My Mazda 626

It goes without saying that a Mazda would be on the list of cars for consideration now that I am helping a friend buy a car. After all, she is trading up from a 2011 Mazda6 hatch anyway, so she already has an affinity with my favourite car brand. But this exercise has also made me reflect on my first Mazda, a 1983 Mazda 626.

The 1983 Mazda 626 hatchback was a notable model for several reasons. It marked Mazda’s successful transition from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, a significant shift in the automotive industry at the time. It was equipped with a 2.0 L SOHC four-cylinder engine, producing around 62 kilowatts, and while not exceptionally powerful, it provided enough performance to make driving enjoyable, especially with the five-speed manual transmission. The Mazda 626 featured a fully independent suspension, which, combined with its crisp steering, made it fun to drive and handle well in corners. The crimson-red interior was praised for its comfort and adjustability. The seats were widely adjustable; however, the hatchback’s lower roofline meant headroom was limited.

My Mazda 626 was the first car I borrowed money to purchase. I kept it for three years, selling it when I travelled overseas. It was the start of my Mazda journey, which has extended to 13 Mazdas over almost 40 years.