The mid-size 626 Sedan is Mazda’s bestselling model — one in every five Mazda cars sold is a 626. Like the smaller Protege, the 626 is designed to appeal to the more conservative, value-conscious buyer and provides capable, if not outstanding, performance and handling. 

The 1997 lineup consists of the DX, LX, LX-V6 and ES. All models, from the base DX is equipped with dual airbags, tilt-steering column, dual remote control mirrors, 60/40 split foldable rear seat and child-safety rear door locks. The LX adds cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and a new luxury package that includes, among other things, a power moonroof, alloy wheels, antitheft, heated outside mirrors and remote keyless entry. A new LX Appearance Package upgrades the LX with leather, two-tone paint and power sunroof. Both the DX and LX are powered by a 2.0-liter twin-cam four, which produces 114 horsepower.

The LX-V6 and ES have a 160 horsepower 2.5-liter twin-cam V6 with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. The ES is the top model and comes with 4-wheel ABS, antitheft, remote keyless entry, power glass moonroof, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated outside mirrors and premium audio system. ABS, together with rear disc brakes, is optional on the LX.