Mazda 626 (1987-92)

**1. **Exterior Problems**:
- **Headlights**: The Mazda 626 sometimes had a love-hate relationship with its headlights. Faulty wiring or fuses could lead to those peepers flickering like indecisive fireflies. But hey, it's all part of their quirky charm, right?

**2. **Interior Quirks**:
- **Peeling Dashboard Paint**: Picture this: You're cruising down the road, and suddenly your dashboard decides to molt like a sunburned lizard. Yep, the 626 had its moments of dashboard paint peeling off. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely a conversation starter at the car wash.

**3. **Engine Shenanigans**:
- **Timing Belt Drama**: Ah, the timing belt—the unsung hero of engine synchronization. Sometimes, it would decide to play hide-and-seek or just give up altogether. Regular checks and timely replacements were the secret handshake for 626 owners.
- **Turbo Troubles**: If your 626 was turbocharged (fancy!), the turbo itself could be a bit temperamental. It'd either boost you to the moon or sulk in a corner. Patience and a gentle pep talk usually did the trick.
- **Wastegate Actuator Woes**: The wastegate actuator, responsible for regulating turbo boost pressure, occasionally threw a tantrum. It's like the car equivalent of a teenager slamming their bedroom door.

**4. **Transmission Tango**:
- The Mazda 626 was generally reliable, but its transmission could get a little moody if you neglected fluid changes. Imagine it saying, "Hey, buddy, I need some fresh juice down here!" Regular maintenance was the key to a harmonious gear-shifting dance.

**5. **Suspension Surprises**:
- **Sway Bar Shenanigans**: The sway bar, that unsung hero of stability during cornering, sometimes decided to take a vacation. A loose sway bar link could make your 626 waltz a bit too enthusiastically around bends.

**6. **Electronics Enigma**:
- **Water Pump Whims**: The water pump occasionally needed a replacement. It's like the car equivalent of a thirsty plant—keep it hydrated, and it'll thrive.
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Generations
1. **First Generation (1983–1987)**:
- The Mazda 626 made its debut in the early '80s, rocking that retro charm. Picture boxy shapes, angular lines, and cassette tapes playing your favorite tunes. It was like the automotive equivalent of a Rubik's Cube—simple yet intriguing.
- Available as a sedan, hatchback, and even a coupe (because variety is the spice of automotive life), the first-gen 626 had a certain understated elegance. It didn't scream for attention; it just politely asked, "Mind if I join the road party?"
- Engine options included various gasoline powerplants, and if you were lucky, you could even find a diesel variant. Fuel efficiency, anyone?

2. **Second Generation (1988–1992)**:
- The '90s rolled in, and so did the second-gen 626. It was like the car equivalent of a flannel shirt—comfortable, reliable, and ready for adventure.
- This time, Mazda decided to embrace curves. The 626 shed its boxy skin and donned sleeker lines. The headlights squinted at you like a friendly neighbor saying, "Hey, how's it going?"
- Sedans and hatchbacks continued to dance together, and under the hood, you'd find a mix of engines—some built by Mazda, others borrowed from Ford. Teamwork makes the engine bay dream work!

3. **Third Generation (1992–2002)**:
- The third-gen 626 strutted onto the scene in the early '90s, and it was like the car equivalent of a well-fitted suit. Sharp, confident, and ready for business.
- Mazda and Ford held hands (okay, maybe not literally) and created the AutoAlliance International. The 626 was their joint venture, and it wore the same platform as its Ford cousins. Independent suspension? Check. Roomy interior? Check. Subtle looks? Absolutely.
- Sedans and hatchbacks (yes, they were still BFFs) graced the roads. The 626 didn't shout; it just nodded politely as it cruised by.
- Engine options? Oh, they were like a buffet: gasoline and diesel, served with a side of manual or automatic transmission.

4. **Fifth Generation (1991–1997)**:
- Introduced in **1991** in Japan and a year later in Europe, the fifth-gen 626 was a blend of style and practicality. Mazda was already cozying up with Ford at this point, and interestingly, they both used the same platform—the Capella—for their respective models. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
- The design? Well, it embraced the biodesign trend of the time. Think rounded edges, narrow headlights, and curved panels. It was like the car equivalent of a friendly wave.
- Under the hood, you'd find a mix of engines—some built by Mazda, others borrowed from Ford. Power options ranged from a 1.8-liter to a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. And for those who wanted a little diesel magic, there were 2.0-liter DiTD (direct injection turbo diesel) variants.
- Fun fact: In the U.S., the 626 was introduced as a **1993 model**. Meanwhile, across the pond, the Ford Mondeo decided to join the party and compete with it. Talk about friendly rivalry! 🤝

5. **Sixth Generation (1997–2002)**:
- The sixth-gen 626 strutted onto the scene in **1997**, and it was a joint venture between Mazda and Ford (they even had a cute name for their partnership: AutoAlliance International).
- The 626 shared its **GF platform** with its Ford cousins. Independent suspension? Check. Roomy interior? Check. Unassuming looks? Double-check. It didn't scream for attention in a parking lot—it just quietly did its thing.
- Engine options included various flavors of gasoline powerplants, ranging from a 1.8-liter to a 2.0-liter. And yes, the diesel variants were still hanging around, too.
- Inside, velour upholstery greeted you (unless you opted for the fancy leather seats). The dashboard was rounded, with a center stack for climate control and audio.
- Oh, and the 626 was like a globe-trotter—it had American, European, and Australasian versions. Different flavors for different folks!