1) purchased a used '97 Mazda 626 dx, with 115000+ miles on it, supposedly in decent condition. The vehicle required a new fuel pump, so wasn't in any kind of road use until replacement. After replacing, the car seemed to work fine, but had odd 'jumps' forward in low speeds and stops (making me believe I would run stop signs). The dealership refused this lemon back. 2) after having the car 8wks, & only testing it around the block until all tests completed on the fuel system, it began to steam & make popping noises driving <400 yards at <20mph. After time, the noises got louder, the steam more widespread, and when the gas was pressed there was noticable lack of power for long seconds. Radiator was suspected due to the steam and power issues. During 1 test while braking it jumped/lurched sideways into a weak brick wall. 3) we are military mechanics, & we went through the entire fuel/transmission/oil systems by Mazda's own book. We even removed the engine, completely cleaned the old gunk out, & refilled fluid with only the finest fluids & cleansers, replacing entire sections of the engine with new parts, & still had the same problems. Per Mazda, they kept diagnosing anything from sensors/computer/regulators/hoses/fuel system issues. Extensive searches on-line turned up a horrifying list of 100's of websites that all blasted Ford's buying of Mazda & resultant lowering of quality. All sites reported transmission issues, similar 'diagnosis' from bad Mazda dealerships, & the end result being years of transmission replacements. Tranny's would break down at early mileages. Few reports of satisfaction from Mazda in replacing what had to be known as deffective trannys. The Mazda 626 (all versions '94 to '00) have seriously none-safe transmissions. When we fully eliminated the last of the possibilities, it was the transmission!!! Mazda refused to deal with this, nor issue a valid safety recall of 626's! spent over $2000 on new parts. This is a safety issue!!

- Harker Heights, TX, USA