It almost goes without saying that there are a lot of similarities among midsize sedans. With few exceptions, each offers at least two engine choices. Al-so, each has a base model followed at a minimum by an upgraded version. And most are priced, model for model, within striking distance of their major competitors.
The similarities do not end there. Dimensionally, most midsize sedans occupy about the same amount of space, deliver comparable performance and gas mileage, and are, at least superficially, more than slightly similar in their appearance.
So what makes the Mazda 626 special in its class? Why choose it instead of, say, a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Mitsubishi Galant? We would say that the answer can only come from your own personal acquaintance - in other words, a firsthand test drive of the car.
The Mazda does everything well, whether it's being judged by class norms or by even higher standards. The 626 is finished to near-perfection and is a delight to drive.
On paper, this Mazda stands up to the competition, but that something extra that makes the 626 a little more attractive than some other cars goes well beyond written descriptions.
Visually, the 626 provides no surprises. Though built in the United States, it follows the near-universal Japanese sedan design theme: In profile, it has a subtle wedge shape, a rising line that extends from rounded nose to rounded tail.
The roofline is a cross between formal and rounded aerodynamic. In the front, headlights are faired in and, in combination with parking and turn-indicator lights, flow into the front fender.
Between the lamp units is a small grille, large enough to hold a badge, while the primary air intake is integrated into the front bumper face.
In back, simple taillights flank the license plate. A low coefficient of drag reduces wind noise and aids fuel economy at higher speeds.
The most striking aspect of the 626's appearance is its simplicity. Trim is minimal, and there are no indentations, lines or other unnecessary styling gimmicks added for the sake of dressing up the car. Nor are these things missed. This is a quality design that looks good, is assembled well, and is topped by a paint job worthy of a car with a price tag double that of the 626.
Few visual clues are provided to differentiate the base DX model from its progressively upgraded LX, LX-V6 and ES siblings. The latter pair have larger wheels (15-in. diameter vs. 14-in.), the top three have body-color rearview mirrors (the DX mirrors are black), and the ES model has foglamps installed in its front bumper.
