Review: Mazda GF.I/GW.I 626 (1997-00)

Overview

The Mazda GF Series I (GF.I) 626 sedan and liftback models were released in July 1997, with the GW Series I (GW.I) wagon models following in January 1998. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive 626 was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Transmission options consisted of four-speed automatic and five-speed manual units. Furthermore, the 626 range consisted of Limited, Classic and Luxury variants.

The 626 sedan was 4575 mm long, 1710 mm wide, 1430 mm tall and had a 2610 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the sedan, the liftback was 15 mm longer (at 4590 mm), while the wagon had a 60 mm longer wheelbase (2670 mm) and was 85 mm longer (4660 mm); the rear seats in wagon models could also be folded to provide a flat cargo floor. The 626 had MacPherson strut front suspension and twin trapezoidal link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 626 Limited consisted of dual front airbags; the Classic and Luxury variants were further equipped with ABS.

Features

Standard features for the 626 Limited included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking, power mirrors and a tilt adjustable steering wheel.

The 626 Classic was further equipped with cruise control, power windows and an immobiliser; wagon models were also fitted with a rear cargo cover; the 626 Luxury was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, climate control air conditioning and a power-operated sunroof.

1999 Mazda 626 Classic Extra

In March 1999, limited-run Extra editions of the Classic variants were released. Available in liftback bodies, the Classic Extra models were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, front and rear floor mats, protective headlight covers, a sun guard for the rear window and a ‘Classic Extra’ decal.

1999 Mazda 626 Classic 40^thAnniversary edition

In May 1999, 40^thAnniversary editions of the Classic variants were released. Available in liftback and sedan bodies, the 40th Anniversary editions were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and a CD player.

Review: Mazda GF.II/GW.II 626 (1999-02)

Overview

The mid-size GF Series II (GF.II) 626 sedan and liftback models were released in November 1999, with the GW Series II (GW.II) wagon models following in February 2000. For the GF.II/GW.II 626, the range was revised as the Luxury variants were discontinued though the Limited and Classic continued. Mechanical changes included upgraded steering gear, revised transmission ratios, reinforced front suspension, revised damping and changes to the pattern and compound of the 195/60 R15 tyres. Refinement was also addressed with improved body and dashboard insulation and greater rigidity of the engine block for reduced vibration.

Visually, the GF.II/GW.II 626 could be identified by its five-point grille, sculptured bonnet, lower and wider headlights, restyled bumper and lower air intake, revised tail-lights and rear bumper and new side protection mouldings. Inside, there were new meter graphics, warmer grey tones and chrome-finished door handles; there was also a new illuminated entry system. Classic variants were distinguished by their woodgrain finish on the lower centre console.

Safety equipment

Compared to their GF.I/GW.I predecessors, standard safety equipment was unchanged. As such, Limited variants were equipped with dual front airbags and the Classic variants were also fitted with ABS.

Features

Standard features for the 626 Limited included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser.

The 626 Classic was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever and power windows.

2000 Mazda 626 Classic Limited Edition

In August 2000, Limited Edition models were released of the Classic sedan and liftback. Compared to the regular Classic variants, the Limited Editions added a six-stack CD changer, floor mats, headlights and bonnet protectors, body-coloured side protection mouldings and a rear spoiler. The Limited Editions were available in Highlight Silver and Supreme Blue paint finishes.

2001 Mazda 626 Classic Platinum Edition

In July 2001, Platinum Editions of the Classic sedan and liftback were released. Compared to the standard Classic variants, the Platinum Editions added 15-inch mesh-style alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, black interior trim, white-faced dials, a carbon-look centre console and switch panels, body-coloured side protection mouldings and a rear spoiler.

2002 Mazda 626 Classic Eclipse

In January 2002, limited-run Eclipse editions were released of the Classic variants. Features for the Eclipse editions were extended to include 15-inch mesh-style alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, black interior trim, white-faced dials and a rear spoiler.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mazda GF/GW 626

Recalls: Mazda GF/GW 626

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Mazda GF/GW 626

• In August 2000, a recall was issued for Mazda GF and GW 626 models manufactured in 1997 due to a possible breakage of the timing belt tensioner spring. The broken spring could get caught in the engine timing belt and cause the engine to stall (PRA 2000/4391).

Problems and faults: Mazda GF/GW 626

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Mazda GF/GW 626

• Although a recall was issued for 1997 Mazda GF/GW 626 models, there have been reports of timing belt tensioner springs failing on more recent vehicles.
• For early Mazda GF/GW 626 models, there were reports of coolant leaks from the engine block heater; a redesigned heater made of cast brass can be retrofitted.
• Rear brake shoes with revised lining material were introduced to reduce the incidence of squealing noises from the rear brakes.
• Problems with the sunroof – only fitted to the Luxury variants – may be due to broken or missing panel-bumper clips, loose guides or motor and cable problems.

The Mazda GF Series I (GF.I) 626 sedan and liftback models werReleased in July 1997, with the GW Series I (GW.I) wagon models following in January 1998. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive 626 was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Transmission options consisted of four-speed automatic and five-speed manual units. Furthermore, the 626 range consisted of Limited, Classic and Luxury variants… Read full Mazda GF/GW 626 review

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Images: Mazda GF.II/GW.II 626 (1999-02)

The mid-size Mazda GF Series II (GF.II) 626 sedan and liftback models werReleased in November 1999, with the GW Series II (GW.II) wagon models following in February 2000. For the GF.II/GW.II 626, the range was revised as the Luxury variants were discontinued though the Limited and Classic continued. Mechanical changes included upgraded steering gear, revised transmission ratios, reinforced front suspension, revised damping and changes to the pattern and compound of the 195/60 R15 tyres. The Mazda GF.II/GW.II 626 could be identified by its five-point grille, sculptured bonnet, lower and wider headlights, restyled bumper and lower air intake, revised tail-lights and rear bumper and new side protection mouldings. Inside, there were new meter graphics, warmer grey tones and chrome-finished door handles; there was also a new illuminated entry system. Classic variants were distinguished by their woodgrain finish on the lower centre console.

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