- station wagon 247,200
- Universal City, TX
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- autoshopper.com
- station wagon 247,200 manual
2001 mazda 626 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. This car should be on any mid-size shopping list. introductionmazda's 626 is a sporty alternative to the honda accord and toyota camry. So consider mazda when shopping for mid-size import. Be different. extensively redesigned last year, the mazda 626 is an attractive sedan, though, like the camry and accord, won't attract a lot of attention. More important, it comes with a much stiffer body structure than pre-2000 models, so it rides, handles, and stops better than ever. In short, the 626 is more fun to drive than most of the mid-size competition. further refinements for 2001 include a new, modular audio system. The autobox is an $800 option on the other models. (it is worth noting that honda does not offer the accord v6 with a manual transmission, and toyota will build a five-speed camry v6 only one mid-range trim level.) in addition to its leather interior, the 626 es-v6 comes with an eight-way power driver's seat and a power glass moonroof. Dual airbags, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and ez kool tinted glass are standard on all 626 variants. walkaroundmid-size cars are popular because they excel at moving passengers with speed, comfort and efficiency. Most, however, are clothed in conservative designs, which is a nice way of saying they are bland. Though it's no real head-turner, either, the 626 at least looks both functional and sporty. Its subtle wedge shape bears a family resemblance to the more upscale mazda millenia. That's most apparent when viewed from the front, where see its mazda-hallmark five-point grille and tasteful brightwork. Overall, mazda has chosen to tone down the chrome, and this has resulted in a cleaner, more elegant look. . interiormazda designed the 626 for optimum interior space efficiency. The space devoted to mechanicals was minimized, while the room afforded to passengers and cargo was maximized. Still, the 626 isn't quite as roomy as the camry. overall, though, its interior design emphasizes quality, comfort and ergonomics. It is an attractive space, with a good choice of materials and an aesthetic sense of color balance. the front bucket seats in the 626 are excellent. They provide long-distance driving comfort, with plenty of shoulder space and superb lateral support, both important on winding mountain roads. The rear seats are comfortable also, again with good shoulder space, but knee room is a bit short for tall passengers. the trunk is spacious and well-shaped, a rectangular bin without obstructions. The rear seats fold down for additional cargo capacity, or to carry longer items. Controls and switches more located comfortably within reach. Switches and knobs have a refined feel that bespeaks luxury. driving impressionthere are several reasons why the toyota camry and honda accord dominate the market, but chief among them are their smooth ride, quiet operation, and solid-gold reputation for reliability. As transportation appliances, they are the leaders. the mazda 626 is a lot more fun to drive. This car has a personality. It provides excellent communication between the driver and the road. Smooth and gutsy, it produces 165 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. That doesn't quite measure up to honda's superb vtec v6, which delivers a full 200 horsepower, but the 626 should have no trouble keeping up. It provides good performance and is rated by the epa at 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway. completing the performance picture is mazda's crisp-shifting five-speed manual transmission. The suspension employs macpherson struts up front and mazda's twin-trapezoidal links in the rear, plus big stabilizer bars at both ends. Potholes and road vibration are dampened well, while noise is held in check through careful application of sound deadening insulation. Steering is variable-rate power-assisted rack-and-pinion. Abs allows the driver to maintain steering control in emergency braking maneuvers, while traction control reduces front wheel spin in slippery conditions. summarythe mazda 626 is handsome and roomy. And it's quick when fitted with the v6 engine. Power Mirrors✔ Bucket Seats✔ Cruise Control✔ Sunroof/Moonroof
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