Mazda's 626 first appeared in the U.S. in 1979. Ten years later, it was one of the first Japanese-brand cars built in the U.S. that contained enough domestic content to be certified as a domestic car by the U.S. government. The Flat Rock, ...
Mazda's 626 first appeared in the U.S. in 1979. Ten years later, it was one of the first Japanese-brand cars built in the U.S. that contained enough domestic content to be certified as a domestic car by the U.S. government. The Flat Rock, Michigan, factory that builds the 626 is a joint venture between Mazda and Ford Motor Company. Completely redesigned in 1998 and refreshed for 2000, the current 626 is larger, roomier and more powerful than its predecessor. While it is Mazda's best-selling car, it has never achieved the sales levels of the most popular cars in the highly competitive midsize sedan class. In Mazda's sedan lineup, the 626 fits between the compact Protege and the luxury Millenia. The 626 received exterior and interior upgrades for the 2000 model year, resulting in a sportier appearance and improved handling.
