I own a 2000 Mazda 626 with only 90,000 miles. I have been stranded several times in this car and spent over $3000 parts and labor. I had to replace the catalytic converter, several sensors, master break cylinder, cv boots, and rack and pinion. Now I am having trouble with the transmission and the ac. The mechanic says I need to rebuild the trans and replace the ac compressor. This is another $3000 or more. I am very disappointed in this situation. I plead with you to take action on this. I have checked several web forums and found similar problems. Please, please make Mazda accountable for building such bad cars. Fyi, I am very, very diligent in general maintenance. Thanks for your time. Chris.

- Duarte, CA, USA

One of the park light stopped working before 1 year of purchase. Airconditioner compressor makes a very distinct "click" noise inside the car. This noise is too high compared to other cars. Mazda mechanic says its normal. The worst problem I faced was the transmission problem. Its erratic, doesn't cross 2nd gear, and makes a scary jerk at lower speeds when the gear shifts from 2nd to 1st gear upon removing leg from gas peddal. Had to tow the car twice to dealer. Its disgusiting transmission. Appriciate if somebody could tell me alternatives to get the problem fixed and suggest next action at bskp@hotmail.com I have a new car, but can't go on ling drives as it is unreliablefrustrating

- Wilsonville, OR, USA

One of the park light stopped working before 1 year of purchase. Airconditioner compressor makes a very distinct "click" noise inside the car. This noise is too high compared to other cars. Mazda mechanic says its normal. The worst problem I faced was the transmission problem. Its erratic, doesn't cross 2nd gear, and makes a scary jerk at lower speeds when the gear shifts from 2nd to 1st gear upon removing leg from gas peddal. Had to tow the car twice to dealer. Its disgusiting transmission. Appriciate if somebody could tell me alternatives to get the problem fixed and suggest next action at bskp@hotmail.com I have a new car, but can't go on ling drives as it is unreliablefrustrating

- Wilsonville, OR, USA

Engine check light and battery light came on, came on five times, the first time dealer replaced broken idler pulley belt bolt, second time dealer replaced alternator, third time dealer replaced ignition switch, fourth time transmission range sensor was replaced, and fifth time clutch pedal switch was replaced, at this time engine check light is on again. Consumer states when the vehicle was driven off the lot the first day, there was a horrific screeching noise from the right front wheel, consumer assumed that it was a new car noise and it would eventually go away, consumer was inforemd that something had slipped in the wheel area, over the next two weeks consumer complained to the dealer that vehicle was making an extremly loud thumping noise, the problem was diagnosed as the freon system which was then flushed and then refilled to the correct level, which was done to take out the air bubbles in the air condition line, also the air condition was blowing hot air, the center console would not latch, numerous componets were replaced on the vehicle due to the engine light coming on and the problem still exists.

- Waldorf, MD, USA