It almost goes without saying that there are a lot of similarities among midsize sedans. With few exceptions, each offers at least two engine choices. Al-so, each has a base model followed at a minimum by an upgraded version. And most are priced, model for model, within striking distance of their major competitors.
The similarities don't end there. Dimensionally, most midsize sedans occupy about the same amount of space, deliver comparable performance and gas mileage, and are, at least superficially, more than slightly similar in their appearance.
So what makes the Mazda 626 special in its class? Why choose it instead of, say, a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Mitsubishi Galant? We would say that the answer can only come from your own personal acquaintance - in other words, a firsthand test drive of the car.
The Mazda does everything well, whether it's being judged by class norms or by even higher standards. The 626 is finished to near-perfection and is a delight to drive.
On paper, this Mazda stands up to the competition, but that something extra that makes the 626 a little more attractive than some other cars goes well beyond written descriptions.
Visually, the 626 provides no surprises. Though built in the United States, it follows the near-universal Japanese sedan design theme: In profile, it has a subtle wedge shape, a rising line that extends from rounded nose to rounded tail.
The roofline is a cross between formal and rounded aerodynamic. In the front, headlights are faired in and, in combination with parking and turn-indicator lights, flow into the front fender.
Between the lamp units is a small grille, large enough to hold a badge, while the primary air intake is integrated into the front bumper face.
In back, simple taillights flank the license plate. A low coefficient of drag reduces wind noise and aids fuel economy at higher speeds.
The most striking aspect of the 626's appearance is its simplicity. Trim is minimal, and there are no indentations, lines or other unnecessary styling gimmicks added for the sake of dressing up the car. Nor are these things missed. This is a quality design that looks good, is assembled well, and is topped by a paint job worthy of a car with a price tag double that of the 626.
Few visual clues are provided to differentiate the base DX model from its progressively upgraded LX, LX-V6 and ES siblings. The latter pair have larger wheels (15-in. diameter vs. 14-in.), the top three have body-color rearview mirrors (the DX mirrors are black), and the ES model has foglamps installed in its front bumper.
All 626s share a stylish and roomy interior. They're capable of carrying five adults in reasonable comfort, but for maximum luxury you should keep the occupants to four or fewer.
Dual airbags and height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors are standard regardless of model, as are well-shaped front bucket seats.
The rear seat has a 60/40 split that allows one side of the seatback to be folded, increasing luggage space while still accommodating a passenger.
In all 626s, a tilt steering wheel and inside releases for the trunk and fuel-filler door are supplied.
Upgrade models build on this satisfactory basic cabin layout. Air conditioning is standard on all models except the DX, which gets air as part of a convenience package that also adds an AM/FM/cassette stereo and carpeted floormats.
Also standard on the LX, LX-V6 and ES models are cruise control and power windows/door locks. Cloth upholstery (DX) can be replaced by velour (LX and LX-V6) or leather (ES). Power front-seat adjustments are standard on the ES, but even lesser models' front seats have a wide range of adjustability, and the manual controls are simple to use.
Despite the high amenity count, the 626 interior is simple yet functional, stylish without being ornate.
