Mazda introduced the sixth generation of the mid-size sedan 626 in 1997, developed jointly with Ford through their AutoAlliance International partnership. Although there were variations between the American, European, and Australasian versions, the 626 shared many components, all built on the GF platform, which featured independent suspension on all four corners.
Mazda aimed for a subtle design, which arguably worked a bit too well - the 626 didn’t stand out much in a parking lot. Its small grille had a simple chromed slat on top, and the narrow yet wide headlights lacked distinctive flair. While Mazda created striking shapes for sports cars like the RX-7, the 626 was designed to appeal broadly rather than draw attention. Both the windshield and rear window tilted at similar angles toward the roof, maintaining a clean, conservative profile. The popular four-door version in the U.S. and Japan lacked the extra glass panel behind the rear doors but offered a convenient remote-opening trunk.
Inside, Mazda crafted a roomy interior, though rear passengers sometimes found the tall center tunnel intrusive - a byproduct of the platform designed to support all-wheel-drive versions available in Japan. Base trims featured velour upholstery, while leather seats were optional in higher trims. The rounded dashboard housed a center stack with controls for climate and audio systems, emphasizing functionality.
Under the hood, Mazda equipped the 626 with a variety of engines, some built in-house and others inherited from Ford Motor Company. Transmission options included a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, depending on engine choice and the market.
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