Against 260 other 4-cyl cars rated 2000–2002, the 626 trails their 24.4 mpg average by 1.4 mpg, about $96 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–2002), does 26.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1993–2002), 20.5: $435 a year apart.
Every Mazda 626 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24.2 / 31.2 | 1984–2002 | $1,438 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21 / 28.6 | 1988–1992 | $1,600 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18.5 / 24.5 | 1993–2002 | $1,873 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Buick Century gets 21 mpg and the Dodge Stratus 22 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2002 626. The 626 is the cheapest of them to run: $159 a year less than the Buick Century.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2002) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2000–2002 | +$96 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,932 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2002 Mazda 626 gives up 6 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 21 in the city, $407 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2002) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the 626 changed over the years
The 626 peaked in 1985 at 33 mpg (31 city, 38 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 20 — 13 mpg apart, or $756 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2002 car does 23. The biggest single-year change came in 1998: 20 to 23.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 21 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2001 | 21 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 21 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1999 | 21 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1995 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1994 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1993 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1992 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1991 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1990 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1989 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1988 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1987 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1986 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1985 | 31 / 38 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 1984 | 31 / 38 | 1 | $1,164 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 28 EPA ratings of the Mazda 626 — 3 engines across 1984–2002. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,932. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2002 Mazda 626 get?
23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 25. Across every year since 1984 the 626 has averaged 24 mpg.
Is the 2002 626 more efficient than the 2001?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which 626 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 33 mpg combined (31 city, 38 highway).
Does the 626 get better gas mileage than the Buick Century?
Yes: 23 mpg for the 2002 626 against 21 for the 2003 Buick Century, about $159 a year less to run.
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