'95 Mazda 626

'95 Mazda 626Our Mazda 626 has impressed us with its solid build quality, clean exterior lines, well-designed interior, and fun-to-drive attributes. In addition to this successful formula, its benign nature has amiably satisfied the needs of our diverse group of drivers. The 2.5-liter/160-horsepower DOHC V-6 and smooth five-speed manual shifter add to the enthusiast quotient, along with the independent suspension that provides a strong balance of ride comfort and road holding. On the down side, the Sahara Gold Metallic sedan is saddled with a heavy pricetag that pits it against not its intended target, the Honda Accord LX, but rather the formidable Nissan Maxima SE. The 626 offers an abundance of amenities, but the lack of a power lock/unlock switch confounds us; contortion is necessary to reach back and manually unlock the doors. Other logbook criticisms include the difficulty in raising the heavy decklid; an inadequate upward shove can cause the trunk to swing shut like a guillotine. However, once raised to its high, 90-degree position, the counterbalance holds it wide open.