All 626s share a stylish and roomy interior. They're capable of carrying five adults in reasonable comfort, but for maximum luxury you should keep the occupants to four or fewer.
Dual airbags and height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors are standard regardless of model, as are well-shaped front bucket seats.
The rear seat has a 60/40 split that allows one side of the seatback to be folded, increasing luggage space while still accommodating a passenger.
In all 626s, a tilt steering wheel and inside releases for the trunk and fuel-filler door are supplied.
Upgrade models build on this satisfactory basic cabin layout. Air conditioning is standard on all models except the DX, which gets air as part of a convenience package that also adds an AM/FM/cassette stereo and carpeted floormats.
Also standard on the LX, LX-V6 and ES models are cruise control and power windows/door locks. Cloth upholstery (DX) can be replaced by velour (LX and LX-V6) or leather (ES). Power front-seat adjustments are standard on the ES, but even lesser models' front seats have a wide range of adjustability, and the manual controls are simple to use.
Despite the high amenity count, the 626 interior is simple yet functional, stylish without being ornate.
The only complex item is the optional sound system, a 6-speaker unit (with dealer-installed CD changer) that has an inordinate number of small push buttons to deal with. That's not an unusual feature, but is nonetheless a distraction to the driver.
The primary difference between plain and fancy 626s is apparent from the first turn of the ignition key. The DX and LX are powered by a 118-hp
4-cylinder engine, while LX-V6 and ES get a 164-hp V6. Choosing one powerplant over the other is a matter of economy: The base engine is miserly; the V6 uses more fuel and, naturally, adds more to the price tag.
There's nothing wrong with the smaller engine. It provides acceptable performance with either a 5-speed manual or a
4-speed automatic transmission, and it's reasonably refined.
But the V6 is a treat for anyone who enjoys driving and thus comes highly recommended. It is smooth and quiet, and it gives the 626 a sporty feel the standard 4-cylinder simply can't match.
The top V6 model also gets standard 4-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes. We're pleased to report that the brakes on our test ES endured lots of hard use without any problems.
Regardless of model, the 626 has a sophisticated and well-developed suspension, capable of soaking up bumps while delivering a smooth ride. Road noise and harshness are filtered out instead of transmitted to the interior.
There is some body roll during cornering, but this is more noticeable from outside the car. Some of our test drivers would have preferred a little less power assist to the steering, but all gave it high marks for precision.
The typical 626 buyer will probably choose to have the automatic transmission, an electronically controlled unit that is well matched to the V6 engine.
However, we tested the crisp-shifting 5-speed and deemed it a good alternative, though perhaps out of character for a family sedan.
This dual-purpose nature is part of the 626's appeal. A more than competent small luxury sedan, it is also at home on winding roads and responds just as well to the enthusiastic driver as it does to someone only concerned with getting from point A to point B. Happily, there are no compromises; each type of driver is served well by the Mazda 626.