🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626

Year:

2002

Region:

North America

Chassis Code:

GF (This generation started in 1991, with the final iteration in 2002)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2002 Mazda 626 was positioned as a reliable, practical, and stylish mid-size sedan, competing in a crowded segment with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, and Chevrolet Malibu. The 626 often appealed to buyers seeking a balance of Japanese engineering, distinctive styling, and good value.

Vehicle Highlights:

For 2002, the 626 offered a comfortable ride, a well-appointed interior for its class, and Mazda's characteristic engaging driving dynamics. Available features included automatic climate control, power accessories, and a premium audio system on higher trims.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Covers all operational aspects, maintenance, safety features, and basic troubleshooting for the 2002 Mazda 626.

Pages:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Covered Systems:

Engine operation and basic checks, transmission operation, braking system, steering, suspension, climate control, electrical system (lights, wipers, power accessories), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), instrumentation and controls, exterior and interior features.

Included Procedures:

Starting and operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard indicators and warning lights, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks and adjustments, changing wiper blades, basic troubleshooting for common dashboard warnings, fuel economy tips, proper use of vehicle features.

Depth:

Covers user-level operation and maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair specifications, or component removal/installation instructions, which are found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Physical Format:

Professionally printed booklet with durable paper stock.

Print Quality:

High-quality printing with clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

Stapled or glued spine, designed for frequent use.

Paper:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper for durability and visual clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (FS-DE)

Horsepower:

118 hp @ 5300 rpm

Torque:

122 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Code:

FS-DE (For North American models)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-I or GF-II, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on temperature

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90

📐 Dimensions

Length:

182.1 inches (4625 mm)

Width:

69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2670 mm)

Front Track:

59.3 inches (1505 mm)

Rear Track:

59.1 inches (1500 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.2 inches (970 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.0 inches (940 mm)

Trunk Volume:

14.1 cubic feet (400 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2950-3050 lbs (1338-1383 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated for 2002 model year by NHTSA in publicly available records, but typically performed well for its class.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not specifically rated for 2002 model year by IIHS in publicly available records.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most trims, Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Passive Safety:

Front airbags, side-impact door beams, 3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear seat child-safety LATCH anchors.

Front Brakes:

Ventilated disc

Rear Brakes:

Solid disc

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium audio system featuring more speakers and a cassette player.

Display:

Digital clock and radio display. Climate control often featured manual or automatic digital displays.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by era; primarily focused on audio system connectivity. No Bluetooth or USB typically standard.

Climate Control:

Manual air conditioning standard; optional automatic climate control available on higher trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, for typical driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, depending on type specified.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III or Mazda Genuine ATF

Common Problems:

Occasional issues include: worn engine mounts, power steering leaks, automatic transmission solenoid issues, and interior trim wear. Some models may experience minor electrical gremlins, particularly with power window regulators or door locks.

Schedule Summary:

Routine maintenance includes regular oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), coolant flushes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and checking all fluid levels. Timing belt inspection/replacement is critical, typically at 60,000-100,000 miles for this engine if it uses a belt.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda, a Japanese automaker, has a history of producing innovative and driver-focused vehicles, often known for their unique designs and engaging driving experience (e.g., the Miata).

626 Evolution:

The 626 was a long-running Mazda model, evolving through several generations from the 1970s. The 1998-2002 generation (GF) represented the culmination of its front-wheel-drive era, known for its refined styling and improved dynamics compared to earlier iterations.

Production Years:

The Mazda 626 was produced from 1970 to 2002 globally. The GF generation was produced from 1998 to 2002.

Assembly Location:

Primary assembly for North American models was typically in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (Mazda Manufacturing America).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Past Awards:

While the 2002 model year didn't have specific major award announcements, the 626 lineage often received praise for reliability and value from publications like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power in previous generations.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally considered reliable, though specific year models and powertrains can have varying reports. The FS-DE engine is known for its durability when properly maintained.