1986 Mazda 626 GT | Retro Review

[@KenanTurkiye]

....who else thinks Mazda should go back to naming their models like before, 323, 626, 929 etc good ol'times :)

[@giorgio.]

This brings back memories. My dad had a small Mazda dealership in the 80s when I was a kid. The 626 5-door hatchback was one of my favourites. I remember being mesmerized by the different music chimes when you either left the lights on, key in the ignition, opened the door, etc. I still remember and can hum those music chimes.

[@RabbiJesus]

My roommate had one of these. It was VERY reliable.

[@JayBD626]

We had the 1987 non-turbo version, ran great and trouble free! Have had 10 Mazda’s in my 60+ years of life, all have been great. Currently have a ‘23 Mx-5 Miata GT 6spd

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Mazda has always been killing it. Underrated brand.

[@MrHugawa]

definitely agree, especially in 2006 when they came out with a 272 HP AWD Mazdaspeed6.. it was ahead of its time. Hard to believe they only were produced in 2006 & 2007.

[@noble20xx56]

I really dig how Motorweek channel has these retro reviews thrown in here and there along with the modern car videos. Like jumping back through time.

[@thomasofone]

Damn! I want oscilating vents for AC in my car!

[@BeefyMon]

I owned one of these, and you’re right to want the oscillating vents, they really worked well- not a gimmick at all.

[@DavidLovesDisco]

I love this feature and wish they still offered it today. Mazda has always been a bit sporting and innovative, even when under the Ford brand as owner. I owned a '90 MX-6 and loved that car.

[@billschlafly4107]

I had an '86 626 and I loved that feature. I'm surprised it went extinct.

[@67tomcat]

Cool looking 626 GT 5 door. Times were really good for 1986 too.

[@KenanTurkiye]

Ohhh my God, I used to love these, the 626 and it's a GT ! yes !

[@KenanTurkiye]

I mean cars of the 80's world over was the best. 80's rocks ! :))

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

@@KenanTurkiye Mazda 626 is comfortable, nice and fantastic car

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@fernandorocha-dx1wv Yep, I'm a fan of Mazda, especially the 80's and early 90's models.

[@davidaubin3902]

4:04 John: For readouts on the dash, there's not as much attention to detail, which means no oil pressure or volt gauge. LOL

[@MrHugawa]

lol, it is like they have to say something negative... you know a car is pretty good when they resort to this.

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

The way Davis phrased it "that means....." indicates viewers were already pointing out this idiosyncracy of him through letters to editor!

[@rdm925]

Back in 1986 Mazda was not on my radar and we bought an 86 VW Jetta GLI. But I loved their design and have always liked liftback/hatchback designs. The GLI was fun, but not reliable. Should have looked at Mazda back then. Would have been more reliable. This reminds me of an older version of my 07 Mazda 6i Liftback which I loved. And now for the past 22 years, I've been a Mazda owner and fan. Thanks for the retro review

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

I too was a former VW owner fed up with expensive repairs and maintenance. Wish I came to know Mazda sooner.

[@atomsmash100]

Add me to the list. I loved my Jetta Wolfsburg, it was great fun to drive, but all things big and small started breaking within the first year. Driving a CX9 now, more than 5 years, and yet to have a single problem.

[@shufflythedog]

What a review!! Straight to the point, and covers all the important details. Amazing to see Mazda has always been a solid brand.

[@JayMcK-yj8ht]

We had Mazda 626 and Ford Telstar , they used the same chassis and engines 2.2 litre and turbo versions , I had the Ghia auto version hatch back , great little cruiser on our Aussie roads back then .

[@05gtdriver]

A 15.7 second 1/4 mile time would suggest a mid to high 7 second 0-60 time. I would guess that the test driver had trouble slipping the clutch on take off. Mazda underrated this powertrain on the early 626 GT. Later versions(including the 1st gen Probe) were rated at 145 hp, and ran similar 1/4 mile times.

[@alexpetree2038]

Yeah I noticed that too. They tested the 00 impala which I owned, and it did 7.5 and 15.6 seconds in 0-60 and the quarter respectively

[@motorwolfe]

you are spot on about this, my first thought was no 9-second 0-60 car is going to be in the 15s in the quarter. a poor holeshot plus needing 2 shifts to clear 60 is my guess.

[@RabbiJesus]

Nah. It was close to a GTi. So about 13 seconds.

[@nagosnell]

​@RabbiJesus What are talking about? These guys are spot on. A 16v GTI of the time would have got to 60 in the 8 second range which is usually in the high 15's, low 16's. 8v would add about a second to both. This Mazda's times make no sense unless it had some sort of weird gearing or powerband that would have drastically increased acceleration between 60 and 80 mph.

[@BeefyMon]

I honestly don’t recall the publication, but I think it was Consumer Reports, gave it an 8.1 second 0-60 rating, which even then (as an owner of said 626 GT) seemed a bit conservative. Motorweek’s 9.1 rating is MotorWEAK, if ya know what I’m saying.

[@2006gtobob]

I was 14 when this episode came out, and I really liked the conservative styling inside and out. This was from a era when Japanese manufacturers weren't a homogenized entity but were innovative and distinct from one another. Mazda was a favorite of mine.

[@doug6191]

0:16 - This could have been recorded this morning, not 40 years ago. We're back to turbo all the things...except EVs.

[@catinthehat5140]

Yes but not 120hp from a 2.0.

[@doug6191]

@@catinthehat5140 wow. good point. i was obviously talking about power output. 🙄

[@catinthehat5140]

@@doug6191 I'm sorry, please be nice

[@Timico1000]

At least in Europe this was the first japanese car that really was on par with its european rivals. It was an instant success and at least in Germany the 626 became the best selling import car.

[@Gypsycat19]

In Australia these were re- badged as a ford telstar different headlights and taillights we also had these 626 as well

[@sp19822]

One of my secondary school teachers in Australia had a Ford Telstar TX5 Turbo based on this.

[@Bobman84]

The GC 626 was co-developed with Ford, since Ford had a substantial stake at Mazda from around 1980. Telstar versions here had some further development for the market, like re-designed seats and suspension changes (anti-roll bars), differing from the 626 version. Both are great cars and rarely seen now, especially the 1983-1987 versions.

[@stevehajewski6264]

I had the 1990 626 GT (bought mine around 1998). It was an excellent car. Fast (for it's time) and very practical. Great handling.

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

Love these old school reviews 👏👏

[@billschlafly4107]

I bought a well worn out '86 626 coupe non GT in 1998. I had to give up my '95 Pontiac TA 6MT because my wife was pregers with our son. I learned to love that car because it had a 5 speed and was fun to drive and sipped gas. If not for the broken AC and a move to Florida I may have kept a few more years. Brought back memories seeing the interior. Better quality than most cars of that era IMO.

[@BradleyCameron-b1v]

One of my best mates had the coupe version back in the day with the digital dash. It was a non-turbo though. This was in New Zealand. Very good car and reliable. We were envious as this was his first car while we drove crappy Vauxhall Viva's, Austin 1100's or Daihatsu Charades.

[@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary]

I had an 86 Sliver Touring Sedan in 91 that my parents gave me.. It wasn't the GT but it was still a great car with almost every option you could have! I later got an 87 RX7 Convertible in Black that was absolutely gorgeous!

[@MegaEdge777]

I drove an 88' and it was quicker than these tests suggest. Impressive mid range torque.

[@BiffCantrell-gz1bk]

Yeah, had access to interstate southbound 795 while under construction, thanks Beth and Martin for your appearance and work here...

[@glovedcop69]

0:25 lol turbo this turbo that continues today lol

[@_chipchip]

True, but in the early/mid eighties it was a big trend in terms of decals etc. it went away but you’re right it’s come back again

[@KenanTurkiye]

If your sports massage therapist asks you: ''how much pressure do you like, slight, medium or harder?'' we answer: 20 PSI ;)

[@billschlafly4107]

Rinse and repeat. Humans never learn.

[@bobcoats2708]

Had a ‘90 LX 5 door with 5 speed manual. Great car. Could swallow a load of cargo, cruise in comfort on the highway and still get 40 MPG. To this day, not sure how it managed that kind of fuel economy.

[@pc248m]

Mazda has always been underrated!

[@rodmunch69]

These videos always make me appreciate my '85 Fiero GT more - and reminds me of how fast my '82 Corvette was for its day.

[@suomenpresidentti]

But 31mpg. I bet you missed that with a vette.

[@rodmunch69]

@@suomenpresidentti only poor people value MPG over dignity.

[@Hyvelez]

My dad had two of these 2.0 L, 4 doors 626 Mazda's growing up. Great quality cars. He later bought a newer 95 model year.

[@WSNO]

its all the engineering with these, and that's pretty cool. being more preoccupied with how something looks, the squared very-80s look appeals to me so i can better-appreciate the engineering feats.

[@iamsuperdan]

Bringing back memories. I had a 1983 626 DX coupe. Replaced that with a 1987 636 LX sedan. Put almost 500,000km on that car with almost no issues.

[@Pelleministeri]

Me and my father used to have a 86' GT Coupe! Amazing car!

[@TheSimonhammond]

Love the styling of this era 626 and the next gen.

[@rabit818]

Love the styling on this 626 five door. BMWesque rear lights

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I loved those 80s cars back then! Everything was built to look European back then! They would put a turbo in just about anything with wheels!

[@dforrest4503]

I so wish they’d bring back a Mazda6 hatchback.

[@arcata31]

God I miss cars with personality! Had a few of these, mostly the next gen (88-92's)...all with manuals. Couldn't kill them if you tried.

[@KRAMITDFROG]

You forgot the two-door coupe. I had one, so I know for sure they exist. It was a fun little car. Really much faster than it had the right to be. I had a friend with a modded CRX Si and I'd smoke him every day on the way to and from school.

[@Andrew-zs5tc]

Wasn't the 2 door labeled the MX6 around this time?

[@BeefyMon]

No, that started in 1988.

[@billschlafly4107]

I had one too.

[@kennethzimmerer8888]

I bought the 1986 GT turbo 2 door coupe new. It was a beautiful shade of blue and had the power moonroof and oscillating vents. I had the dealer put the optional wing on the trunk. That car was quick. I don’t believe for a minute the 120 hp rating. The only downside was god awful torque steer on a give it all take-off.

[@BeefyMon]

@@kennethzimmerer8888 interesting. I owned the 87 4 door (essentially the same), and never noticed any significant torque steer. However I test drove a next generation 1990ish model with its updated 2.2 intercooled turbo, and that thing was wildly overpowered for its chassis and squirrelly af. I didn’t experience anything close to that in my 87 model, so I’m surprised that you did.

[@lestermagee710]

I owned an '86 GT Turbo and this was one of the best cars I ever owned. It even impressed some Mustang GT owners.

[@blautens]

I remember shopping for Mazdas in late 1985, but this wasn't on the lot at the time that I recall (not that I could have afforded it). I ended up with an early version of a 1986 Mazda 323, beginning my love affairs with Mazdas.

[@rootsmanuva82]

0-60 and 1/4 mile times are a smidge quicker than an Audi 5000 CS Quattro of the same era. Pretty impressive.

[@rpm773]

1:45 - They would appear to be testing on what would become the southbound I-795 / northwest expressway?

[@sharpfalcon6196]

Not the drag strip that most MotorWeek 0-60/quarter mile tests would show.

[@manthony225]

I was 18 and I really wanted one of these

[@chriscastillo4634]

My friend had a 2000 626 and it has them swinging AC vents. I wish more cars had that!!

[@adamn7516]

Crazy how much more power a 2.0 fuel injected turbo makes these days. Even the 2.0 Ford Ecoboost turbo engines make an average of well over 100 hp more than this Mazda mill did.

[@briantorres7339]

That was more due to earlier emissions controls too and things like dual injection, VVT, didn’t yet exist at the time. However, Mazdas modern 2.5L turbo is still underpowered by modern standards, HP wise at least.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

@@briantorres7339 Ford 2.0L ecoboost puts out 250 hp. Maverick owners have been getting 40+ more hp from just a tune. There are reasons Ford keeps the boost lower from the factory I'm guessing. Reliability, the ability to take 87 octane and to protect the transmission. I'm guessing Mazda does the same. The AWD ecoboost Maverick is as quick 0-60 mph as a late 1980's Mustang GT 5.0L, even quicker if you opt for the tow package with the lower gearing.

[@timothyhh]

I can't believe no one copied the oscillating vents. Those were great.

[@RoadCone411]

Even Mazda didn't copy them for long...this trend was pretty much dead by the next version of the 626 and 929. I agree though, this should be a thing!

[@timothyhh]

@@RoadCone411 My father had a 2000 626 that still had the swinging vents. My sister had a 2006 323 (or Mazda MAZDA3 or whatever) that did not have them though.

[@BeefyMon]

The oscillating vents were with the 626 until 2002. The replacement 2003 Mazda6 did not have them. I owned an 84 626 DX, 87 626 GT, and 93 626 ES V6, then a 2003 Mazda6- and that’s one thing I missed from my previous Mazdas.

[@shortexample]

I vaguely remember there were a few Lexus’ around the turn of the century that had oscillating vents

[@BeefyMon]

@@shortexample I know a few other high end Japanese cars had them, but not in their US variants.

[@Trance88]

From this review, this seems like an EXCELLENT car. Just wish they were still around and/or sold more. The only vehicles I see from this era still on the road in Michigan are B-Body GM's and various US made pickup trucks.

[@sixtoferro8984]

I had one of these as a coupe, and I loved it.

[@rootsmanuva82]

It's amazing how influential Audi was on other car companies in the 1980's, from exterior styling to those iconic headrests.

[@Mr_Chris77]

People laugh at that quarter mile time, but that's almost exactly on par with the Monte Carlo SS of the time. Dark days indeed, but it was way better than the late 70s garbage.

[@BeefyMon]

I owned a nearly identical 87 model, and numbers aside, it was a QUICK car… you could absolutely feel it. The whole “butt dyno” thing, perhaps. I was relying on my dad to help me purchase mine. When he test drove it, he was impressed, but then called it “a little ticket getter”, which crushed me in the moment- thinking “crap, he’ll never let me buy this car now”!

[@jacksonbanks8197]

I’ve seen one of these parked on my delivery route, pretty neat

[@bobbydavenport8941]

I used to have a 93 626 dx 4 door hatchback with the five speed transmission i loved it 😊

[@floman9385]

Compare to American cars of this era, this was an absolute gem…way ahead of its generation. Way better then any domestic car. Reliable, confortable, roomier, better consumption, very descent speed. All better then the American cars. Very very close to European style.

[@dan3162]

Had this as a sedan, turbo was reliable to 188k mileage until the engine finally ate a head gasket…amazing car.

[@bladerunner6087]

My all time favorite mazda, was the 1988 mx6 gt turbo 145 horsepower & 194 torque

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

One customer was able to get excellent gas mileage if they didn't push the turbo. It was one of the best mazdas available at the time. 1 to 2 shift was tough when pushing hard through the gears. Best to double clutch to get that shift. Happened to a lot of mazdas that I drove in many years.

[@alfamonk]

Equipment levels were peak 80s here...😍

[@danmccarthy4700]

I can't remember the last time I saw one of these, especially the 5 door.

[@arieljones4595]

"These days everything is a turbo this and a turbo that." John, you have no idea.

[@TimSlee1]

Mazda should still have turbo-charged models. Imagine how fun a Mazda 2 would be with a turbo variant.

[@mattw8332]

This model 626 was replaced by a newer model in the UK by late 1987. Sadly the Mazda 6 ,a designation which succeeded the 626, is no longer available as they have mad way for SUV models. Really like Mazdas.

[@RoadCone411]

This car always looked more hunkered down and sporty than its chief rivals, although the Accord of this era with flip-up headlights was a very good car too. I always like Mazdas though, and this era was no exception. This car was looked great, drove well for its day, was full of modern tech and accessories, and was extremely reliable. The hatch may not have been preferred by Americans at the time but it made the utility of the 626 unmatched compared to traditional sedans - only the LeBaron GTS/Lancer could match this sort of practicality. (They were comfy cars with excellent performance but they didn't have anything close to Mazda's track record of reliability.)

[@elilevine2410]

A very useful care in that era !

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

These cars were some of the best back in the day. The 4th gen (after this one) offered from '97-'92 had much better performance from the newer 2.2L engine. The non-turbo already had almost the same power as this Turbo model, and the turbocharged GT had 145 hp and 190 lbft.

[@frisco-2.0]

I love Mazda's from this aera!!!❤️

[@LocsTheChef]

Although I was born in '87 these were the good ol days.

[@suomenpresidentti]

I was born in 1971. These were the boring days, I'd say. My friend had this as a 2.0 diesel.

[@LocsTheChef]

@@suomenpresidentti that's fair

[@90boiler]

These were comfortable as well, seats were very soft

[@GunsmithSid]

Odd comment about them being available in 3, 4, or 5 door…. There was no 3 door - it was a two door coupe with a trunk.

[@TrailBlazerSS502]

“ZOOM ZOOM!”

[@CreRay]

Turbo? Now there's a surprise! We never got those on Europe.

[@Bonzoguy66]

Only a few, Maybe based on the 2 door coupe’

[@BeefyMon]

Interesting. That may well be true of this generation626 GT (only available here in the 86-87 face-lifted model), but the next generation 626 GT(88-92) in Europe had a 16v 2.0i that we never got in the US. We got a 12v 2.2i turbo, which was super quick, but seemed to overpower the chassis and suffered notable torque steer, in a way the previous gen did not.

[@Bonzoguy66]

Yes the 88/89 got 2.0 16 v 148 hp . Then we got the cat , and we had only 2.0 and 2.2 , think the gt stopped . In 93 , the gt was a 2.5 6 cyl … 165 hp

[@dronepilot260rc]

Not a bad looking car for the time

[@persereika7401]

The interior especially looks very good for its time. Compare it to say Peugeot 405 with dull grey plastics everywhere. I had a 1986 626 as my first car and I loved those burgundy velour seats! Looked very sporty and elegant at the same time!

[@hellkitty1014]

80s/90s were PEAK Mazda. This car always struck me as having similar lines to the SAAB 9000, which isn't a bad thing. Mazda just did its own thing in those days. Looking at the features of this car and many of the luxury and performance touches, it was a lot of car for the $$ then. The later 626 of the early 90s may have more modern styling, but didn't have the uniqueness of this car. But as a whole, the RX-7, Miata, 929(92+) and were solid cars of the era.

[@CRITICAL_HATE]

I LOVE my Mazdas, best cars. I have owned so many variants. They really are the Japanese underdog compared to the big 3, but they are so good.

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

Sure. Toyo, Honda, Nissan have really dominated the Japanese auto scene.

[@marlontransporter]

A 1986 mazda 626 has too many gimmicks.........😂😂😂😂 Oh the good old days 😭

[@joed513]

Turbo this and turbo that - Gabbo this and gabbo that - but no one is saying worship this and Jericho that 😅

[@bmstylee]

Preach on Rev Lovejoy.

[@semiretired86]

in Europe the 5 door was called a Combi Coupe of some strange reason

[@WorthlessNickores]

5:52 the rear wheel left the ground!

[@jcat96]

back then, turbos were so like, fetch. Like stop trying to make fetch happen, becky

[@jasonmages4323]

I'm curious if anyone ever preserved one these of 1986 Mazda 626. I'm sure somewhere out there, someone must still have one but most likely very rare.

[@ensignjimmy3237]

Look up EuroAsian Bob and 626. He had a coupe.

[@justme307]

15.7 1/4-mile was pretty quick back in 1986, a Mustang with manual was maybe .3 to .4 seconds quicker although maybe 2 seconds quicker to 60. The turbo lag must have been epic and once spooled up it came on like a freight train.

[@BeefyMon]

Turbo lag wasn’t an issue really. It always felt punchy, even down low, but yes, there was definitely a kick when it really spooled up. Mazda dialed it in quite well. If anything the next iteration with the 2.2 turbo, the engine began to overpower the chassis a bit.

[@justme307]

@@BeefyMon Why was it so slow to 60? 9 seconds is a long time yet 15.7 in the quarter was pretty quick.

[@BeefyMon]

@@justme307 I suspect their 0-60 result is incorrect.

[@justme307]

@@BeefyMon I just went to a site that does acceleration simulations based on power, weight and gearing and it lists the 0-60 as 8.7 and 1/4-mile as 16.5.

[@icecold8974]

What’s crazy is 30 years later my 2016 Mazda6 averages 30mph just like this one

[@BrIce-r9m]

Wow . I am so sad ..i had this car but the 2 door coupe..digital dash even . 87. Dang i didnt know what i had ..i havent seen one since..

[@chrismckay9647]

15.7 seconds in the quarter was damn fast for the time!

[@runoflife87]

Great medium car for sure. I mean, GMC which is good👆🏻

[@mattt198654321]

"There's no torque steer!" except for 1:42 where he almost drives off the road

[@briteidea08]

Good ole pre 795 opening. Surprised MW didn’t use Owings Mills Blvd more .

[@kpk33x]

Only parts of it were available 1985-86 prior to it opening. The northern part above Franklin Blvd was done closer to the end of construction but the southern part MW was using as early as 1982.

[@briteidea08]

@@kpk33x yeah I don’t remember all that. I do remember bonita coming out at Reisterstown road. And vaguely remember Owings Mills blvd being built. Mostly because of the bridge being built over Reisterstown road and it paralleled Bonita for a bit. Would be neat to see film or pictures of the area at that time.

[@kpk33x]

@@briteidea08 I'm almost 50 so I kind of remember. You are right for Bonita Ave, we took it as a shortcut to Reisterstown Road. I lived in Bonita...Owings Mills Blvd didn't go all the way out to Central Ave until 1991, we had to take Bond Ave to Timbergrove then to Bonita Ave to get that way. The south stage of 795 to the mall and subway was ready in 1986. I think it took almost another year for Franklin Blvd but it was done at the 140 split area the same time as the mall. The mall opened in the summer of 1986. When driving north on 795 where you now see the old mall area, business park, and homes was nearly all woods...McDonough was a skinny backroad not much bigger than Bonita and other than 1 farm, nothing but woods from below the courthouse to the edge of Randallstown. The north/northeast section of Reisterstown (Bonita, Central Ave, horse farms to Hunt Valley, anything north of the JCC) hasn't changed much since say 1985, but boy has it been built up south/southwest of there!!!

[@kpk33x]

@@briteidea08 p.s. it used to be so difficult to get around there. When we would go from our house to my grandparents in Randallstown just west of 695 on Liberty we would either go around to Bonita, onto Reisterstown Rd then by the courthouse and take that back way over or go to Nicodemus to Deer Park then take Liberty down. Either way it was 25 to 30 min. Now that its built up you take Owings Mills Blvd to Lyons Mill and turn, you come out on Liberty within half a mile...takes like 6 or 7 minutes late at night if you catch the lights right.

[@briteidea08]

@@kpk33x I do remember the mall opening in 88. As I’m not too far behind you in age 😂 Definitely remember them building the metro and realignment of Painters Mill road. My folks and I were coming through there for some reason. Windows were down. A bumblebee flew into the car. Left that area around 2002. Haven’t been over there very much. Nice going down memory lane with ya.

[@juliek2088]

Bumma I can't get any rear shocks/struts to replace in my Mazda 626 hatchback because they are electric, standard version shocks won't fit.

[@dennishughes721]

One of my favorite cars.

[@harrismi7]

I remember my parent's friends had a 626 GT sedan and I thought those oscillating vents were neat. My parents had a 1986 Camry and it was not as cool as the 626.

[@seanhershey3390]

Love it..had one..

[@trishbrad00]

Great cars. My 2014 3 has 200k. Runs great.

[@Ficon]

I haven’t seen one of these in over a decade

[@Bonzoguy66]

I had a 86 sedan, with a rear spoiler

[@carcrazy69691]

If he only knew, then that 2024 would be all turbo everything 😅

[@palebeachbum]

I'm surprised by how packed this car is with features for 1986. Features I didn't even know existed back then. It makes the Accord and Camry of the time look underwhelming.

[@andersforsman4289]

Adaptive dampers and oscillating vents in this car and the year is 1986!!!

[@thomash2806]

In 1986 a 2-litre turbo should have been putting out at least 120kW, not 120hp…

[@demal1010]

How will the owner ever change the oil - he forgot that in his rant lol

[@nagosnell]

Technically Saab made turbos more mainstream. Then proceed Buick.