Long-Term Update: Chevy Blazer LT, Mazda 626 ES, Chrysler Cirrus Lxi
| Base price | $17,453 |
| Price as tested | $20,234 |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 2.5-liter V-6 |
| Transmission/drivelineconfiguration | 4-speed auto./front engine, front drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 10.0 |
| EPA mpg, city/highway | 20/29 |
| Total mileage | 14,815 |
| Test mileage | 14,543 |
| Fuel consumed, gal. | 605.5 |
| Fuel cost | $732.05 |
| Average mpg | 24.0 |
| Additional oil/cost | None |
| Routine maint. | No charge |
| Additional maint. | Warranty |
| Previous maint. | No charge |
| Problem areas | Air conditioning |
| Total operating cost | $732.05 |
| Operating cost/mile | 5.0 |
'95 Mazda 626 ES
Since its introduction in '79, the 626 has been the mainstay of Mazda's product line, remaining the company's perennial best-selling model. The current 626 drew our attention with its freshened front and rear styling and a handful of new features. In choosing a 626 model to join our long-term fleet, we skipped the base four-cylinder-powered DX, leapfrogged over the moderately equipped LX, and went straight for the yuppie-minded ES. Loaded with all the power functions a switch-loving driver could want, the ES trim level includes power locks, windows, and driver's seat, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a 2.5-liter/160-horsepower V-6, air conditioning, cruise control, an anti-theft system with keyless remote entry, and a six-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo. The only factory option we passed on was the automatic transmission. Equipped with a manual five-speed, the 626 has a spirited feel that makes it enjoyable to drive. In its first weeks at our offices, the 626 made the obligatory baptismal run to Las Vegas, and performed flawlessly the entire grueling trip.
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