on market and specific tune)
Engine Code 2:
JE-ZE (2.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 - less common in wagons, more in sedans/coupes of this generation, but may appear in some markets)
Engine Displacement 2:
2490 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 168-170 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 163 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Management:
ECU controlled, distributorless ignition system (DIS)
Transmission Type 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with overdrive)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Sport mode (may vary by market)
Manual Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact specification)
Automatic Fluid:
Mazda ATF-SP II M or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 4700-4750 mm (185.0-187.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1770-1780 mm (69.7-70.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1470-1500 mm (57.9-59.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2615 mm (103.0 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 37.5 - 41.0 cu ft (Varies slightly by configuration)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 70.0 - 73.0 cu ft (Varies slightly by configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) (depending on engine and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1850-1950 kg (4079-4300 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Typically unbraked: 500 kg; Braked: 1200-1500 kg (Consult local regulations and manual for specifics)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not officially rated by NHTSA for this generation in all markets, but generally considered to have standard safety features for its era.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not specifically rated by IIHS for this generation as a wagon.
ABS:
Standard on higher trims, optional on lower trims.
Traction Control:
Rarely available, typically not standard.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system not standard in this generation.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with optional premium sound system. Aftermarket head unit installation is common.
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speaker configuration.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models, typically standard on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (ACC) available on higher trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard. Aftermarket adapters or head units are required for modern audio devices.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory. Requires aftermarket installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) (depending on plug type: standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 Liters (4.2-4.8 Quarts) with filter change (for 2.0L engine). Consult manual for exact spec.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature). Consult manual for exact spec.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for precise requirement).
Common Issues Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), occasional coolant leaks, carbon buildup on intake valves (especially with less frequent maintenance).
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission shifting issues (solenoid/valve body wear), manual clutch wear.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints leading to knocking noises and poor handling. Rear shock absorber mounts can also wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuators, dashboard illumination issues, MAF sensor or O2 sensor failures contributing to rough idle or poor fuel economy.
Common Issues Body:
Rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, tailgate), door seal degradation.
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the sedan/coupe versions of the 626 often featured in comparisons, the wagon may not have specific '10Best' awards, but the platform was well-regarded for its balance.
Other Automotive Press:
Generally reviewed positively for its handling, practicality, and value.
