Mazda 626 Has Come A Long Way -- New Model Provides Many More Privileges, But You Pay For Them

One look at the 1998 Mazda 626 makes me feel old beyond my years.

Which is actually good news for the rest of you.

The first car I ever bought with my own hard-earned money and considerable help from the credit union was a Mazda 626. It was the late '70s, and the model had just come on the American market with hopes of stealing some of the Honda Accord's already burgeoning territory.

In other words, it was cheaper than the Accord, so I bought it.

But not before doing my homework, sizing up the competition and nearly having a stroke over impending car payments.

My 626 turned out to be a great, problem-free car. It served me well until it blew a head gasket just north of Sarasota, Fla., one summer many years later.

When I think back on that simple, boxy, white compact with its fading beige seats, AM/FM stereo radio (a very big deal to me) and humble four-cylinder engine, then look at this all-new, fabulously fancy, midsize, luxury-laden sedan before me, I'm dumbstruck. One bears no - I repeat, no - resemblance to the other.

And I can't help but think how far this 626 has come in what seems like such a short time.

For the record, the 626 is officially a domestic car, built in Flat Rock, Mich., as a Ford-Mazda joint venture. But it still invites comparison mostly with import rivals.

I don't know whether my nostalgia is a help or a hindrance here, but I am truly astonished at how nice a car the new Mazda 626 ES V6 is.

For 1998, this now-midsize sedan gets a whole new body that is not unintentionally similar to the upscale Mazda Millenia. Unfortunately (perhaps), it also looks a lot like the Accord's redesign. So much for distinctive styling.

But it is a sleek and pretty sedan, with overall length stretched almost two and a half inches and slight increases in width. This, coupled with Mazda's special focus on maximizing usable interior space, creates 97.1 cubic feet inside for people, 14.2 cubic feet of trunk for things. That beats many imports.

The new design's longer wheelbase (105.1) enhances ride, as does its 32 percent improvement in bending rigidity, 43 percent greater torsional rigidity. These factors also have a positive impact on handling, noise, vibration and harshness reduction.

In other words, this is one quiet, smooth, well-behaved sedan - as good as the best in its class.

My top-of-the-line ES model comes standard with a V6; an updated 2.0-liter, 125-horse four-cylinder is the other option.

The 2.5-liter twin cam 24-valve V6 tops out at 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm/163 foot pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. That puts it somewhere in the middle in terms of V6 power vs. the rest of the class. The new Accord V6, for example, comes in at 200 horses/195 foot pounds of torque. The Toyota Camry, 194/209.

Helping this 626 along, however, is quicker throttle response for '98 and a standard five-speed manual transmission. Where many mid-size sedans have dropped the manual with V6 models, Mazda wears it proudly.

My first 626 was a five-speed; so was this new one. The easy, flawless shifter and strong V6 response of the '98 make any further comparisons ridiculous.

Even more laughable would be a relative lineup of luxuries. Mine had none (well, there was that AM/FM radio and air conditioning). This '98, on the other hand, features a full page of goodies - all standard.

The 626 ES V6 comes with everything from a six-way power driver's seat, power moonroof, power antenna, leather interior, sophisticated security system, etc. to a really good Bose music system with CD player.

In sum, the 626 ES V6 feels like an upscale midsize sedan in every way - power, amenities, looks.

When I saw $24,445 on the price sticker for this 626, I reacted much like my father did those many years ago when I told him I was going to pay $9,000 for an import.

What?!?&??!?

Yes, I know times have changed. This is an extraordinarily well-equipped midsize sedan with a V6 engine.

Still, I think it's overpriced.

For starters, as much as I love the five-speed manual, I think people expect an automatic to be part of the deal in this class/price car. Here the automatic is an option, which runs the price up even more.

But, more importantly, to make a mark in this crowded, competent class, the 626 needs not only to offer more - which it does - it needs to offer more for less. That, it doesn't do.

It's EPA-rated at 21 mpg city/27 highway. The 626 is one of the lightest cars in its class, hence the great gas mileage figures. A larger 16.9-gallon tank comes as a bonus.

Manufacturer's base, $23,995; price as tested, $24,445.

Is it worth it?

I feel like a real old fogey here, but I have to say that the '98 626 ES V6 could take a lesson from its forefathers here on value.

It's a fabulous car - no doubt about that. But you pay for its privileges.

Beth Stein is senior editor of the Nashville Banner. Her reviews also appear on Motor Trend Television, Sundays on The Nashville Network. Her e-mail address is: bsteinNashvilleBanner.com

-------------- 1998 Mazda 626 --------------

Engine: 2.5-liter V-6, 170 horsepower.

Base price: $23,995.

Price as tested: $24,445.

Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive.

Safety: Dual air bags, 4-wheel disk brakes with anti-lock.

Weight: 2,994 pounds.

EPA Mileage: 21 mpg city, 27 highway.